The aim of these meetings, for which we hope to be taking place every year from now onward, is to give direction to those who work in the media, and to encourage them in their efforts to spread what is true and good by the means at their disposition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLESSING OF A BELL FOR A CHAPEL IN AUSTRIA
During the German Pilgrims´ Mass on March 27, 2002, Fr. Christian Oppitz from Austria blessed a bell - a gift of a Medjugorje pilgrim - with the image of the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje, destined for a chapel in Austria. In his homily, Fr. Christian reminded "how often Our Lady calls us to prayer. Likewise, we shall be invited to pray when the ringing of this bell three times a day shall call us to recite the 'Angelus´."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EASTER IN MEDJUGORJE
During the entire Holy Week, numerous groups of pilgrims arrived in Medjugorje, desiring to prepare themselves for Easter and to celebrate the biggest Christian feast here. For Easter itself, there were several thousand pilgrims from all over the world, but the most numerous were Austrians, as well as Croatian pilgrims and those coming from neighbouring parishes, who wanted to make their Easter confession here. Every evening, during the three-hour prayer programme, there were about 20 priests hearing confessions.
The Holy Triduum was celebrated in deep recollection and prayer. The liturgical celebrations of Holy Thursday and Good Friday (as well as the Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain) and the Liturgy of the Word in view of the Easter Vigil were celebrated in 14 languages.
On Easter Day, two boys and two girls, brothers and sisters living in Mother´s Village for more than three years now, were received into the Church through baptism. They were surrounded by their friends, and the members of "The Kelly Family" accompanied the celebration by their music.
For Easter, there was also a group of 34 Vietnamese pilgrims (living in the USA) accompanied by three priests. In a solemn procession and singing in Vietnamese during the evening prayer programme on Easter Monday, they consecrated their country to the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PRAYER SITE OF THE RISEN CHRIST STATUE
This year for Easter, the first part of the project of expansion on the site of the Risen Christ statue has been completed. The statue is a work and a gift of the Slovenian sculptor Andrej Ajdic, put up in Medjugorje in 1998. A miniature of the same sculpture was given as a gift to the Holy Father John-Paul II during his pastoral visit to Slovenia. The idea of expansion was born and developed throughout the course of several years. The first part the project, at the service of all those who seek a place for recollection and silent prayer, was completed this year for Easter.
The construction of the second part, which will include an area to pray the Stations of the Cross, will begin immediately. This is especially important and needed for those who cannot climb Mount Krizevac to pray the Way of the Cross there. We thank all those who participated in the realisation of this project.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLESSING OF THE SUBSIDIARY CHURCH OF THE MERCIFUL JESUS IN ŠURMANCI
On Sunday, April 7th, 2002, a new subsidiary church of the parish was blessed in Šurmanci (one of the 5 villages belonging to the parish of Medjugorje, situated in the valley of Neretva on the eastern side of the Apparition Hill). Its construction began in 1998. Fr. Luka Pavlovic, Vicar General of the diocese, a delegate of our bishop, blessed it. Eight priests concelebrated holy Mass, in which many parishioners and friends participated, as well as a group of Italian pilgrims who helped the construction of this church. They offered an icon of the Merciful Jesus some years ago, which was placed for the time being in the chapel at the cemetery of Šurmanci, until it found its final place in this new church.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEMINARS IN "DOMUS PACIS"
In March, four "Prayer and Fasting" seminars were held for pilgrim groups from Poland, Austria, Germany and Croatia, as well as weekends of recollection for Franciscan Youth from Herzegovina. The Herzegovinian Franciscan School sisters continue to gather once a month young girls on the theme "Seek Peace and Pursue it".
Contact for "Prayer and Fasting" seminars: Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic, Zupni ured Medjugorje, Gospin trg 1, 88266 Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Fax: 00 387 36 651 444)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUIDES FOR PILGRIMS AT THE SHRINE
During the 9th International seminar for leaders of pilgrim and prayer groups, held in Medjugorje in February 2002, we were asked to publish some information about the activity of local Guides for pilgrims in our parish.
The Association of Guides for pilgrims has been working within the parish of Medjugorje since 1991. All the members of the Association are prepared for the work with the pilgrims through an appropriate training and examination of their knowledge. Those who finish this training successfully acquire the possibility to become members of the Association of Guides and at the same time the possibility to work with pilgrim groups.
The guides work in collaboration with the Information Booth, which is in charge of the organisation of the programme for pilgrims. There you can get the necessary information about local guides for the following languages: Croatian, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech and Slovak. One-day service of a guide is 50 US $; a half-an-hour translation is 20 US $, a one-hour translation is 40 US $ (independently of the number of groups). All necessary information, as well as contact for hiring a guide for your group, can be received at the Information Booth at Tel/Fax No + 387 36 651 988.
We ask all those who bring pilgrim groups to Medjugorje to hire a local guide, who can truly help them during their stay in Medjugorje. Most importantly: they are prepared and trained for giving authentic information, and they accomplish their service in tight collaboration with the Information Booth of the Shrine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN APPEAL TO MUSICIANS FOR THE YOUTH FESTIVAL
The 13TH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PRAYER MEETING will take place from July 31st to August 6th, 2002. For this occasion, an international orchestra gathers every year in Medjugorje to accompany the conferences and prayer by music. We invite young musicians who want to play in the orchestra to send their application to: COMMITTEE FOR THE ORGANISATION OF THE 13TH YOUTH PRAYER MEETING, by fax to: + 387 36 651 988 or by e-mail to: informacije@medjugorje.hr.
Mention: your name and family name, age, address (fax, e-mail), the instrument you are playing and for how long. After the election, the Committee will contact you personally.
PRESS BULLETIN #172 - English March 26, 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDITATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU, VICTORIOUS JESUS
Dear friends, you who venerate Our Lady! I wonder if anyone can remain speechless facing the fact of the Resurrection of Jesus? Can anyone retain his feelings and withdraw himself from crying out to the Saviour: Thank you, victorious Lord! Bravo, Jesus! You are our salvation! In you is the source of life, in your light we see the light!
On the day of the Resurrection, what was the state of mind of Jesus' executioners? What did they feel seeing what had happened? Out of shame and fear, could they show up in public?
Jesus' opponents went terribly wrong. They wanted to kill Him, but he became eternally alive. They wanted to remove Him from the scene, and behold, He plays His role in the whole world. They wanted to ridicule and deride the King of the Jews, but they had to cry, and Jesus became the King of a Kingdom tha has no end.
Jesus' opponents wanted to nail the hands of Jesus, to prevent Him from helping anyone. But they went wrong. Jesus is risen and since then His hands reach many sick, sinners to whom He grants forgiveness, through His hands is given the Blood and the Body of salvation. Since then, His hands are extended towards the poor, the suffering and the afflicted. Jesus' opponents wanted to nail the feet of Jesus, to prevent Him from walking on this earth. Again, they were wrong. Since then, Jesus became a traveller who reaches the most distant countries, who knocks at every door and visits families and peoples... The world is full of Him. He is in all of the churches, consciences, human hearts. He walks in the world through His servants in Holy Communion and in the sacraments.
Further, Jesus' opponents wanted to pierce Jesus' heart, thinking that would be the end of His beating. Again, they were wrong. The heart of Jesus beats since then in the millions of persons, in countless Christians. Since then, every sinner can lay his hand on the heart of Jesus and hear the beatings of His love and acceptance. Jesus' opponents wanted to shut Jesus' thirsty mouth, giving Him a bitter vinegar to drink. Again, they did not succeed. Today, humanity receives from this mouth the salvific flow of words of peace, life, forgiveness, love and salvation.
In Medjugorje, Our Lady calls us to listen to these words.
Finally, the executioners lay Jesus in the tomb thinking that this will end the history of a person. However, the history of the New Man and of the world renewed by Him begins here. Death and hatred remained in the tomb and Jesus rose up to a new life. The tombstone is taken away and the door of the tomb became the door of life. What a paradox! What was incomprehensible until then becomes reality. This is why Fr. Rufin Silic, a renowned Franciscan, says: "Christ's tomb became a mother's womb where new children of God are born. For Christ's faithful, the tomb is no more the end but the beginning of life. The cross is not any more the tree of death, but the tree of life."
Fr. Mario Knezovic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS
During the month of February, 40,000 communions were distributed and 601 priests from this country and abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.
Pilgrims were here from Korea, the USA, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Australia, Italy, England, Poland, Argentina, Slovenia, Brazil, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ANNUAL APPARITION OF OUR LADY TO MIRJANA DRAGICEVIC-SOLDO ON MARCH 18, 2002
The visionary Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo had daily apparitions from June 24th 1981 to December 25th 1982. During the last daily apparition, Our Lady gave her the 10th secret, and told her that she would appear to her once a year, on the 18th of March. It has been this way through the years.
This year several thousand pilgrims gathered to pray the Rosary, which began at 8:45 a.m.at the Cenacolo Community in Medjugorje. The apparition lasted from 9:27 a.m. to 9:34 a.m. and Our Lady gave the following message:
"Dear Children! As a mother I implore you, open your heart and offer it to me, and fear nothing. I will be with you and will teach you how to put Jesus in the first place. I will teach you to love Him and to belong to Him completely. Comprehend, dear children, that without my Son there is no salvation. You should become aware that He is your beginning and your end. Only with this awareness can you be happy and merit eternal life. As your mother I desire this for you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR GUIDES AND LEADERS OF PEACE CENTRES AND MEDJUGORJE PRAYER, PILGRIM AND CHARITY GROUPS TOOK PLACE
The Ninth International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity Groups under the theme "Pray, Pray, Pray..." took place in Medjugorje from February 17th to 21st, 2002. 170 leaders and priests accompanying these Medjugorje organisations in the world attended the meeting. The lecturers were Dr. Fr. Ivan Dugandzic, Fr. Ivan Landeka. Fr. Jozo Zovko, and Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic. In the name of the organisers, Fr. Branko Rados (Pastor) and Fr. Mario Knezovic (Director of the Information Centre "Mir" Medjugorje) welcomed the participants and coordinated the meeting. During the five-day seminar, there was also a day of prayer and fasting. At the end of the encounter, the participants adopted the following declaration:
DECLARATION
The Ninth International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity Groups was held at the beginning of the Lenten graceful time of prayer, fasting, penance and conversion, and under the shelter of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje. At the meeting under the title, "Pray, Pray, Pray..." 170 participants from 15 countries from all over the world gathered.
Aware that, as Christians, we are called to follow Christ completely (Lk 5:1-11), we understand our responsibility for the tasks given by our Saviour in this contemporary, sometimes godless world.
The world and each individual can be open to the grace of God through prayer and thus establish a dialogue with the Creator of the world (Mt 6:7-15). Precisely in Medjugorje, the prayer movement represents a specific way of renewal of the Church and a specific response to the generosity of God.
Our Lady calls us with perseverance to pray with the heart for this peaceless world (message of September 25th, 2001), which tears itself down in hatred and selfishness. This is why we, the participants of this seminar invite everyone to abandonment in prayer, because this is the road that can lead the world and each individual to Christ, who is our peace.
Encouraged by the presence of Our Lady in this Shrine and by her motherly patience and love for us, we invite all human hearts to recognize Our Lady's voice that calls us to prayer and conversion.
In the time of Lent, we encourage in a special way generosity, renouncement and fasting as a form of encounter with Christ in those who are hungry, thirsty, imprisoned... (Mt 25:31-46).
>From this meeting held in the spirit of prayer, and from this place, which has become a sign of encounter and prayer of the whole world, we invite everyone to pray for unity of the Church, for peace in the world, and for the conversion of sinners.
Obedient to the message of Our Lady, we tend also to make her voice present in every heart, and to implant her school of prayer into our parish communities and our families.
Although coming from different parts of the world, through prayer we were united in one family. May this fruitful sign speak to the contemporary humanity, which is so disunited.
Medjugorje, February 21st, 2002
The participants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FOR MARRIED COUPLES TOOK PLACE
>From February 28th to March 3rd, 2002, the Second International Seminar For Married Couples "AWAKEN LOVE IN YOUR FAMILIES" took place, where approximately 40 couples from 9 countries from 4 continents gathered: from France, Belgium, Italy, the USA, Argentina, Korea, Slovenia, Poland, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fr. Branko Radoš, the Pastor of Medjugorje, welcomed them, and the seminar was directed by Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic. Lecturers were Fr. Jozo Zovko, Fr. Mate Dragicevic, Fr. Milan Loncar and Fr. Branimir Musa. They spoke about prayer, faith, dialogue and fidelity. Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo gave witness about Our Lady's messages, especially for the families.
The couples participated at the evening prayer programme in the church, they prayed the Rosary at the Apparition Hill and the Way of the Cross at Mount Krizevac. They also had two special meetings with the director of the seminar, where wives and husbands separately could express their joys and sorrows, their desires and needs, as well as the graces received. The last day of the seminar, during Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, they renewed their marriage promises and confided their union to Jesus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PILGRIMAGE FOR DEAF PERSONS FROM THE USA
A group of deaf persons from the USA came on pilgrimage to Medjugorje at the beginning of March, 2002, organised by "Medjugorje Web". There was also a priest with them who knows sign language, as well as two interpreters.
There are very few of those who know sign language, so it is very difficult for deaf persons to find a priest who could hear their confessions. During this pilgrimage, all of them could experience the special grace of God given in this "confessional of the world".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUNG FRANCISCANS FROM SPLIT ON PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
On March 9th, 2002, a group of young Franciscans from the Province of the Most Holy Redeemer (Split, Croatia) with their Masters Fr. Anto and Fr. Simo, came on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. They were received by the Pastor, Fr. Branko Rados, who explained to them the local and the international significance of this place of pilgrimage, as well as the spirituality, which attracts here hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. After Holy Mass, they continued on their way to the Franciscan monastery of Slano, where they will have a spiritual retreat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEMINARS IN "DOMUS PACIS"
In January and February, there were four "Prayer and Fasting" seminars for groups from Italy, Poland and France, as well as week ends of spiritual recollection for Franciscan Youth from Herzegovina and young people from Croatia and from Bosnia.
Once a month, Herzegovinian Franciscan School Sisters continue to gather young girls around the theme "Seek Peace and Pursue it".
Contact for "Prayer and Fasting" seminars: Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic, Zupni ured Medjugorje, Gospin trg 1, 88266 Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Fax: 00 387 36 651 444)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BISHOP FROM VIETNAM AT THE SHRINE OF THE QUEEN OF PEACE
Msgr. Nguyen Quang Tuyen, Bishop of Bac Ninh, with his secretary, and Msgr. Nguyen Chan Hung, Administrator of Hai Phong from Vietnam, were in Medjugorje from March 16 to 18, 2002.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE 7TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR PRIESTS - AN APPEAL TO ALL ORGANISERS OF PILGRIMAGES, PRAYER GROUPS AND CENTRES FOR PEACE
The 7th International Meeting for Priests, "PRIEST AT THE SERVICE OF HEALING AND DELIVERANCE", takes place in Medjugorje from July 1st (morning) to July 6th (noon) 2002. Lecturers are Don Gabriele Amorth, Dr. Philippe Madre, Fr. Dominic Hession and Fr. Jozo Zovko. The Coordinator is Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic. (Programme and presentation of the lecturers: on the web-page www.medjugorje.hr under the title International Meetings - The 7th International Meeting for Priests - Programme)
Many priests who do not have access to Internet may not have been informed about the existence of such an international meeting in Medjugorje. Therefore, we kindly ask all Organisers of pilgrimages, Prayer Groups and Centres for Peace to diffuse this information as largely as possible by all means at your disposition, so that as many priests as possible may participate. We also kindly ask you, as much as it is possible, to materially help priests who wish to come, but who do not have the necessary funds for such a journey. Thank you, and may the Lord and Our Lady, Queen of Peace, bless all your efforts in spreading Gospa's message of peace.
You may make reservations by e-mail: lidija.paris@medjugorje.hr or by fax: +387-36-651-444, in the Information Booth personally, by phone/fax: +387-36-651-988 or by e-mail: informacije@medjugorje.hr.
In place of financial payment, we ask the priests to kindly celebrate five Mass intentions. The ACCOMMODATION for all the priests IS A GIFT FROM THE PARISHIONERS, WHO WILL RECEIVE THEM IN THEIR HOMES.
Bring with you: an alb and stole, a Bible, a small radio and head-phones with an FM frequency (for simultaneous translation).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTIONNAIRE: "THE SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT OF THE QUEEN OF PEACE IN THE WORLD "
Inspired by the theme of the Ninth International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity Groups "Pray, Pray, Pray...", we started in February 2002 a project called "Questionnaire: The Spiritual Movement of the Queen of Peace In The World".
The movement inspired by Our Lady's apparitions in Medjugorje includes pilgrimages to Medjugorje, the creation of Peace Centres and prayer groups all over the world, as well as pastoral, editorial, humanitarian and other activities...
We have prepared a questionnaire to be published on our web page in various languages, which will give us the possibility of having a better idea of the worldwide dimension of this movement at the service of the Universal Church, which will also enable us to better know each other and to better communicate with different groups all over the world, as well as to grow better together in prayer and in service.
This is why we ask all of the guides and leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje prayer, pilgrim and charity groups to kindly fill in this Questionnaire and send it to the Shrine of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje by e-mail to lidija.paris@medjugorje.hr or by fax to +387 36 651 444.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMER SCHEDULE AT THE SHRINE: MAY 1ST, 2002
The summer prayer programme schedule at the Shrine of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje begins this year on May 1st. Prayer of the Rosary in the parish church will begin at 6 pm. Holy Mass will be at 7 pm, followed by the prayer programme according to the day of the week. Eucharistic adoration on Wednesday and Saturday will begin at 10 pm. Rosary on the Apparition Hill and the Way of the Cross on Krizevac will begin at 4 pm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Published by: INFORMATIVNI CENTAR MIR - Svetiste Kraljice Mira (Information Center MIR - Shrine of the Queen of Peace), 88266 Medjugorje.
Medjugorje, February 26th, 2002 "Dear children! In this time of grace, I call you to become friends of Jesus. Pray for peace in your hearts and work for your personal conversion. Little children, only in this way will you be able to become witnesses of peace and of the love of Jesus in the world. Open yourselves to prayer so that prayer becomes a need for you. Be converted, little children, and work so that as many souls as possible may come to know Jesus and His love. I am close to you and I bless you all. Thank you for having responded to my call." February 25, 2002 THE DOOR TO CHRIST We stepped into Lent - a time of grace, of prayer, of fasting, of penance and of conversion. Lent consists precisely of the words that Our Lady repeated to us so many times here in Medjugorje: prayer, fasting, penance, conversion. Lent is a time of grace, because in forty days - through personal trial and purification - we have the occasion to touch the bottom and the summit of a meaningful life. What is asked from us during this time is also to renounce to the joys of this world in order to become fully free, because only in freedom can our soul feel at home. During lent, it is necessary to find a moment of peace, a moment of self-denial. It is necessary to die to oneself in order to begin to live as a reflection of the light of Christ, and to shine in others. In Lent, you simply have to choose, you have to taste the bitterness of the suffering of Christ if you want to rejoice in His glorification. Lenten days are moments when the rich and the poor must walk on the same roads; these are moments when the learned and the illiterate find a common language and become brothers united by the Cross of Christ. In Lent, we can freely shout out: Blessed are the artisans of peace, blessed are those who suffer, blessed are those who hunger and thirst, blessed are the poor! Similarly, we can stand in line with them and wait for the grace for us and for those who, out of God's world, make a prison for individuals and for nations. Our duty in the time of Lent is not the condemnation of the world but a rebirth through our renunciation, fasting, prayer and penance. This is the only right we have. When we do this, the world will itself will be its condemnation and will announce its own collapse. In his trials, Jesus was praying, fasting and suffering. He knew that without the experience of suffering and without a time of personal refinement, he would not be able to transform humanity. He was utterly given to the service of men, he approached men through suffering, by his drops of sweat, he watered the seed of friendship between man and God, and by his blood sealed forever the covenant. This is a clear example we also should follow. We have to seek Jesus in suffering and in self-denial. So, whenever you enter into suffering, illness, fear, anguish - know that this is the door to Christ. This is how your situation becomes a meeting point with God. This is why those who suffer are a blessing for the earth, the society and the nation. So let us follow Christ and put into practice the appeals of the Queen of Peace from Medjugorje. And let us not forget: Without Golgotha, Easter cannot shine! Fr. Mario Knezovic NEWS NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS During the month of January, 35,000 communions were distributed and 768 priests from this country and abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje. Pilgrims were here from the USA, Korea, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. BLESSING OF FAMILIES In our parish, the blessing of families and of houses is traditionally given during the Christmas holidays. At this time, priests at service in the parish meet their parishioners, exchange experiences and come to know each other better. During the holy time of Christmas, which is the time of coming close to each other, the blessing of families has an even stronger significance. The visit of a priest strengthens the family and confirms the household in good intentions and decisions. The blessing of the family is particularly important there, where love is lacking for one reason or another. The power of blessing was especially felt in "Mother's Village" when all the inhabitants of this community gathered for the annual blessing: children and grandmothers, "aunties" and religious sisters who take care of the village, and friends who came to embellish this occasion with their songs. Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic and Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic gave the blessing. Although everyone is missing Fr. Slavko Barbaric, Mother's Village and its inhabitants continue to grow, relying on the love of God and His Providence, which manifests itself so often and so generously through friends and benefactors. FR. LEONARD OREC PASSED AWAY Dr. Fr. Leonard Orec, a highly regarded Herzegovinian Franciscan father, passed away on January 21st, 2002, after a serious illness. Fr. Leonard was born on January 20th, 1928, in Posuski Gradac. He finished primary school in his native place, attended the secondary school in Siroki Brijeg from 1940 to 1945, then in Varazdin from 1945 to 1946. He entered the Franciscan order in 1946 in Kraljeva Sutjeska, and finished his secondary school in 1949 in Sarajevo. He studied theology in Sarajevo from 1947 to 1952. He made his solemn vows in Split on June 29th, 1951. He was ordained priest the same year. From 1952 to 1956, he served in Split and in Kraljeva Sutjeska as an educator. His continued his studies - he received a doctorate in Ljubljana in 1956, and then he pursued his formation in München (Munich) in 1957 and 1958. He was a professor at the Franciscan Theology in Sarajevo from 1958 to 1961. Fr. Leonard was member of the Provincial Council from 1967 to 1973, and vice-provincial from 1973 to 1976. From 1961 to 1967, he was also in charge of Franciscan vocations. From 1967 to 1977, he was Novice master in Humac. In his fifties, he was sent to Germany, where he perfected his knowledge of German language and passed his driver's licence exam. He was Pastor in Blankenau and in Hosenfeld from 1977 to 1988. During this period, he taught during two school years at the High Theological School in Fulda. He was in charge of Franciscan vocations for 25 years, and he spent almost 25 years outside of his Province. >From 1988 to 1991, Fr. Leonard served in Medjugorje, including more than one year as Pastor. During these three years, he left an indelible imprint as an experienced and wise priest, fervently spreading Our Lady's messages of peace and reconciliation. Many ideas were born in his heart and mind, which were also realised in the past years. In the difficult times of communist repression and of pre-war tension in our regions, he did not bend the knee, but resisted courageously and wisely to all attacks, sometimes even to the treats of those who did not and who did understand his vision of the development of the Shrine. Among other things, he instated the "Association of Guides for Pilgrims in the Parish of Medjugorje," and he managed to bring the guides under the shield of the Church, encouraging them to live the spreading of Our Lady's messages first and foremost as a mission. Knowing many people all over the world and the difficult situation of our people stricken by the war, he started the humanitarian association "Medjugorje-Mir" in Split in 1992. Thanks to the friends of Medjugorje, this association distributed dozens of tonnes of humanitarian aid during the war, and continues today with its humanitarian work. Fr. Leonard worked also on the spiritual renewal of people wounded by the war and, according to Our Lady's message of peace and reconciliation, was a link between nations and religions. Since 1997, Fr. Leonard was serving in the Franciscan General Curia in Rome. At the age of 70, he learned to speak Italian and to use a computer. He was in Rome until July 2001, when he became seriously ill, at the time of the celebration of his 50 years of priestly ordination. All those who knew Fr. Leonard Orec will remember him as a great man, an intelligent man full of experience, which he transmitted generously to all those he met on his way. He was happy to be a Franciscan friar, and he transmitted this joy also. At the light of his life and of his last days, Fr. Leonard as a man and as a believer can be best described by the words of St. Paul: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7) FR. LEONARD OREC WAS BURIED Fr. Leonard Orec was buried on January 23rd, 2002, in his native town of Posusje. The ceremony began with Holy Mass in the Parish Church presided by Fr. Slavko Soldo, Franciscan Provincial of Herzegovina, and concelebrated by more then 120 priests. A great number of the faithful and many religious sisters from all over Bosnia, Herzegovina and Croatia assisted at the burial, as well as Medjugorje friends from abroad, Fr. Leonard's old friends who helped him in his humanitarian work through the Association "Medjugorje-Mir" from Split. (More about it) The provincial, Fr. Slavko Soldo, gave his farewell speech in the name of the Franciscan province of Herzegovina during the Holy Mass. After Mass, many other speakers intervened: - In the name of the Superior General of the Franciscan order spoke the Definitor general of the Order, Fr. Capistran Martzall; - In the name of Msgr. Ratko Peric, Bishop of Mostar, spoke Fr. Luka Pavlovic, Vicar General of the Diocese; - In the name of the Franciscan Province of Bosnia spoke Fr. Stjepan Radic, who reported the words spoken by Fr. Leonard's friend, Dr. Fr. Vitomir Slugic: "Your ship went to the open sea, and we wave greeting you from Bosnia." in his Franciscan service, Fr. Leonard Orec was tightly linked with the suffering population and his Franciscan brothers from Bosnia. - In the name of the Franciscan Province of St. Jerome (Zadar, Croatia) spoke Dr. Fr. Jozo Sopta; - In the name of the Humanitarian Association and its friends and collaborators from all over the world spoke Drago Cutuk; - In the name of the Professors of Theology spoke Dr. Fr. Ljudevit Rupcic who expressed what all of Fr. Leonard's friends think: "Many will have to make enormous efforts to see the ideals you have put into practice." Helping the needy, Fr. Leonard was a bond between nations and religions, and so he supported the Macedonian people in the time of war in their country. - In the name of Macedonian people, who felt Fr. Leonard's efficient help and love, spoke the President of the community of the Macedonian Orthodox Church in Split, Ivona Music Medelkovska. Fr. Leonard spent the last months of his life at the Franciscan convent in Zagreb, where he was medically treated. - In the name of his Franciscan brothers from Zagreb spoke Dr. Fr. Ivan Dugandzic, Superior of the Zagreb Convent, who described Fr. Leonard's Franciscan dimension: "He was known as a joyful friar who shared tirelessly his Franciscan enthusiasm to others, and during his last days 'joyfully expected his Sister Death'.." - In the name of the Parish of Medjugorje and all of you who came to Medjugorje and met Fr. Leonard spoke Fr. Branko Rados, Pastor of Medjugorje. He described the broadness of spirit of this great man, which was confirmed at his burial through the presence of so many different people, nations and religions. This is what he said: "Brothers and sisters! One of the specificities that distinguishes we humans from all of God's other creatures is the power to speak. With words we are able to express, to make present, to explain, to make understood and even to embellish so many things. And still there are moments when we feel all the powerlessness and weakness of our power to speak. Each time we face an important event, we remain speechless. When we have to console someone, words seem too poor. We feel all the poverty of our speech especially when we face death, when we observe the greatness of a life that is gone. This is such a moment. We face greatness, a priest, a Franciscan, a theologian, a pedagogue, a benefactor. There are no words to describe Fr. Leonard's life. This is why I wish to underline only one of his qualities, which were so numerous, and this is the broadness of spirit. Dear Fr. Leonard, thank you, because so many pilgrims who came to Medjugorje found in you a true host, a caring man, a friar who rejoices to see them with all the broadness of his Franciscan soul, who waits for them with an open heart and open arms. Thank you for all the wisdom and visionary spirit you have shown in guiding the parish and the Shrine. Thank you for all the ideas, prayers, projects you have given to the Parish of Medjugorje. You spent the last 20 years of your life living with Medjugorje and for Medjugorje. You took Medjugorje with you to Split and to Rome and everywhere you went during these years. It was your inspiration and a motivation: When tired, you did not think about tiredness, when ill, you did not thing of your illness. Your desire was to glorify Christ as much as you could, through Mary, the Queen of Peace. "It is good to do good" - was the name of one of the humanitarian actions during the war in Croatia. It is good to give people the possibility to do good! Working tirelessly, you gave the possibility to many pilgrims and friends of Medjugorje to do good. May God reward you for all the good done through you! May the Queen of Peace, whom you venerated above all, obtain for you the Peace of her Son! Together with parishioners of Medjugorje and numerous pilgrims from all over the world, I pray today: Eternal rest give to him, O Lord!" After the ceremony in the parish church, the procession went to the Franciscans' Alee on local cemetery Martica Kriz in Posusje, where Fr Leonard was buried. At the cemetery, Fr. Marinko Leko, Pastor of Posusje, delivered the last farewell. VICKA IVANKOVIC'S AND MARIO MIJATOVIC'S WEDDING Vicka Ivankovic, one of the six Medjugorje visionaries, and Mario Mijatovic were married on January 26th, 2002, in St. James' parish church of Medjugorje. The Solemn Holy Mass, during which the sacrament of marriage was celebrated, was presided by Fr. Branko Rados, pastor, in concelebration with two former pastors - Fr. Jozo Zovko and Fr. Ivan Landeka - and twenty foreign priests. The church of Medjugorje was not big enough to receive all those who wanted to express their joy, their good wishes to the newlyweds, and the desire to see them continue on the way they were going for so many years now. This was precisely the theme of Fr. Branko's homily, in which he invited them to continue to be "salt of the earth and light of the world", as they have been for the uncountable pilgrims they have already met. In our times, when the world is in a deep spiritual and moral crisis precisely because of the crisis of the family, we rejoice because of the choice of Vicka and Mario to continue to witness the love of God through the family life: Vicka, at the service of Our Lady's message of peace and reconciliation, and Mario - for many years a collaborator with Fr. Slavko Barbaric - at the service of Mother's Village. After the ceremony, Vicka and Mario entrusted their marriage in prayer to Our Lady, the Queen of Peace. Boys and girls from the Cenacolo Community sung and played at the wedding. Sister Elvira came to Medjugorje for this solemn occasion, and the newlyweds joined them in singing after Holy Mass. We express our good wishes to Vicka and Mario, entrusting them to your prayers, that God may give them the grace and strength to continue to love and to serve together, as they already do. A NEW PARISH FLAG FOR MEDJUGORJE On Sunday, January 27th, 2002, a new parish banner for St. James Parish in Medjugorje was inaugurated and blessed during the Sunday Parish Mass. What is the actual meaning of a parish flag? One of the images describing the Church is the image of an army, which, following Christ, spiritually struggles against evil. In this struggle, the soldiers of Christ stand under a standard and follow Christ in his victorious mission of Salvation. All catholic parishes have a patron saint, a special intercessor before God. The patron saint of Medjugorje' Parish is St. James, a pilgrim. So, let us follow Christ under a standard on which we see on one side a pilgrim, a man of prayer and of penance, a man of God, and on the other the parish church of Medjugorje, which has become a symbol of prayer and of peace for the whole world. The new standard of the parish of Medjugorje was carried on the feast of St. Blaise, patron saint of Dubrovnik, on Sunday, February 3rd, in the traditional procession where many pilgrims from the city and the region gather in Dubrovnik. About 100 pilgrims from the parish of Medjugorje marched this year under the new parish flag on this traditional pilgrimage to St. Blase. THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR GUIDES AND LEADERS OF PEACE CENTRES AND MEDJUGORJE PRAYER, PILGRIM AND CHARITY GROUPS The Ninth International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity Groups under the theme "Pray, Pray, Pray." took place in Medjugorje from February 17th to 21st, 2002. During five days, the participants meditated on the conferences given by Dr. Fr. Ivan Dugandzic and Fr. Ivan Landeka, they exchanged their experiences and prayed together. These meetings are very important for those who come to Medjugorje as well as for those who work in Medjugorje at the service of pilgrims. Through the diversity of our work with the pilgrims we enrich one another, we understand better the importance of the apostolate and receive councils for our work. About 170 participants from 15 countries took part in this meeting. They adopted a common Declaration, which will be published in the next issue of the Bulletin.
Dear children! Today I call you to unite with Jesus in prayer. Open your heart to Him and give Him everything that is in it: joys, sorrows and illnesses. May this be a time of grace for you. Pray, little children, and may every moment belong to Jesus. I am with you and I intercede for you. Thank you for having responded to my call." March 25, 2002
Director: fra Miljenko Stojic.
Information Office: 00387-36-651-988
Parish Office: 00387-36-650-206; 650-310; 651-333
Fax: 00387-36-651-444
Radio: 00387-36-651-100; fax 651-300
E-mail: medjugorje-mir@medjugorje.hr; Internet: http://www.medjugorje.hr
Automatic Message: 060-325-325. By calling this number you can hear the latest message of Our Lady in Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and Germany, as well as also the meditation and the news from Medjugorje which is updated every Wednesday.