Bulletin 176
Medjugorje, July 26th, 2002
"Dear children! Today I rejoice with your patron saint and call you to be open to God's will, so that in you and through you, faith may grow in the people you meet in your everyday life. Little children, pray until prayer becomes joy for you. Ask your holy protectors to help you grow in love towards God. Thank you for having responded to my call." July 25, 2002
MEDJUGORJE - A BRIDGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Martin Thurner, a journalist, compares today's youth to the famous "Bridge of Avignon". Avignon is an old French city in which there is a beautiful but unfinished bridge. Under the bridge flows the Rhone River. The arches of the bridge have still not joined one another. There is a void in between. Builders have tried to cross the river and to join the arches, but without any success. The foundations were not strong enough to build on them and join the arches.
This is how Thurner sees today's young people: they seem to lack solid foundations and seem to need a mediator to go across the obstacles and step forward. His observation about our need of a mediator is very accurate. Indeed, we need a steer man who will take us to the other shore, who will cross the obstacles of this life. We need parents and teachers, friends and priests. We can do nothing alone. We especially need Jesus Christ, our guide along the way, and Our Lady, the mediator of graces who leads us to Christ. We need courage to walk in the footsteps of our God who says to the apostle Thomas and to all of us: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". If we find this, who can harm us? Is there any place left for fear? Is there any place left for despair and for a passage to the dark side of life? Embrace Jesus and build your future with Him! Open your door to Him and allow Him to enter into your interior! Be a bridge for His grace, His love and His goodness! Allow the river of God's grace to flow through you!
In Medjugorje, we so often have the occasion to meet young people who have reached the other shore. Yes, many of them had to abandon false foundations and build new ones, but they have succeeded. They understood that a better future could not be built on weak foundations. Young people have felt - here - that there is someone - here - to take them by the hand and to lead them from meaninglessness to meaningfulness. They have felt that - here - they can be recognised as beloved creatures - as persons with their full dignity. In Medjugorje, for young people, such a person becomes an experience of the living God. Under the protection of Our Lady, young people become Someone. They find their hope in Our Lady, in Jesus. Then, they are enkindled with the divine fire of faith, of hope and of charity. Then - of course - everything changes. Then, they can overcome their imprisonment and captivity.
We live in a time that is serious and slippery. Nowadays, it is not easy to succeed in life. Crisis can be felt in all areas. Young people err and seek. Many have no desire for life, no courage, no initiative. They bear a grudge against their parents, teachers, friends, priests. Young people sometimes have the impression that everyone is on the way of their happiness. The prophet Elijah experienced something similar in the Old Testament: The Holy Scripture says that God sent an angel to feed him with bread in his misery and in his hopelessness, to give him strength and food for life. God intervenes in our seeking and wants to give answers to our questions. This is precisely why Our Lady is an answer from Heaven to all of our doubts and seeking. Young people have recognised this and therefore gladly come to Medjugorje.
Fr. Mario Knezovic
NEWS
NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS
During the month of June, 125,000 communions were distributed and 3,262 priests from this country and abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.
Pilgrims were here from the USA, Australia, Slovakia, France, Poland, Belgium, Germany, England, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Canada, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Malta, Slovenia, Yugoslavia, Vietnam, Korea, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Japan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
GLORIOUS MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY ON APPARITION HILL
For the 21st anniversary of the apparitions of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje, the parishioners have put up on the Apparition Hill, along the path leading from the place of the apparitions to the Blue Cross, five bronze reliefs representing the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. They are the work of the Italian sculptor Carmelo Puzzolo, whose reliefs of the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries, as well as the Way of the Cross, have inspired the pilgrims for prayer on the Apparition Hill and on Cross Mountain for many years now.
"THE LITTLE FLOWER" AND PADRE PIO IN THE CONFERENCE HALL
For the 21st anniversary of the apparitions, thanks to anonymous donors and friends of Medjugorje, two statues have been placed in the Conference Hall: a statue of St. Therese of Lisieux and a statue of St. Padre Pio of Pietralcina.
The statue of Little Therese comes directly from Lisieux and was made especially for Medjugorje, and the statue of Padre Pio is a work of Carmelo Puzzolo, whose bronze statues and reliefs already stand in many prayer places at the Shrine of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje.
TWO PERUVIAN BISHOPS ON PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Two Peruvian bishops, Msgr. Julio Ojeda Pascual and Msgr. Gerard Anton Zerdin, both from the Diocese of San Ramon in Peru, came on private pilgrimage to Medjugorje from July 4 to 6, 2002. We shall write about their impressions in the next issue of the Bulletin.
THE 7TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR PRIESTS
The 7th International Meeting for Priests at the School of Mary took place from Monday, July 1st, to Saturday, July 6th, 2002, on the theme: "THE PRIEST AT THE SERVICE OF HEALING AND DELIVERANCE". This seminar gathered 483 priests and seminarians from 36 countries (speaking a total of 22 languages), from all of the continents.
During these days, priests were 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 Fr. Slavko Barbaric, who initiated these Priests Meetings in 1996.
>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 unexpected large number of participants. We entrust them into your prayers.
This year's meting was also marked by the painful news about a terrible car accident, in which, on a highway in Hungary, 19 Polish pilgrims died and 33 were wounded, among them three priests who were coming for the priests' retreat. The intention of the Evening Mass on July 2nd, 2002, presided by Fr. Branko Rados, pastor of Medjugorje, was for peace of the souls of the deceased, for the health of the wounded and for their families.
THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR GUIDES AND LEADERS OF PEACE CENTRES AND MEDJUGORJE PRAYER, PILGRIM AND CHARITY GROUPS
The 10th International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups will take place in the New Hall in Medjugorje from February 23 - 27, 2003. The theme of the meeting is:
"The essential of Medjugorje"
Sunday, February 23, 2003
15:00 - Registration
17:00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
Monday, February 24, 2003
08:30 - Morning prayer
09:00 - Lecture: "The Position of the Church Towards Medjugorje" - dr. Fr. Ljudevit Rupcic, OFM
09:45 - Meeting and discussion with the lecturer
10:15 - Intermission
11:45 - "Humanitarian Activities Linked to the Apparitions of Medjugorje" - Fr. Ivan Landeka, OFM
11:30 - Meeting and discussion with the lecturer about humanitarian activities
15:00 - Meeting with the Franciscans
17:00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
20:00 - Meeting of the participants with the Parish priest
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
08:30 - Morning prayer
09:00 - Lecture: "Medjugorje in the Lives of People" - Fr. Petar
Ljubicic, OFM 09:45 - Meeting and Discussion with the lecturer 10:15
- Intermission 11:45 - Lecture: "Mission and Responsibility of the Friends of Medjugorje" - Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic, OFM
11:30 - Meeting and discussion with the lecturer
15:00 - Rosary on Apparition Hill
17:00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
20:00 - Social with music: Group "Hrvoje" from Mostar
Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Day of Prayer: Fr. Jozo Zovko, OFM and Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic, OFM 09:00
- Prayer, lectures, sharing. 12:00 - Lunch for all the participants (bread and water)
14:00 - Way of the Cross on Krizevac (Cross Mountain)
17:00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
21:00 - 22:00 - Adoration
Thursday, February 27, 2003
08:30 - Morning Prayer
09:00 - Experiences of the Participants
11:00 - Holy Mass - Fr. Branko Rados, OFM, Parish Priest
Lunch for all the participants
The Lecturers At This Year's Seminars Are:
Dr. Fr. Ljudevit Rupcic, OFM, - was born in 1920 in Hardomilije, Ljubuski. In 1939 he entered the Franciscan Order in the province of Herzegovina, and in 1946, he was ordained a priest. He finished his studies in Theology in the University seminary in Zagreb. He completed a doctorate in 1958 and received the habit there. From 1958 until 1988 he lectured in New Testament exegesis on Franciscan theology in Sarajevo, and also in the University seminary in Zagreb. Under the former Yugoslavian Communist regime, he served two prison sentences from 1945 to 1947 and again from 1952 to 1956. For a longer period, (1968 until 1981) he was a member of the theological commission aiding the Episcopal Conferences of former Yugoslavia. He has accomplished a translation of the New Testament from the original into the Croatian language, and his translation has had continuous republication. His books, studies and articles have been published in Croatian, English, German and Italian, and he has lectured at various conferences and meetings throughout Europe and America.
Fr. Petar Ljubicic, OFM, - was born in 1946 in Prisoje, Tomislavgrad. In 1967, he entered the Franciscan Order in the province of Herzegovina, and in 1972, he was ordained a priest. He studied theology at Sarajevo and Koenigstein. He was parish vicar in Vitina, Tihaljina and Seonica, and from 1984 to 1995 in Medjugorje. After leaving Medjugorje, he was serving in the Croatian Catholic Mission in Switzerland. He is author of several books about the events of Medjugorje. During his stay at Medjugorje and later, he took part in numerous prayer gatherings organised by Medjugorje pilgrims all over Europe. At present, he is in pastoral service in Germany, in the parish of Hosenfeld, diocese of Fulda.
Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic, OFM, - was born in 1951 in Kocerin, Siroki Brijeg. In 1970, he entered the Franciscan Order in the province of Herzegovina, and in 1977, he was ordained a priest. He studied Theology in the USA. As priest, he served in the Croatian Catholic Mission in New York, and then in his homeland in the parishes of Humac, Konjic, Bijelo Polje and Siroki Brijeg. At present, he is in Medjugorje, in charge of "Mother's Village", the establishment for the education and care of children in need. He wrote several books on the events of Medjugorje and participated in numerous prayer gatherings organised by Medjugorje pilgrims all over Europe and the USA.
The 10th International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups will take place in the New Hall in Medjugorje from February 23 - 27, 2003.
The number of places is limited, and the number of participants is increasing from year to year. This is why we ask you kindly to make your registration as soon as possible, latest by the end of November 2002. You can send your registrations by Tel/fax + 387 36 651 988 (for Marija Dugandzic) or by e-mail: medjugorje-mir@medjugorje.hr, or personally in the Information Office. Simultaneous translation is available for all language groups. This is why we ask you kindly to take with you a small FM radio with headphones. The price of the seminar is 62 ? per person. This includes all the fees of organisation and of functioning of the seminar (lecturers, translations of texts, simultaneous translation and lunch the last day). While you register and pay on the first day, you will receive a badge, which will allow you to participate in the seminar. We ask you kindly to organise personally your accommodation in Medjugorje. We believe that it is not a problem for you, because you come to Medjugorje for many years now and you have your friends and acquaintances here.
We are looking forward to your reservations and to welcoming you at this meeting!
SEMINARS AT "DOMUS PACIS"
During the month of June, two "Prayer and Fasting" seminars for about 90 Polish pilgrims were held in the house of prayer "Domus Pacis". They spent a week in prayer and fasting in order to deepen their faith and their abandonment to the Lord.
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)
Bulletin 175
Medjugorje, June 26th, 2002
"Dear children! Today I pray for you and with you that the Holy Spirit may help you and increase your faith, so that you may accept even more the messages that I am giving you here in this holy place. Little children, comprehend that this is a time of grace for each of you; and with me, little children, you are secure. I desire to lead you all on the way of holiness. Live my messages and put into life every word that I am giving you. May they be precious to you because they come from heaven. Thank you for having responded to my call." June 25, 2002
OUR LADY'S AMBASSADORS
Jesus gave His disciples the mission to go into the whole world and preach the Good News. All of us are called to accomplish this mission. It is a mission for all Christians, but also a Christian duty. Nevertheless, if there is anyone to be set apart for this mission of announcing, these are priests - men consecrated to God - who have the authority for this. By their ordination, priests become workers in the Lord's vineyard. They represent Jesus in the Church and in the world. This is why it is important to have priests, because they make Christ present among men.
The future is impossible without Jesus. To seek a future without priests means to make it impossible for Jesus to reach us through the men to whom He has given the authority to announce the Gospel and to give the sacraments. Christ needs men; he needs priests - his ambassadors in the world. Just as Mary, who became the ambassador of God and the bearer of hope - we have to do the same, especially priests.
Priests from all over the world come to Medjugorje. They come to this shrine with their faithful to seek the true Christian message. These priests are mostly leaders of prayer groups in their countries, groups that grew on the foundations of Medjugorje. This is how priests put themselves at the service of the spreading of Our Lady's messages. They become Our Lady's messengers and Her representatives. It is interesting to notice that priests come to Medjugorje discreetly and humbly, just as Mary does. Many of them have received their vocation here and they come to say thanks for the gift of being called to serve God in a special way. In almost all the countries and all the dioceses of the world, you can find priests who have entered into the core of Medjugorje. I like to call them Our Lady's ambassadors. Through the priests, Our Lady and Medjugorje are present on every step of this earth. Truly, everything is possible to God.
In Medjugorje, a spiritual meeting of priests coming from all over the world takes place once a year. In prayer, they here renew their promises to God. At the beginning of July, Medjugorje becomes an oasis for priests.
When we reflect on priests, we cannot exclude ourselves and our prayer for them. Keeping in mind the importance of priests, we cannot avoid the question: What do I do so that there may be holy priests? Do I sometimes pray for my priest? These are the questions addressed to every pilgrim who steps into this shrine, because a priest waits for you in the confessional, on the altar, on the mountains, in the conference room. The possibility to receive sacraments and Holy Mass is not our right - it is a gift from heaven. This gift is given to us through the hands of priests. Let us appreciate this gift and let us thank God for their lives and their spiritual service.
Fr. Mario Knezovic
NEWS
THE CELEBRATION OF THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LADY'S APPARITIONS IN THE PARISH OF MEDJUGORJE
During the last 21 years, Our Lady's message of peace spread all over the world through pilgrims, reached homes all over the world, and made a parish of the world out of Medjugorje. This is confirmed by the presence of more then 100 000 faithful who came to Medjugorje for the 21st anniversary. It is impossible to enumerate all of the countries where the pilgrims came from: they came from all the five continents. Very many local pilgrims came on their bare feet to pray to the Queen of Peace for peace.
In the morning of June 24th and June 25th, Holy Masses were celebrated in 16 languages. During these two days, 48 000 communions were distributed.
The evening Mass on June 24th was presided by Fr. Milan Loncar and concelebrated by 155 priests. About 15 000 faithful were present.
The evening Mass on June 25th was presided by Fr Branimir Musa, and concelebrated by 200 priests from approximately twenty countries. About 35 000 faithful were present.
PEACE MARCH
The 11th traditional Peace March was held as every year on June 24th, the eve of the anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady. It began with prayer and the blessing of the pilgrims in front of the Franciscan monastery of Humac. About 4000 pilgrims started their march at 6 am. Upon their arrival in Medjugorje, pilgrims gathered in front of the parish church for a short common prayer. "The Peace March" is the fruit of an idea born in the hearts of Medjugorje pilgrims and friends of Medjugorje at the time of war, in 1992. Although the years of war are behind us, Our Lady reminds us in her messages that there are wars "in our hearts". This 13 km long March is a response to the trouble, violence and hatred, as well as an appeal to real peace and reconciliation.
REGULAR ANNUAL APPARITION TO THE VISIONARY IVANKA
The visionary Ivanka Ivankovic-Elez had her regular annual apparition on June 25th 2002. According to the visionaries, Vicka, Marija and Ivan continue to have daily apparitions, and Mirjana, Ivanka and Jakov have an annual apparition.
At Her last daily apparition on May 7, 1985, Our Lady confided to Ivanka the 10th secret and told her that she would have an apparition once a year on the anniversary of the apparitions. It was that way also this year. The apparition lasted 6 minutes. Ivanka had the apparition at home in the presence of her family, her husband and her three children.
Our Lady gave the following message: Dear Children, do not tire of prayer. Pray for peace, peace, peace."
Our Lady related to Ivanka some new details about her life. She gave us her motherly blessing. Our Lady was joyful.
NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS
During the month of May, 100,000 communions were distributed and 2,578 priests from this country and abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.
Pilgrims were here from Korea, England, Ireland, Hungary, Belgium, the USA, Malta, Slovakia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Canada, Australia, Mexico, La Reunion, Lebanon, Slovenia, Brazil, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
MSGR. SILAS S. NJIRU, BISHOP OF MERU (KENYA), ON PRIVATE VISIT TO MEDJUGORJE
From May 6 to 10, 2002, Msgr. Silas S. Njiru, Bishop of Meru (Kenya), came for a private visit to Medjugorje. This is what he told us about his impressions in Medjugorje:
"Medjugorje is really worldly known. Wherever I come, in my country, in the USA or in Europe, people talk about Medjugorje! Last year I was in Orlando, in Florida, and someone took me by car to the Space Centre. He told me that he went to Medjugorje several times, and that I should go there too. I answered him that I regret, but I can not, for three reasons: I have no time, it is far and I have no money. He answered me that Our Lady would work a miracle. This year, a missionary from Italy told me that he was going to Medjugorje and asked me if I would like to come with him. I answered in the same way: I have no time, it is far and I have no money. When he went back home, he sent me a letter saying: the money is here, everything is ready, just open your heart to Our Lady. This is why I am here, because I venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary. I am profoundly impressed by the faith of people in the Church. It is a strong faith. I especially see many young people. I see that many people go for confession and ask to be reconciled with God. Today, this is a real miracle. People told me that for many years they did not go to Church, and since they have been to Medjugorje, they go regularly for Mass. This is a real miracle for me. Whoever has been here cannot remain silent. We have to talk. We have to distribute rosaries. A man just stopped me in a souvenir shop and gave me a rosary and a crucifix. Then he called his whole family to be blessed by a bishop from Africa, so I blessed everyone! Sincerely, what is happening here is beyond the apparitions alone. In Africa, we also have people who have apparitions. They are possible and present. I ask myself one question: If God allows apparitions, why is he doing this? To deepen our faith, to bring us to conversion. I am happy if there are apparitions, but we have to go beyond them. Our faith has to be renewed, because if this is not happening, they have no meaning. If the faith is growing, then it is good."
PUPILS IN MEDJUGORJE
Among local pilgrims, these days there are many pupils at Medjugorje who - at the end of their school year - go for a traditional excursion. Many of them traditionally come to Medjugorje to thank the Queen of Peace for their success at school.
PILGRIMS FROM URAL
Two pilgrims from the town of Zlatoust in South Ural, at the border between Asia and Europe, came to Medjugorje from May 8 to 11, 2002.
They came to Medjugorje through some friends from Vienna (Austria) who come often to Medjugorje. The town of Zlatoust numbers about 200,000 inhabitants with only 600 Catholics. A priest comes to them once a month, teaches them catechism and celebrates Holy Mass. Every Sunday, the faithful gather for the Liturgy of the Word. They have a prayer group where they read and meditate on Our Lady's messages. They have put a statue of Our Lady of Medjugorje into a little chapel. In thanksgiving for Our Lady's apparitions in Medjugorje, the parish is consecrated to the Queen of Peace.
THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI - CONFIRMATION IN MEDJUGORJE
On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, May 30th, 2002, 81 candidates from the parish of Medjugorje received the sacrament of Confirmation from the hands of Msgr. Ratko Peric, Bishop of Mostar. The pastor of Medjugorje, Fr. Branko Rados, addressed his words of welcome to the Bishop. In his homily, Msgr. Peric spoke about signs that show whether we are living or not according to the Holy Spirit, and he invited the candidates not to conform to the world but to Christ.
After the evening Holy Mass, according to tradition linked to the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, there was a one-hour procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the parish, in which 38 local and foreign priests participated, as well as numerous parishioners and pilgrims.
MEETING OF CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
Another meting of children's choirs from Herzegovina called "Golden Harp" was held on June 2nd, 2002, in the Franciscan church at Mostar. There were children from 11 parishes and among them the children's choir from Medjugorje, "Little Doves of Peace" under the guidance of Sr. Slavica Kozul. Although the aim of these meetings is primarily to bring children together and to glorify the Lord through the song, it is not without significance that, according to common opinion, "Little Doves of Peace" were most successful in the interpretation of their songs.
MALTESE ORDER AGAIN AT THE SERVICE OF THE PILGRIMS
The medical services of the Maltese Order from Germany came for the fifth time to Medjugorje to be at the service of the pilgrims. During the summer months, from June 1st to November 1st, 2002, at the time of the strongest influx of the pilgrims, the Maltesers will be on duty near the parish church and will offer first-aid at the ambulance service (clinic) in a house on the way to Cross Mountain, every day from 9 am to 9 pm, and during night for urgent cases.
The Maltese Order has existed for 900 years now. Its slogan is "keep the faith and help the needy, witness faith with love and be at the service of peace in the world".
In this spirit, Fr. Branko Rados, pastor of Medjugorje, welcomed the Maltese Order and its medical staff during the German pilgrim Mass. He expressed the gratitude in the name of the parishioners and the pilgrims, and invoked on them the blessing of God through the intercession of the Queen of Peace.
We thank them in the name of all those who will during this summer receive their help and the comfort of their apostolate.
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL INTERNET PRAYER GROUP "QUEEN OF PEACE"
The International Internet Prayer group "Queen of Peace" (www.iipg-queenofpeace.org), which is being led through the Internet by Ana and Steve Shawl (USA), comes regularly to Medjugorje for an annual pilgrimage on the occasion of the foundation of the group, June 4th.
The "IIPG Queen of Peace" numbers about 1500 members today from all over the world. This year, about 60 members of the group were in Medjugorje.
SEMINARS AT "DOMUS PACIS"
In the month of May, two "Prayer and Fasting" seminars for French and Russian/Ukrainian groups were held in the house of prayer "Domus Pacis". For pilgrims from Russia and Ukraine, coming to Medjugorje means a sacrifice in every sense. Before the journey, they have to apply for a visa: will they receive it or not? The journey itself takes three days and three nights: to Romania by train, and the rest of the journey by bus. For Orthodox Christians, Medjugorje is a place where they feel the unity of the Church. They feel the presence of Our Lady and of Jesus in a special way. The Eucharistic adoration is a special experience for them, which they do not know in their tradition. In adoration, they feel that God is near in a very special way. After Medjugorje, they always become apostles of Our Lady's messages. The journey, which extends far beyond their material possibilities, is always realised with the help of donations from Western Europe. For this journey, the donation was given by the organisation "Gebetsaktion" from Switzerland.
The "Legion of Mary" from Zagreb held a retreat for 34 members of their prayer group.
About 60 members of prayer groups from southern Croatia also came for a week-end of recollection.
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)
13TH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PRAYER MEETING
The 13th International Youth Prayer Meeting will take place from July 31st to August 6th, 2002, on the theme, "WITH MARY WITNESS PEACE AND JOY". You can find the Programme and other information about it on our web page www.medjugorje.hr under INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS, Mladifest 13.
3RD INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR MARRIED COUPLES
The 3rd International Meeting for Married Couples will take place in Medjugorje in the New Hall from February 13 to 16, 2003. The theme is, "Put God at the First Place in Your Families".
Programme
Thursday, February 13, 2003 2 pm - Registration of the participants 4 pm - Introduction to the seminar 5 pm - Evening Prayer Programme
Friday, February 14, 2003 9 am - Morning Prayer 9:30 am - Lecture: Dialogue in the Family 10:30 am - Pause 11 am - Exchange 2 pm - Rosary at the Apparition Hill 4 pm - Preparation for confession 5 pm - Evening Prayer Programme
Saturday, February 15, 2003 9 am - Morning Prayer 9:30 am - Lecture: The Family - Church in Small 10:30 am - Pause 11 am - Exchange 2 pm - Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain 5 pm - Evening Prayer Programme 9 pm - Adoration
Sunday, February 16, 2003 9 am - Morning Prayer 9:30 am - Lecture: Responsible Parenthood 10:30 am - Pause 11 am - Witness of a married couple of the "Cenacolo" Community 12 am - Holy Mass - end of the seminar
The coordinator of the seminar is Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic.
To bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones (for simultaneous translation) and a Bible.
All the meetings will take place in the New Hall behind the church. Participation per couple: 26 ?.
You may make reservations in the Information Office personally, by phone/fax: +387-36-651-988 or by e-mail: medjugorje-mir@m... The number of participants is limited because of the available space in the Hall, se we ask you to send your registration as soon as possible, latest by the end of December. All the participants are invited to individually provide their accommodation in Medjugorje.
THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR GUIDES AND LEADERS OF PEACE CENTRES AND MEDJUGORJE PRAYER, PILGRIM AND CHARITY GROUPS
The 10th International Meeting for Guides and Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups linked to Medjugorje will take place in the New Hall in Medjugorje from February 23 to 27, 2003. We shall publish the programme in the next issue of the Bulletin.
Bulletin 174
"Dear children! Today I call you to put prayer in the first place in your life. Pray and may prayer, little children, be a joy for you. I am with you and intercede for all of you, and you, little children, be joyful carriers of my messages. May your life with me be joy. Thank you for having responded to my call." May 25, 2002
THE EYES OF MEDJUGORJE
We know well the famous proverb, which states that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. It is really true: The eyes reflect our inner reality. Almost without any effort, we can read in the eyes the reality of life of each person. In the eyes of a brother or of a sister, we can see if we are accepted, loved, noticed... The look cannot hide lies; the eyes always give the contours of truth.
To see the eyes of the pilgrims in Medjugorje is a special experience. To look at someone eye-to-eye is a great mystery, accessible to everyone. It seems to me that the faithful in Medjugorje have a special brilliance in their eyes. In this shrine, after the encounter with God, eyes become a sparkling reflect of the interior. They become signs of hope, of warmth, of faith... And although people mostly arrive here with a cheerless look, tired of life, oppressed and with a negative image of themselves, everything changes here. A believer changes here; and not only the believer, but also any person that opens the heart, the eyes and the soul. Under the shelter of the Queen of Peace, the pilgrim lifts up his eyes towards the source of light, towards heaven, which is the source of the most excellent radiance. Climbing the Medjugorje hills, reciting the rosary, seeking the way to the peak, they lift themselves up into the heights and change. It is difficult to remain indifferent here.
In this shrine, for 21 years now, pilgrims meet God face-to-face, eye-to-eye. It happens in a special way in the confessional. Here, they leave their past, reject the old man and put on the new man. In the confessional, they leave darkness and enter into the space of light, which is visible in every eye. This is why it is so fitting to call Medjugorje, "the confessional of the world".
This is how it has gone in Medjugorje for 21 years now. Medjugorje walks forward with its fruits and its witnesses. The springtime of life that Our Lady is talking about in the message of April 25th, can be felt here more than anywhere else. This is why we can say that - in Medjugorje - there is only one season: springtime. God always plants new seeds here, which bring fruit a hundredfold. And the eyes of the faithful, with their brilliance, seem to watch over the nights of Medjugorje and chase away darkness and despair. May these eyes and the spiritual spring of Medjugorje continue to rouse us towards the fullness of life, to which Our Lady calls us. And something else: See you eye to eye on June 25, the day when our Mother is with us in a very special way.
Fr. Mario Knezovic
NEWS
NUMBER OF COMMUNIONS AND NUMBER OF CONCELEBRANTS
During the month of April, 90,000 communions were distributed and 2,004 priests from this country and abroad concelebrated Holy Mass in Medjugorje.
Pilgrims were here from Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, England, Hungary, France, the USA, Belgium, Haiti, Philippines, Malta, Slovenia, Ireland, Luxemburg, Poland, Greece, Lithuania, Korea, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Switzerland, Latvia, Tahiti, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
A PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO OLOVO
The traditional parish pilgrimage to Our Lady of Olovo in Central Bosnia, the oldest Marian shrine in Europe, took place also this year on May 1st, in honour of the beginning of May devotions. Parishioners of Medjugorje, who usually receive pilgrims from all over the world, became pilgrims in their turn, and joined several hundreds of others.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by 63 priests, was presided by his Eminence, Cardinal Vinko Puljic, Archbishop of Vrhbosna (Sarajevo).
IVO POGORELIC CAME TO MEDJUGORJE
Among the pilgrims of Medjugorje, there are often those who have professionally reached a planetary success On May 1st, 2002, Ivo Pogorelic, a world famous Croatian pianist, came to pray in Medjugorje. Together with his friends, he went to pray the way of the Cross on Krizevac, and then visited the Community "Cenacolo" and "Mother's Village". He told a Croatian weekly paper about his experience in Medjugorje:
"The way towards the cross on Cross Mountain is long and arduous, but when you are up there, you understand that these were only physical obstacles that you have to overcome to achieve inner balance and peace. This is my second visit to Medjugorje. This time, it was similar and nevertheless different. Both times, independently of the number of people who surrounded me, I was completely alone, lost in my own thoughts. Although the way to the Apparition Hill is easier and shorter, again you are within a crowd and nevertheless - alone with yourself..."
THE FIRST OFFICIAL CROATIAN STUDENTS' PILGRIMAGE
On May 4th and 5th, 2002, 150 students from the University of Zagreb came for the first official organised students' pilgrimage from Croatia to Medjugorje on the level of the University. The pilgrimage was accompanied by Fr. Miljanko Steko, a Herzegovinian Franciscan, spiritual father of the seminarians from Herzegovina studying in Zagreb.
This is what the students told about the significance of this pilgrimage:
"The idea was born in the hearts of the students themselves, who expressed a desire to have, among other programmes, a programme of spiritual renewal, spiritual development. We thought about a Marian Shrine, why not Medjugorje? We found marvellous encouragement from the Students' Board of the University of Zagreb, and the crown of all is in fact the support of Zagreb Franciscans, without whom we certainly would not have succeeded in having such a rich spiritual programme. In Zagreb and in Croatia in general, Medjugorje increasingly attracts, especially young people... They want to draw strength from Our Lady's source of spirituality, which is present here. This kind of pilgrimages will surely become a tradition among Croatian students..."
They went to pray on the Apparition Hill, the Cross Mountain, visited the "Cenacolo" community and participated in the evening prayer programme in the church.
FIRST COMMUNION IN MEDJUGORJE
In the parish of Medjugorje, First Communion is traditionally given on the first Sunday in May. This year, on May 5th, 2002, sixty-six girls and boys received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. A day before, they made their First Holy Confession. Their parents and catechists accompanied children on their way of preparation with the Eucharistic Jesus. Holy Mass was presided by Fr. Drago Vujevic. On this day, a very special atmosphere reigned in the whole parish, because children carry within themselves a breeze of life and of joy. Many local and foreign pilgrims joined the children and their parents in this celebration.
A BISHOP FROM KENYA ON PRIVATE VISIT TO MEDJUGORJE
From May 6 to 10, 2002, Msgr. Silas S. Njiru, Bishop of Meru (Kenya), came for a private visit to Medjugorje. We shall write about his impressions in the next issue of the Bulletin.
AMBASSADORS IN MEDJUGORJE
H. E. Mr. Li Shuyuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Medjugorje on April 23rd, 2002. He was received by the Pastor, Fr. Branko Rados, who took him around the Shrine. Mr. Shuyuan also visited "Mother's Village" and the "Community of the Cenacolo", and expressed his satisfaction about what he had seen and experienced.
Through the organisation of the ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia-Herzegovina and invited by the Tourist Office of Medjugorje-Bijakovici, eighteen Ambassadors accredited in Bosnia and Herzegovina visited Medjugorje on May 11, 2002. The Ambassadors visited the Shrine, and Fr. Branko Rados, pastor of Medjugorje spoke to them about the events.
In the name of the Tourist Office of Medjugorje-Bijakovici welcomed them Mr. Zeljko Vasilj, Director. He spoke to them about some difficulties that meet the pilgrims, linked to the system of visas. He asked their help in resolving this question, so important for the pilgrims.
SEMINARS IN "DOMUS PACIS"
In the month of April, a "Prayer and Fasting" seminar for pilgrims from Lithuania and from Ukraine was held in the house of prayer "Domus Pacis".
There was also a time of recollection for parents, tutors and children with difficulties in their development. 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)
THE 7TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR PRIESTS
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. 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 (as soon as possible) by e-mail: lidija.paris@medjugorje.hr, 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.
To bring with you: An alb and stole, a Bible, a small radio and headphones with an FM frequency (for simultaneous translation
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PRAYER MEETING - MLADIFEST 13
The 13th International Youth Prayer Meeting - MLADIFEST 13 - on the theme, "WITH MARY WITNESS PEACE AND JOY", will take place from July 31st to August 6th, 2002.
More about it: see www.medjugorje.hr under International meetings, MLADIFEST 13.
SPREADING OF INFORMATION FROM THE SHRINE AND COPYRIGHT
As we have already underlined on several occasions, the Shrine of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje and the Information Centre "Mir" Medjugorje are the only official voice and source of authentic information from Medjugorje.
We appeal to all of you to spread the information from the Shrine, and we encourage all the friends of Medjugorje to use the materials they find on this web page. When you use these materials, (texts, photos and others) it is obligatory to mention the source, i.e. (c) Information Centre "Mir" Medjugorje, www.medjugorje.hr. We kindly ask you to do so. We thank you for all that you are doing to spread Our Lady's message of peace!
Medjugorje, May 26th, 2002