On August 28, 2024, the Vatican formally approved pilgrimages to Medjugorje. It noted the many “positive fruits”, “abundant conversions”, “healthy practices of the faith,” and “numerous vocations.” The majority of our SMC exorcism team spent this last week in Medjugorje on pilgrimage.
I was blessed to greet the Holy See’s Apostolic Visitor to Medjugorje, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, after the evening Eucharistic adoration, who himself is regularly present in the prayers and devotions. His gentle, humble demeanor and beautiful smile gave a warm welcome.
I asked the SMC team members on the pilgrimage, over two dozen in all, to share their personal experiences of being there. Here are some of their reflections:
Since arriving here in Medjugorje, I am overwhelmed with our loving Mother’s presence within me, guiding me into healing of fear-filled experiences of my past…washing away anxiety and fear. I am now living with a new freedom.
My Medjugorje takeaway is this: Mary’s first message to the children was “Peace, peace, peace between God & man, and between all peoples.” And we will never find true peace with each other without first having peace with God.
You shall judge a tree by its fruits and the fruits of Medjugorje are very rich. Reception and Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, praying the complete Rosary, Fasting, Confession and Penance are the core of Medjugorje and the foundation of the Church.
I was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit during evening Mass and adoration. It is impossible to describe such an encounter with words. I feel like this trip is the beginning of a new season in my spiritual journey.
Being in Medjugorje is like having one foot in heaven and one foot on earth. I don’t want to return back to “the world”. The peace is palpable.
Our Lady is always leading us to her son: the heart of Medjugorje is Eucharistic adoration. Miracles happen here!!!
As I climbed Apparition Hill navigating the many rocks and steep incline to reach the summit and the statue of Our Lady, I was taken by the peace and beauty I encountered there. The climb, a striking parallel to the spiritual journey. We must sweat, occasionally bleed and certainly shed many a tear along the way, but at the summit all is redeemed as we rest in the gaze of Heaven!
Through the messages Mary has told us to “pray pray pray”. It is a simple message and back to the basics.
Wherever Our Lady appears, her grace overflows. It is no coincidence that she is called the Queen of Peace in this place, for this village and its people embody what it means to live in Christ’ peace. They radiate His love, selflessness, and desire to serve the Father.
The encounters I’ve had this week—with the sacraments, the warmth of the local people, and the fellowship of fellow pilgrims—have ignited in me a hope and zeal that can only come from God. My one desire leaving Medjugorje is to love Jesus more completely as Our Lady does.
I personally was graced in many ways. In particular, I was blessed to meet with one of the visionaries. I was touched by her radiant smile, pure joy, and inspiring words. I felt I was in the presence of a holy person.
Also inspiring were the fervent overflowing crowds at Masses, confessions, and the evening Eucharistic adoration. I include a short three-minute video which gives a little taste of these powerful prayer experiences.
There are “five stones” or basic principles of the spirituality of Medjugorje. They are:
1. Prayer with the heart: rosary
2. Eucharist
3. Holy Bible
4. Fasting
5. Monthly Confession
In addition, the Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence to Medjugorje pilgrims with the usual conditions during the Jubilee Year. This pilgrimage was a most blessed way to begin our Lenten journey.
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+Msgr. Rossetti will lead an online Lenten deliverance retreat from 11am to 2pm EST Saturday, April 12th. He will give talks on healing, spiritual warfare, answer questions, and pray deliverance and healing prayers over all present. Register here or go to our website. Don’t miss this special time of deliverance and healing!
++Our next free monthly deliverance session is Monday, May 12th. Rosary at: 6:30pm Eastern USA time and Deliverance Session 7-8pm. Register for March on our website or go here. (Once you’ve registered and received a link, there is no need to register again.) For a sample of the feedback from the last online deliverance session, see below. Join us in prayer!
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