Medugorje - 167, October 26 2001

"Dear children! Also today I call you to pray from your whole heart and to love each other. Little children, you are chosen to witness peace and joy. If there is no peace, pray and you will receive it. Through you and your prayer, little children, peace will begin to flow through the world. That is why, little children, pray, pray, pray, because prayer works miracles in human hearts and in the world. I am with you and I thank God for each of you who has accepted and lives prayer with seriousness. Thank you for having responded to my call." October 25, 2001

Passage to life

Phil Bosmans, a very famous spiritual writer, noted: "Some things may seem as a catastrophe, and nevertheless, they are a grace." Writing this, he may have thought about those who think that death is the end of life. I believe and I feel that, even among Christians, dying has not yet been understood in its depth - as a new birth, which Jesus is talking about. As mortal men, we meditate on this theme of death mostly in the beginning of the month of November.

At this time of the year, we remember our departed. Tombs are freshly decorated. For a short time, the living and the dead live on the same plane. They seek each other, but they cannot reach each other. A cruel wall separates the ones from the others. The living mourn the dead and, I believe, the dead mourn even more the living who do not live their lives in fullness, although they breath, possess, eat, walk...

It is good if the living meditate on the hour of their death. Nevertheless, some may be surprised by this hour like by like a thief: it is a catastrophe if they have forgotten the council to remain awake and to be on their guard. Carried away by the pleasures of this life, they in fact loose their life. According to the words of a theologian, death is "a most excellent troublemaker". Yes. Exactly that. Death enters into every pleasure and says: Enough! It undermines every security, which is not founded in God. Fundamentally, this is what I think while meditating on death - if there was not death, it would not be worthwhile to live. If there was not death, it would not be meritorious to support the temptations and the crosses of life. But death as a state is not permanent. As Christians, we have to see it as a birth, as a new beginning. It is the passage from the struggle for the existence to a space where every tear will be wiped from our face. This is why we can understand St. Paul's jubilation about death as a gain. We can more easily understand the imaginings of St. Francis who called death his little sister.

Fra Mario Knezovic

NEWS

NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS

During the month of September, 140,000 communions were distributed and 3,676 priests from the country and from abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.

Pilgrims were here from Italy, El Salvador, USA, Canada, Lebanon, Argentina, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Netherlands, Austria, France, Slovenia, South Africa, Denmark, The Czech Republic, Poland, Indonesia, Mexico, Australia, Switzerland, Lithuania, Brazil, Korea, Costa Rica, Romania, Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

EMMANUEL: A MEXICAN POP STAR'S WITNESS

In August 2001, a famous Latino American pop singer Emmanuel came to Medjugorje. This is what he said about his experience: "This is my fourth visit to Medjugorje. I came for the first time in July 1996 with my whole family. It was a marvellous journey, where we received God's blessing. After that, we came back in November of the same year, and then in 1998, for the International Youth Festival. Now, we are here again and, although every pilgrimage in this holy land is different, we were always accompanied by a strong feeling of peace and welcome. This place is an oasis in the desert of feelings and loneliness, so strongly present in the world. Here you feel protected, and you can find in the depth of your soul the presence of God, of His beloved Son Jesus, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our shield and advocate. A time in Medjugorje is a spiritual exercise, which increases the inner positive energy, the feeling of love, but also of repentance, not only because we have sinned in our daily life, but because of the fact that we have gone away from our Father.

Thanks to this presence, thousands of families from the whole world have found peace in their heart and have rediscovered the value of the family; others have abandoned drugs and alcohol, others have lovingly given back to God what he had given to them."

UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC BISHOP IN PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE

Mgr. Irynei Bilyk, osbm, Catholic Bishop of the Byzantine rite from Buchach, Ukraine, came last week on a private pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Mgr. Bilyk came to Medjugorje for the first time in 1989, as a priest, immediately before going to Rome for his secret Episcopal ordination, to ask for the intercession of the Queen of Peace.

This year's pilgrimage was his prayer in thanksgiving for all of the help he received from Our Lady.

THE DAY OF KOREA IN MEDJUGORJE

South Korean pilgrims, donators of a marble statue of the Queen of Peace, which was placed and blessed on the place of the first apparitions on September 8th, 2001 (the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary), gathered on the Apparition Hill on the day of a Korean national feast day - September 20th. In prayer, they invoked the intercession of the Queen of Peace for their country, which is still divided. Following their initiative, Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic, who conducted the prayer, declared that henceforth this day would be known as the day of Korea in Medjugorje.

SISTER BRIEGE McKENNA CAME FOR A TIME OF RECOLLECTION TO MEDJUGORJE

Sister Briege McKenna, a famous American religious and one of the leading personalities in the charismatic renewal, spent a week in Medjugorje, September 15 to 20. Avoiding any publicity, Sister Briege retired in private prayer on Apparition Hill and on Cross Mountain. Sister Briege McKenna came to Medjugorje with Fr. Kevin Scalen and several members of his family.

FR. BRANKO RADOS, OFM, SOLEMNLY INAUGURATED AS PARISH PRIEST OF MEDJUGORJE

On Sunday, September 23rd, 2001 in the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Branko Radoš and concelebrated by Msg. Luka Pavlovic, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mostar, Fr. Mika Stojic, OFM, Dean of Brotnjo, and several priests from the region, Fr. Branko Radoš, OFM, was solemnly inaugurated as parish priest of Medjugorje. In his speech, Fr. Luka Pavlovic underlined that this service consists in governing the spiritual and material goods in the name of the Church, which entrusts the parish priest this office. He also invited the parishioners to help him in this charge. Fr. Branko thanked the delegate of the Bishop for the trust the Church has manifested to him, and, as a sign of fidelity to the Catholic Church, he confessed solemnly his faith before the numerous faithful gathered in and around the parish church.

13TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF SPANISH SPEAKING CENTRES OF PEACE

The 13th meeting of Centres of Peace of Latin American countries took place from September 21 to 25, 2001 in Medjugorje. These centres have arisen in all of Latin America as the places for the gathering of all those who have felt the importance of the Our Lady's call in Medjugorje. Their activity is focused mainly on spreading the messages and organizing prayer groups and pilgrimages. As we have said, it was the 13th meeting, the fifth time it was held in Medjugorje. The 250 participants spent the five days in prayer and meditation, exchanging the experiences of their year's long work in the spreading of Our Lady's message of peace among the faithful of the Spanish-speaking world. Particularly stressed was the importance of spiritual growth for each individual in living Our Lady's messages, as well as the spreading of the messages to others and the establishment and guidance of prayer groups. This is an incentive and a good example for everyone of how it is possible to work together in the spreading of the message of peace.

After the program ended, some of the participants, mainly leaders of prayer groups and Centres of Peace, continued their pilgrimage stay with a three-day spiritual retreat in Medjugorje.

MGR. HERMANN REICH, BISHOP OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA, IN MEDJUGORJE

Mgr. Hermann Reich, Bishop of Papua New Guinea, a native of Austria, came for a private visit to Medjugorje from September 21 to 26, 2001. He said the following about his experiences and impressions:

"I heard about Medjugorje for the first time very long ago, but I accorded it my attention for the first time in 1990. I was hospitalised in the clinic of the "Merciful Brothers" and I received some magazines published by "Gebetsaktion" in Vienna. It was then that I read them for the first time and paid the messages particular attention. First of all, I was impressed by the physical side of Medjugorje: rocks, rocks and again rocks. I was so impressed! I asked myself: 'My God, these people, what do they live on?' The second impression was prayer. So many people in prayer, with the rosary in the hand... There is really so much prayer here. The liturgy and concelebrations are very good. The church is always full, which is not the case in other churches in the West, especially in the summer time. Here, the church is full of prayer. It is the Church in miniature: so many different languages, but you can understand almost everything. It is amazing that everybody has the feeling of belonging here, of not being a foreigner. Everybody can participate, even those who come from far.

Confession in Medjugorje is something special, something you cannot touch with your hands, but it is a big thing. In the West, you see that people understand faith in a different way. They all want common confessions. The personal confession is not accepted any more. Here, so many go for confession, and it is a big thing. I also met some pilgrims and we spoke. They are touched and enthusiastic about what is happening here. In this troubled time, I think that God and Our Lady offer us peace, but it depends on us if we will accept and realize this offer. It depends on us. If we do not want it, I think that the Mother of God and Heaven have to accept our free will, there is not much to be done, and it is really a pity. But I believe that God can write straight on crooked lines. He will include this in His plans. Since the attacks in the US happened, I heard that people started again to pray more. They woke up. Peace is so important. I hope there will be peace.

I was struck by the main theme of Our Lady's messages, which is peace. Then, there is always again the question of conversion and confession. These are the main themes. I am also struck by the fact that she always comes back to the theme of prayer: do not be tired; pray, pray; decide yourselves for prayer; pray better. I think that there is much prayer, but maybe people do not pray in the right way. There is much prayer, there is quantity but, in many ways, there is a lack of quality. I think that we have, according to the desire of Our Lady, not to pray less but to improve the quality. We have to pray better.

At the end, I want to say that I spent only some days here, but I admire the service and the heroism of the Franciscans in the work with these crowds. These logistics are a problem I would probably never be able to deal with! I admire you all for your implication and your action. I would say at the end - keep on working in the same direction. There are always new pilgrims in Medjugorje and they want to experience this climate, this peace, this spirit of Medjugorje. If the Franciscans are able to give them that, many will take with them something good, which will continue to grow when they come home. It can be starting new prayer groups, but let the quality of prayer grow. It is not enough for people to pray much. Often, there is a danger to remain at the level of lips, and not to reach the prayer of the heart. The quality of prayer is really important - life has to become prayer.

I am 100% sure, that Our Lady is present here in Medjugorje. If she were not here, all this would not be possible; there would be no fruits. I am convinced that this is her work. I would say to Christians of out time: Pray! Do not cease to pray. Even if you do not see the result you expect, keep on praying, make the effort to have a good prayer life. Take seriously the messages of Medjugorje and pray with them. This is the council I would give to every person I meet."

SEMINARS IN "DOMUS PACIS"

A prayer and fasting seminar for a group of Canadian pilgrims from Quebec was held in the house of prayer "Domus Pacis" from September 25 to 29 2001. In this Bulletin, we would like to share with you a part of their experience, which are common to all those who decide to spend a week of their lives with bread and water.

"Fasting enables us to understand that we do not live only on bread alone - it leads towards the Eucharist, towards inner freedom, opening and purification of the heart, true values. Silence enables to enter into the depth of one's heart and there meet the Lord, to abandon oneself to Him, to be more open towards the surroundings and people. This seminar leads to union with Jesus and Mary, enables to enter into the spirit of Medjugorje. The experience of prayer calls to pray more and to pray better, to take every decision after prayer."

Fr. Danko Perutina conducted this seminar. Those who are interested about these seminars can contact Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic in the Parish Office of Medjugorje.

In the same house, Franciscan sisters conducted one of the seminars for young girls. From October 5 to 7, thirty girls aged 14 to 16 lived a weekend of spiritual recollection in the house of prayer "Domus Pacis" on the theme, . According to the words of these sisters, girls have shown that they have a sense for true values, especially for peace, which is one of the most important ones.

MGR. MATTHIAS SSEKAMANYA, BISHOP OF LUGAZI, UGANDA, VISITED MEDJUGORJE

From September 27th to October 4th, 2001, Mgr. Matthias Ssekamanya, Bishop of Lugazi, Uganda, East Africa, made a private visit to the Shrine of the Queen of Peace. This is what he said about his impressions of Medjugorje:

"This is my first visit to Medjugorje. I heard about Medjugorje about 6 years ago. I think, this should be a Marian devotion centre. So far, what I have seen, it is very authentic, Catholic. People can renew their Christian life. So, my impression is that it should be encouraged. I have prayed the Way of the Cross and the Rosary on the hills. Our Lady gives her message through children. In Lourdes, she appeared to children, in Fatima, she appeared to children. Even here. This is a place of pilgrimage. I would not be able to say anything about the position of the Church concerning Medjugorje. Back home, we do not get much information about what is going on here in Medjugorje. I am not in a position to judge, but my personal view is that the devotions here should be encouraged. I have a special devotion to Mary. For me, this is an occasion to promote this devotion especially. In Medjugorje, Mary's love for peace is specific. Her call is peace. I will try to increase the awareness that Mary wants her people, her children, to have peace, and to pave the way to peace through prayer, reconciliation, good works. For me, all that should start in families."

TV REDEVIDA FROM BRAZIL CONSECRATED TO OUR LADY OF MEDJUGORJE

On the feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2, 2001) at the end of the evening prayer programme in the parish church, Joao Monteiro de Barros Filho, Director of the Independent Catholic Television REDEVIDA from Brazil, together with his staff, solemnly consecrated this Catholic family channel to Our Lady of Medjugorje. Mgr. Antonio Maria Mucciolo, Archbishop of Botucatu, President of the General Council of the Brazilian Institute for Christian Communication in Brazil, was spiritually united with this consecration, which he had signed himself: "Our Lady of Medjugorje, You who inspire and are the only owner of REDEVIDA, obtain for the FAMILY CHANNEL - TV Good News to be an instrument of communication according to moral, ethical, social, civil and Christian principles, at the service of the Brazilian people. May Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, bless and forever protect REDEVIDA and the effort to create TV MARIA in Brazil."

Joao Monteiro de Barros Filho, Director of the Independent Catholic Television REDEVIDA from Brazil, told us at this occasion:

"We are happy, because we repeated here: "Our Lady, You are the owner of this television! From this day onwards, Our Lady of Medjugorje, the Queen of Peace, will become an important channel of communication between you and us - through our television. We have built a Shrine, the Shrine of Life. Henceforth, there will be the Black Madonna, protector of Brazil, and Our Lady of Medjugorje. At this altar, Holy Mass is celebrated every day. You can be sure that every day we shall pray also for Medjugorje. You country is magnificent. I met people with a big heart and fraternal love. Your country is blessed and rich in spirituality, here one can experience spiritual renewal. I will tell everybody to come here and experience the truth. I was travelling all over the world, but I am particularly happy for having had the chance to be here, in the country, which Our Lady, the Queen of Peace, has chosen."

LITURGY OF THE PASSING AWAY OF ST. FRANCIS

On October 3rd, the vigil of the feast of St. Francis, the Franciscan family all over the world celebrates the moment of their founder's passing away of from this world into eternity, called Transitus. In Medjugorje, this rite was celebrated immediately after the Evening Holy Mass. The Medjugorje Friars, the Franciscan sisters, the Franciscan Youth Fraternity (FRAMA) and members of the Franciscan Third Order took part in this celebration. In this liturgy, the Franciscans and the faithful remember the last moments of the earthly life of this great man, in love with God, who considered death, his sister, with gratitude, because it leads him to his Creator. This year's liturgy of the Transitus was presided by Fr. Danko Perutina.

Officials of different Ministries of BH and BH Federation visited Medjugorje

On Monday, October 15th, 2001, representatives of different Ministries of BH and BH Federation visited Medjugorje. The officials met the representatives of the Tourist Office of Medjugorje-Bijakovici and Fr. Branko Radoš, Parish Priest of Medjugorje. They spoke about visas for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fr. Branko Radoš informed them about the life and pastoral work of St. James' parish in Medjugorje. He especially spoke about foreign pilgrims who need visas. He asked all the officials to do all they can to facilitate the foreign pilgrims the acquisition of necessary visas.

Holy Mass in thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth

On Sunday, October 14, 2001, Holy Mass in thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth was celebrated in the parish of Medjugorje. During the Eucharistic celebration, the children of our parish expressed their gratitude to the Lord for all the fruits of the earth we have received through the love of God.

Medugorje - 166, September 26 2001

"Dear children! Also today I call you to prayer, especially today when Satan wants war and hatred. I call you anew, little children: pray and fast that God may give you peace. Witness peace to every heart and be carriers of peace in this world without peace. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. And you do not be afraid because the one who prays is not afraid of evil and has no hatred in the heart. Thank you for having responded to my call." September 25, 2001

BLESSING

The notion of blessing is one of the oldest notions we can find in the history and the practice of religious life. God blesses Adam and Eve; he blesses the seventh day (Genesis 1,28; 2,3); Noah receives God's blessing (Genesis 9,1) and the history of salvation begins in fact with the blessing, which Abraham receives from God (Genesis 9,1).

Aaron's blessing (Numbers 6,22), which will later be spread thanks to St. Francis, is one of the oldest biblical texts discovered until now. Psalms are filled with blessings, unceasingly blessing God's deeds. Jesus blesses (children, bread and wine, his apostles), he blesses His Father and transmits blessings to his apostles.

In the life of the Church, blessing is very important: it concerns first of all human beings, and then objects. To bless a person always means to pray, that in his or her life the act of salvation may be realized, which has already been accomplished in Christ. Jesus Christ and knowledge of Christ is the greatest blessing of God.

In Our Lady's messages, blessing is mentioned more than 70 times, and concerns for the most part human beings.

Since the most ancient times, the Church also knows the blessing of objects. However, we have to be very vigilant about it, and explain clearly the significance of such a blessing, as well as the significance of objects, which are blessed. According to liturgical and pastoral instructions of the Church, the blessing of objects concerns first and foremost the persons, which make use of them in their quest of God. Blessed objects inspire persons to follow Jesus Christ and to live the Gospel. It is important to keep this in mind, to bless the objects in this spirit, and to use them for this purpose.

Fr. Ivan Landeka

NEWS

NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS

During the month of August, 180.000 communions were distributed and 4490 priests from the country and from abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.

Pilgrims were here from Poland, Italy, USA, Slovakia, Hungary, New Zealand, The Czech Republic, Brazil, France, Belgium, Lebanon, Ireland, England, Canada, Austria, Germany, Romania, Spain, Korea, Holland, Slovenia, Argentina, South Africa, Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina.

THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

The feast of the Assumption of Mary brought to Medjugorje thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. The morning Masses were celebrated in more than 10 different languages. The evening Mass, concelebrated by 65 priests, was presided by Fr. Ivan Dugandžic, ofm, professor of the exegetics of the New Testament and of Biblical theology in Zagreb.

ON BICYCLE TO MEDJUGORJE

On the vigil of the feast of the Assumption of Mary, after 1600 kilometres and fifteen days of cycling, Florence Stefani arrived from Grenoble (France) to Medjugorje. After two days of rest and prayer on the hills of Medjugorje, Florence will continue her pilgrimage on bicycle to the Holy Land.

SEMINARS IN DOMUS PACIS

In the house of prayer "Domus Pacis", one Croatian and two Polish groups of pilgrims participated at the retreat "Prayer and fasting". Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic, ofm, preached both retreats.

If you desire to organize a prayer and fasting retreat in "Domus Pacis", please contact the Information Office of the Sanctuary (+ 387 36 651 988) or Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic personally.

During the school year 2001/2002, Franciscan School Sisters from Hercegovina will offer to young girls prayer-educational recollection days (in Croatian language) on the theme "Seek peace, and pursue it> (Ps 34,15). The first seminar took place from August 31st to September 2nd. These seminars have already shown their importance for the spiritual formation of young girls. In the course of this school year, Franciscan School Sisters will animate six other seminars treating the same theme.

MSGR. ANTOUN HAMID MOURANI, RETIRED MARONITE ARCHBISHOP OF DAMASCUS (SYRIA), IN MEDJUGORJE

August 6 to 13, 2001, Mgr Antoun Hamid Mourani, retired Maronite archbishop of Damascus (Syria), came to a private visit to Medjugorje. He arrived with four priests from Lebanon and a group of Lebanese pilgrims.

MSGR. JEAN-CLAUDE REMBANGA, BISHOP OF BAMBARI (CENTRAL AFRICA), ON PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE IN MEDJUGORJE

Mgr. Jean-Claude Rembanga, bishop of Bambari (Central Africa) is these days in Medjugorje on private pilgrimage. He joined a group of French pilgrims who came from Paris.

His diocese counts more than 100.000 Catholics spread on more than 173.000 m2. Only 20 priests are at their service. Mgr. Jean-Claude Rembanga came to Medjugorje "to ask Our Lady to help my diocese, according to the will of God".

SPIRITUAL RETREAT FOR YOUNG FRANCISCANS FROM SIX CROATIAN PROVINCES

August 16 to 20, 2001, a group of 28 young Franciscans (OFM, Third Order, Capucins and Conventuals) from Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina made their recollection in Medjugorje, in the house of prayer "Domus Pacis". Their stay in Medjugorje was a part of a three-weeks long spiritual retreat, leading to their solemn vows, organised every year by different Croatian Franciscan Provinces. They came with their educators. In Medjugorje, they were accompanied by Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic.

During their stay in Medjugorje, they prayed on the Apparition Hill and the Križevac, met the visionaries, visited St. Francis' Garden and met "The Community of the Cenacle" and "The Oasis of Peace". Young Franciscans participated every day actively in the evening prayer programme in the parish church.

JUNIORS OF THE FOOTBALL CLUB "NAPOLI" IN MEDJUGORJE

In the beginning of September 2001, juniors of the football club "Napoli" from Naples (Italy), together with their coach, visited Our Lady's shrine in Medjugorje. Young sportsmen climbed the Apparition Hill, and met Jakov Colo, one of the visionaries, who spoke to them about the messages of Our Lady.

A BENEDICTINE ABBOT IN MEDJUGORJE

In the beginning of September, Fr. Nicolaas de Wolf, a Benedictine monk from Nederland who came seven times to Medjugorje as spiritual councillor of pilgrim groups, came again to Medjugorje. In his country, he accompanied the friends of Medjugorje who are spreading Our Lady's message of peace. When we asked him why he is coming to Medjugorje, he answered simply: "Because of the Queen of Peace. I believe in the apparitions." When we asked him what Our Lady brings to his country, he answered with a smile: "She is the Queen of Peace!"

ON FOOT TO MEDJUGORJE

On August 29th 2001, Željko Milic, retired Croatian defender, arrived on foot from Zagreb to Medjugorje. He took two weeks to arrive at his destination. "I wanted to give thanks to God and to Our Lady for all the gifts and graces I received from them in my life."

To accomplish his vow and express his gratitude to Our Lady, Jozo Šarac from Duvno (Bosnia and Hercegovina) visited this summer three biggest Marian Shrines in Europe: Medjugorje, Lourdes and Fatima. From June 24th to August 15th, walking and praying, he covered on foot more than 3300 kilometres.

ITALIAN BISHOP IN MEDJUGORJE

Msgr. Mario Cecchini, Bishop of Farno (Ancona, Italy), extraordinary professor at the Lateran Pontifical University in Rome, spent two days in private visit in Medjugorje. On the feast of the Assumption of Mary, he presided Holy Mass in Italian language.

During his stay in Medjugorje, Msgr. Cecchini spewnt many hours in the confessional, at the service of Italian speaking pilgrims, and left the shrine with very positive impressions.

A CONCERT IN THE PARISH CHURCH

On Wednesday, September 5, a group of artists from Germany called "Artists for Christ" under the leadership of Inge Brück performed for pilgrims a spiritual programme in thanksgiving to the Queen of Pace. They performed works of Bach, Corelli, Saint-Saëns and Brahms.

A MARBLE STATUE OF THE QUEEN OF PEACE ON THE APPARITION HILL

On the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, September 8th 2001, after the prayer of the Rosary with parishioners and pilgrims, the statue of the Queen of Peace was inaugurated and blessed on the Apparition Hill. The 1,60 meters high white marble statue is a work of Dino Felici from Avenza-Carrara (Italy). The same artist sculpted in 1987 the statue of the Queen of Peace, which was placed in front of the Parish church.

The statue placed on the Apparition Hill is a gift of South Korean pilgrims who wanted to express their gratitude for all the graces receives through Our Lady's intercession.

All the preparatory works for the putting up of the statue of the Queen of Peace were done by the inhabitants of Bijakovici.

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated in Medjugorje on first Sunday after the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, thousands of pilgrims from Croatian regions and from abroad gathered in the Shrine of the Queen of Peace.

As a visible sign of the eternal light shining from the Cross, the whole week before the feast, the cross on Križevac was illuminated, reminding of its significance and preparing parishioners and pilgrims for this feast.

50 priests concelebrated the solemn Holy Mass on Križevac, presided by Fr. Mika Stojic, parish priest from Citluk.

For those who could not climb the Križevac, there was a solemn Holy Mass celebrated in the parish church at 12 am. It was presided by Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic and concelebrated by more than 40 priests.

The evening Holy Mass, celebrated at the outside altar and concelebrated by 55 priests, was presided by Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic.

A NEW PARISH PRIEST FOR MEDJUGORJE

Fr. Ivan Sesar, who took over the parish in August 2000, has been elected Vicar of the Franciscan province of the Assumption of Mary. The government of the Hercegovinian Franciscan Province decided to set him free of parish responsibilities and to entrust to him other duties, vital for the Province. Fr. Ivan will also be in charge of the education of young candidates to Franciscan life.

The new Parish Priest of Medjugorje is Fr. Branko Radoš. He was born on March 28, 1967 in Crvenice, Tomislavgrad. He attained his baccalaureate in the Franciscan classical lyceum in Visoko. He received the Franciscan habit in 1986 in Humac. He studied theology in Sarajevo, Zagreb and Graz (Austria). He was ordained priest on July 10, 1994. He served as Parish Vicar in Široki Brijeg for four years. Since August 1998, he serves in the parish of Medjugorje. In June 2001, he was elected to the Council of the Hercegovinian Franciscan Province.

Fr. Miljenko Stojic, former director of the Information Centre "Mir" Medjugorje, has been appointed secretary of the Franciscan Province. The new Director of the Information Center is Fr. Mario Knezovic, born on November 3,1973. In 2000/2001, he was parish administrator in the parish of St. Peter and Paul in Mostar.

The Government of the Province has decided that Fr. Drago Vujevic, born on March 1st, 1970, who spent his year of deaconate in Medjugorje, remains in the parish as vicar. Fr. Drago was ordained priest on June 29th, 2001.

We thank all the priests who are leaving for all the good they have done, and wish a hearty welcome to those who arrive, including them in our prayers.

OUR CONDOLENCES

Deeply affected by great disorders and tragic events we offer our sympathies to all our pilgrims from USA and to all American citizens.

In our prayers in Medjugorje we ask for the intercession of Queen of Peace so that the Peace of Jesus Christ may enter in every heart and in the entire world.

We pray that the Love of God heal all wounds, console the sorrowful and accept all deceased innocent victims into everlasting peace.

PRAYER PROGRAMME IN THE SHRINE

Beginning with Monday, September 10th, 2001, the prayer of the Rosary in the Parish church will begin at 5 pm, and Holy Mass at 6 pm. Eucharistic adoration on Wednesday and Saturday will begin at 9 pm. Rosary on the Apparition Hill and the Way of the Cross on the Križevac will begin at 3 pm.

Medugorje - 165, August 26 2001

"Dear children! Today I call all of you to decide for holiness. May for you, little children, always in your thoughts and in each situation holiness be in the first place, in work and in speech. In this way, you will also put it into practice; little by little, step by step, prayer and a decision for holiness will enter into your family. Be real with yourselves and do not bind yourselves to material things but to God. And do not forget, little chlidren, that your life is as passing as a flower. Thank you for having responded to my call." August 25, 2001

Loneliness in faith

In 1950, Romano Guardini prophetically announced that believers would be lonely. He wrote: "The loneliness of believers will be frightening." Guardini, speaking about loneliness of the believers, did not consider it as negative, but as condition for a mature Christian life and for community, which is conditio sine qua non of the existence of the Church and of being Church.

The second half of the 20th century confirmed Guardini's announcement: loneliness became more and more obvious, and community, to which loneliness should conduct, was more and more absent. The dominant image of the Church of our times became the image of loneliness. Small groups speak about Christianity, people pray in small assemblies, and Christians become an almost invisible minority in the society. There are less and less occasions to transform the positive loneliness in faith into community and fraternity. This is why they seek with so much yearning gatherings and occasions to manifest their loneliness amidst a multitude that makes the same experience.

Medjugorje is becoming more and more a meeting-place of those who are lonely in their faith. In the spirituality of Medjugorje, they find the possibility to express publicly their experience of loneliness and to be nourished by community, without which their situation as faithful seems to be really frightening.

Fra Ivan Landeka

NEWS

NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS

During the month of July, 120.000 communions were distributed and 3774 priests from the country and from abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.

Pilgrims were here from Germany, Austria, Poland, Romania, France, India, United Arabic Emirates, Indonesia, Spain, USA, Honduras, Ireland, Canada, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Switzerland, Lebanon, Slovenia, England, Italy, Porto Rico, Mexico, Argentina, Philippines, Leetonia, South Africa, Holland, Lithuania, Russia, Belgium, Hungary, Korea, Portugal, Caribbean, Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina.

INTERNATIONAL INTERNET PRAYER GROUP (IIPG) "QUEEN OF PEACE"

The prayer group was founded by Nedjeljko Brecic, an original member of Ivan's prayer group in Medugorje, who officially named the prayer group on June 4, 1999, on the day he died. After he passed away, Ana Shawl, a Croatian who lives in the United States, has been carrying on in leading the prayer group along with the help of others.

Now, the prayer group has over 860 members from all over the world. The mission of the prayer group is to live and spread the messages of Medjugorje. Members help each other in different ways, they pray together and encourage each other in daily living of Our Lady's messages.

Once a year, the prayer group members take their annual pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The website address for the prayer group is: http://www.iipg-queenofpeace.org

MGR LEONARD HSU, OFM, RETIRED ARCHBISHOP OF TAIPEI (TAIWAN) IN MEDJUGORJE

End of July 2001, Mgr Leonard Hsu, Franciscan, retired archbishop of Taipei (Taiwan), came for a private visit to Medjugorje. He arrived with the first group of Taiwanese pilgrims.

He said about his impressions in Medjugorje:

"People here are very kind, everybody greets us, this is a sign of being Catholic. We see people coming from everywhere. They are sincere and friendly. The piety is impressing: everywhere people pray the rosary, meditate, kneel and pray... The prayers after the evening Mass are long, people pray... Pilgrims from my group say: we have to do something to make Medjugorje known in Taiwan. I wonder how we could organise pilgrimages from Taiwan to Medjugorje, how to bring young people...

Personally, I would like to stay longer, to know Medjugorje better."

SEMINAR FOR INNER HEALING

July 19 to 23, 2001, Father James Manjackal, a catholic priest and a missionary of St. Francis de Sales from India, held his third seminar for inner healing in Medjugorje. Because of the great interest, the seminar took place in the Sport Hall in Ljubuški, and there were about 5000 participants from Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina. The evening prayer programme was held in Medjugorje, and there were more than 20.000 faithful.

Feast of St. James the apostle, patron of the parish of Medjugorje

In Medjugorje, the Feast of St. James the apostle, patron of the parish of Medjugorje, is always celebrated by a procession with the statue of St. James, followed by Holy Mass in the open air. It is principally attended by the parishioners, however the foreign pilgrims also regularly come to this special Mass. This year, the Holy Mass was presided by Fr. Miro Šego, ofm, native from Medjugorje.

The parish of Medjugorje was founded in 1892 and placed under the protection of St. James the apostle.

Inter-religious meeting in Medjugorje

On Thursday, August 9th, 2001, a Buddhist, Venerable Dharma Master Hsin Tao Shih, founder of the Museum of World Religions to be opened in autumn in Taipei, Taiwan, came to visit Medjugorje. He was accompanied by Bawa Jain, Jainist, Secretary General of The Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, to be held in New York, under the high patronage of the United Nations. With them came a group of Buddhist nuns. Their visit to Medjugorje is one of the stations on their inter-religious pilgrimage, where they seek to know sacred places of different religions and receive blessings. Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic received them in the Parish Office, and spoke to them about the apparitions of Our Lady - the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje. They shared about prayer, about peace and their search of truth, which brings together and unites all the believers of the world.

Climbing the Apparition Hill, where they spent a few minutes in silent prayer, concluded their visit to Medjugorje.

The 12th International Youth Prayer Meeting

This year's Youth Festival gathered around the altar more than 10000 young people from all continents and more than 300 priests. Simultaneous translation was organized for 15 languages, but there were 22 languages present.

Lecturers and witnesses called the young people to grow with Mary in wisdom and love, in order to become the light of the world and the salt of the earth, according to the call of our Holy Father.

Next summer, many young people will gather around the Holy Father in Toronto. Many will not be able to undertake such a long journey. We invite all the young people to come next year, and to join all those for whom it will remain an unforgettable experience.

Subject: Medjugorje - Press Bulletin #164, 07/26/2001
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 16:47:41 -0500

Peace to All! Below is the official Press Bulletin as published by the Information Center in Medjugorje.

Our next mailing will be Our Lady's monthly message on August 25, 2001.

God Bless!
Steve and Ana Shawl

The Medjugorje Web

http://www.medjugorje.org

---------------------------------------

Medugorje - 164, July 26 2001

"Dear children! In this time of grace, I call you to come even closer to God through your personal prayer. Make good use of the time of rest and give your soul and your eyes rest in God. Find peace in nature and you will discover God the Creator Whom you will be able to give thanks to for all creatures; then you will find joy in your heart. Thank you for having responded to my call." July 25, 2001

FROM THE BEGINNING

Each one of us has omitted to complete and to develop something in his life's knowledge and art. Often, we regret it, especially when it seems to us that precisely this would have helped us in certain circumstances. What mostly impedes the growth in diverse areas of life is the impossibility or the lack of determination to start something from the beginning. Young people and adults have some kind of fear, when they have to start something almost from the beginning, especially in the area where we think that we have learned how to do it. It is difficult to start from the beginning even when we know that we can succeed only if we start from the very beginning.

All this concerns also the religious knowledge and experience. To mend what we already have acquired and lived creates an uneasiness in us. To start from the very beginning in our religious practice is painful. What will be the reaction of others? Will we succeed, will the others understand it in the right way?

Pilgrims bear witness that in Medjugorje they make an exceptional experience, and that - in their religious practice - sometimes they started some things from the very beginning, sometimes from zero, and that this does not push them away, but brings them closer to Medjugorje. Precisely this will gather this year, in the beginning of August, thousands of young people.

Fra Ivan Landeka

NEWS

NUMBER OF CUMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS

During the month of June, 180.000 communions were distributed and 3651 priests from the country and from abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.

Pilgrims were here from Romania, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Korea, Germany, France, Canada, Austria, USA, Slovakia, Switzerland, Slovenia, Holland, Yugoslavia, South Africa, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, Mexico, Vietnam, Portugal, The Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Lebanon, Scotland, Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina.

MILITARY PILGRIMAGE

The 9th Military Pilgrimage took place in the shrine of Medjugorje, as every year, on June 28th.

Militaries participated in the prayer of the Rosary, and the central point was the evening Holy Mass presided by fra Danko Perutina, who delivered the homily.

In time of war, soldiers recognized Medjugorje as a place of prayer, of peace and reconciliation. They continue to see it as such and, as they said in one previous pilgrimage: "In spite of military forces, which govern the world, only in God can man feel secure". Their coming this year confirms it.

DIAMOND AND GOLDEN MASSES OF HERCEGOVINIAN FRIARS

On the feast of St. Peter and Paul, apostles, in the parish church of Medjugorje, fra Vinko Dragicevic celebrated his diamond priestly jubilee, and his brother, fra Marko Dragicevic, celebrated his golden jubilee. Both of them are born in the parish of Medjugorje. They were joined by fra Leonard Orec, former parish priest of Medjugorje, and fra Dobroslav Begic, former vicar in the parish of Medjugorje, who also celebrated their golden jubilee.

In a solemn Holy Mass, concelebrated by many priests, numerous faithful thanked God and these tireless friars for their selfless service during many years, when they were often persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

A NEW PROVINCIAL FOR THE HERCEGOVINIAN FRANCISCAN PROVINCE

End of June, fra Slavko Soldo, until now superior of the Franciscan hercegovinian custodia in the USA, born in Medjugorje, was elected new provincial of Hercegovina. In this service, he succeeds the former provincial, fra Tomislav Pervan, who is known by many pilgrims as parish priest of Medjugorje from 1982 to 1988.

In the name of all the pilgrims and all the friends of Medjugorje, we invoke the blessing of God on the new provincial, on the new government of our Province, and on their service.

MEETING OF CHOIRS

July 1st, a traditional meeting of choirs of Hercegovina took place in the parish church of Medjugorje. With their singing, they embellished the Eucharistic celebration, after which followed the official programme, presenting six choirs. In the overfilled parish Church, the assistance enjoyed the beauty of sacred music. At the beginning of the concert, the parish priest of Medjugorje greeted the singers and encouraged them to continue in their musical art.

SIXTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF PRIESTS

The Sixth international meeting of priests took place July 2 to 7, 2001. There were 243 priests from 36 countries (United Arabic Emirates, Montenegro, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Vietnam, Hungary, India, Uganda, South Africa, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Canada, Rumania, El Salvador, Mexico, Argentina, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France, Australia, USA, England, Belgium, Austria, Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina). The theme was "Priest - Servant of the Divine Mercy".

This year's preachers were Mgr Robert Rivas, bishop of Kingstown, F. France Spelic, F. Bennet Tierney, F. Jacques Philippe, F. Jozo Zovko and Sr. Elvira Petrozzi.

They meditated and spoke about "The life God wants from a priest", "Prayer - a way towards God's Mercy", "Priorities in priestly life", "Priest, a mystery of Divine Mercy".

During six days, priests were attending the conferences, sharing, praying and celebrating the Eucharist in communion with the people of God. The day before last, they climbed the Cross Mountain praying the Way of the Cross, and the last day, they celebrated the Morning Prayer at the tomb of fra Slavko Barbaric, who initiated these Priests Meetings in 1996.

The meeting was coordinated by fra Ljubo Kurtovic.

From year to year, the number of priests who choose to make their annual retreat in Medjugorje, under the protection of Our Blessed Mother - the Queen of Peace, is growing. The abundance of fruits of this meeting can be seen in the Statement they adopted at the end of the retreat:

STATEMENT

"We, priests from diverse countries, are gathered for the Sixth Retreat for Priests with the theme: "Priest - servant of the Divine Mercy". We attended conferences given by Mgr Robert Rivas, F. France Spelic, F. Bennet Tierney, F. Jacques Philippe, F. Jozo Zovko and Sr. Elvira Petrozzi.

We want to express our gratitude to the Lord for having called us into His priesthood. Christ confided us His all-powerful and infinite mercy and love to give them to our brothers and sisters. We are encouraged and strengthened by the motherly intercession of the Queen of Peace at this source of grace, who calls us to her Heart to lead us to Her son Jesus, being fed at the source of life, the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

We thank the Lord for His infinite trust in spite of all our weaknesses, refusals and limits. We implore the Lord to give us the experience of forgiveness of our sins, so that we may give forgiveness to others. We promise our fidelity to the Lord in the announcing of his Good News, which was given and confided to us, to bring fruit in the hearts of those who listen to it.

We want to and we decide to grow in holiness, and to seek to know the Lord more and more through prayer, who gives himself to us, so that we may give ourselves to others from day to day without reserve.

Mary gathers us here from all over the world, from diverse colours and races, diverse languages and nationalities, to make us her children, leading us to Jesus Christ. Here, we can hear her voice telling us: "Do whatever he tells you!" (John 2,5). Here, we experienced the beauty of belonging to the Lord and to His Church. We experienced the truth of "how good it is and how pleasant where brethren dwell as one" (Ps 133/132, 1).

We renewed our love and our Yes to the Lord and to His Church. We want to discover the merciful face of Christ through personal sanctification, so that the infinite treasure of His Mercy may be seen through our lives.

We express our availability to witness for the Lord to all who are erring and seeking peace, love and happiness far away from the Lord.

We put the whole Church, the whole world and ourselves under the protection and the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, that she may protect us and guide as her beloved children.

Medjugorje, July 2 to 7 2001

243 priests participants of the 6th International retreat for priests

They also addressed a letter to the Holy Father:

Dear Holy Father,

The 6th International Meeting of Priests in Medjugorje, which attracted about 250 priests, sends You greetings and our filial love.

Our Conference this year was on the Priest - Servant of the Divine Mercy, and we listened to Mary's call to do works of mercy out of love. As we return to our various countries and communities, where we minister to our people, we return as missionaries of Mercy.

At Medjugorje, we prayed for You and asked Our Blessed Mother to care for You in a special way in Your pastoral ministry to the whole Church.

We now express our loyalty to You and our availability to serving the Church. May Mary, the Queen of Peace and Mother of Mercy, smile at You today. God bless!

Sincerely in Christ,

Signed:

Bishop Robert Rivas, Kingstown, St. Vincent

F. Jacques Philippe, Community of Beatitudes

F. Bennet Tierney, Legionary of Christ

F. France Spelic

For the Parish of Medjugorje: fra Ivan Sesar, Parish priest

All the priests, participants in the retreat

ON BICYCLE TO MEDJUGORJE

A group of 25 cyclists from the parish Riolo Terme, Ravenna, came to Medjugorje on June 6th. After many hundreds of kilometres on bicycle to reach the shrine of Medjugorje, they climbed the Apparition Hill and the Krizevac. After the evening prayer programme, they returned home content with this experience, which was very strong, because of the great heat of the journey. But, "there is no real pilgrimage without a real effort, and this is what brings the true joy. We will come back", said the Italian cyclists.

WEB PAGE AND A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT FRA SLAVKO BARBARIC

A documentary film about the life and the work of fra Slavko Barbaric "In Gospa's name" has recently been published by Michael Mayr, a German producer. The documentary can be found in the Parish Office in Medjugorje. There is also a new web page about Father Slavko's life and work, by the same producer. The web-address is: www.paterslavko.de

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We inform all those who want to participate in the International Meeting for Leaders of Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups "Pray, pray, pray..." announced for February 10 to 14, 2002, that the meeting will take place February 17 to 21, 2002. You can send your registrations by e-mail: medjugorje-mir@medjugorje.hr , by fax: + 387 36 651 300 (for Marija Dugandľic), or in the Information Office personally or by phone: + 387 36 651 988. The programme and all information about this seminar can be found on our web-pages: www.medjugorje.hr or in the Bulletin 162 from May 26, 2001. (Note the change of dates: February 17 to 21,2002)