Thoughts on Our Trip to Medjugorje

We just returned from our first pilgrimage to Medjugorje in many years. I was surprised at the sheer number of stores and vendors selling religious items and how commercialized everything around Medjugorje had become over the years. From the stories I heard from some of the pilgrims it was not like that in the past. All this commercialization could easily lead people away from God and towards shopping. But, when you walked onto the grounds of St. James the Apostle Church, Apparition Hill or Cross Mountain you felt the presence of Our Lord and Our Lady. Everything from the talks given calling us to simple faith and the grottos of our crucified and risen Lord helped put the commercial side out of our minds. Daily Holy Mass, confession, praying the Angelus, Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet each day helped keep us grounded in why we were in this peaceful place. The religious items or devotional items are here to help us to grow closer to Our Lord and Our Lady, that is why we hand carried some special items to share with you.

We have been praying all week for you and the intentions you have shared with us.

Don’t Forget, Jesus Loves You!

Chris