A Brief Guide To Medjugorje

Overview of Medjugorje

Since 1981, in a small village in Bosnia-Hercegovina named Medjugorje, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing and giving messages to the world. She tells us that God has sent Her to our world and, these years she is spending with us are a time of Grace granted by God. In Her own words She tells us, "I have come to tell the world that God exists. He is the fullness of life, and to enjoy this fullness and peace, you must return to God".
Our Lady's mission is one of peace and love. She has come to earth to reeducate us and to help us convert and recentre our lives back to God. Our Lady's role has always been one of guiding people to Her Son, Jesus. What a fantastic opportunity we have before us! It is important that we understand both the magnitude and the urgency of Our Lady's call to conversion, and that we respond to it with all our hearts. 
Our Lady continues to give messages to six young people from the village of Medjugorje: Ivan, Jakov, Marija, Mirjana, Vicka, and Ivanka. These six young people (referred to as "visionaries") have had apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary since June 24, 1981. In addition to these messages, Our Lady is to give each of the six visionaries a total of ten "secrets" or happenings that will occur on earth in the near future. Some of the secrets pertain to the whole world while others concern the visionaries themselves or their local village. Only one of the secrets so far has been revealed by the visionaries. Our Lady has promised to leave a supernatural, indestructable, and visible sign on the mountain where she first appeared. Our Lady said: "This sign will be given for the atheists. You faithful already have signs and you have become the sign for the atheists. You faithful must not wait for the sign before you convert; convert soon. This time is a time of grace for you. You can never thank God enough for His grace. The time is for deepening your faith and for your conversion. When the sign comes, it will be too late for many."
When each of the six visionaries has received all ten "secrets", Our Lady will stop appearing to them on a daily basis. Currently, Marija, Vicka, and Ivan have received nine secrets, and Our Lady still appears to them every day, wherever they are, at 5:40pm during daylight savings time, and 6:40pm the rest of the year, Medjugorje time. Mirjana, Jakov, and Ivanka have received all ten secrets, and Our Lady appears to them once per year, and will do so for the rest of their lives. For Ivanka who received her 10th secret on May 7, 1985 it is on the anniversary of the apparitions, June 25 each year. For Jakov who received his 10th secret on September 12, 1998, it is on Christmas day each year. And for Mirjana who received her 10th secret on Christmas 1982, it is on her birthday, March 18 each year. Our Lady has also been appearing to Mirjana on the 2nd of each month since August 2, 1987 for the express purpose of praying for all unbelievers. Mirjana tells us that it is very important that all of us pray for the unbelievers in the world, who are defined as those who do not yet know God's love. Sometimes these appearances on the 2nd of each month are in apparitional form, and sometimes as locutions. No one knows when Our Lady will give the tenth secret to Marija, Ivan, and Vicka.
There will then be three secrets revealed as warnings to the world. Mirjana will witness the warnings and they will ocurr on the earth. Ten days before each of the warnings, she will advise the priest of her choice (Father Petar Ljubicic), who will then fast and pray for seven days. Then, three days before the warning is to take place, he will announce to the world what, where, and when the warning is to take place. Fr. Petar has no choice and must reveal each warning. Mirjana's testimony will be a confirmation of the validity of the apparitions and an incentive for the conversion of the world. After the first warning, the others will follow within a rather brief period of time. So it is that people will have time for conversion. After the three warnings, the permanent visible sign will be left on the mountain where Our Lady first appeared in Medjugorje. Those who are still alive will have little time for conversion. For that reason, the Blessed Virgin calls for urgent conversion and reconciliation. The permanent sign will lead to many healings and conversions before the messages become reality.
The ninth and tenth secrets are grave matters. They are a chastisement for the sins of the world. The punishment is inevitable because we can not expect the conversion of the entire world. The chastisement can be lessened by prayers and penance, but it can not be suppressed entirely. An evil which threatened the world according to the seventh secret, had been eliminated through prayer and fasting. For that reason the Blessed Virgin continues to ask for prayer and fasting. The invitation to prayer and penance is destined to ward off evil and war and above all to save souls. Our Lady says: "You have forgotten that with prayer and fasting you can ward off wars, suspend natural laws.".
 Important Note: At all times, the visionaries and Our Lady stress that it is not important for us to worry about the secrets. The most important thing is for us to change our lives and convert.  Those who pray and follow the messages have no need to fear the future.
Since the apparitions began in 1981, over 20 million people of all faiths, from all over the world, have visited Medjugorje and have left spiritually strengthened and renewed. Many bring back stories of miracles in the form of healings (of mind, body and soul), supernatural visual events, and deep conversions back to God. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones, to investigate with an open mind and heart the messages which are given to us by Our Lady of Medjugorje. I invite you to read these messages and decide for yourself how this messenger from Heaven will affect your life and that of your family.
It is important to note that Our Lady's messages are meant to be assembled like a mosaic. To understand the full meaning and depth of Our Lady's messages, we should read and put them all together. A single stone removed from a mosaic looks plain or ordinary, yet if we look at the whole mosaic, it is a rich and beautiful picture. "By means of the messages, I wish to make a very beautiful mosaic in your hearts." (November 25, 1989). Our Lady has asked that we continually read, study, and meditate on the messages which she has given us. She has said: "Little children, read everyday the messages I gave you and transform them into life. I love you and this is why I call you to the way of salvation with God." (December 25, 1989).
The technique of teaching which Our Lady uses, reeducates us to be Christians. She accomplishes this by walking with us and guiding us step by step, message by message. Today, many people think it is not important to be a Christian. Others want to live a superficial form of Christianity which is easier or more convenient than living a true Christian life. Our Lady wants to show us through Her messages the real face of Christianity. This is a very long process because we as a society have strayed far from the truth and God and are slow to learn. This is true both in the church and outside the church. We have to accept being totally reeducated, little by little, by the Mother of God. The problem with mankind is not so much that people have bad intentions, there are plenty of good hearted people. The problem is that we sometimes don't see the truth; we are in darkness, and many of us are just blind. We do not realize that we have put ourselves into the hands of Satan because we do not know how to tell the difference between right and wrong. Many of us become the image of Satan without even knowing it.
No one could argue, regardless of religious orientation, that today's world is in a state of crisis. All one has to do is read the newspaper or watch television to be see how eroded the morals of our world have become. It is shocking to see and hear of the examples of inhumanity, cruelty, violence, abuse, drugs, war, crime, etc., etc. Much of the world has strayed far from a life centered around God and family. The answers which we need to redirect our life can be found by reading and living Our Lady's messages and the Scriptures.
"You are ready to commit sin, and to put yourselves in the hands of Satan without reflecting." (May 25, 1987)
"Do not allow Satan to gain control of your hearts, so you would be an image of Satan and not of me." (January 30, 1986)
"Children, darkness reigns over the whole world. People are attracted by many things and they forget about the more important."
"Light won't reign in the world until people accept Jesus, until they live His words, which is the Word of the Gospel."
"Dear children, this is the reason for my presence among you for such a long time: to lead you on the path of Jesus. I want to save you and, through you, to save the whole world. Many people now live without faith; some don't even want to hear about Jesus, but they still want peace and satisfaction! Children, here is the reason why I need your prayer: prayer is the only way to save the human race." (July 30, 1987)
We must realize that Satan is real. He uses us for his own end and purposes. His main purpose is destruction. Destruction of love, peace, faith, family, and life. Just as God gave David 5 stones with which to defeat Goliath, Our Lady is also giving us 5 Stones or Weapons we can use to defeat satan. We must realize that Our Lady's plan is for the entire planet, that this war is a war of love against destruction, and that Our Lady's goal in this struggle is the reign of love, and the return of souls to God.
Our Lady tells us that our personal role is "Great". We cannot do enough to live the messages. We must be willing to abandon ourselves completely. When put in proper perspective, our homes, our money, and our businesses are not nearly as important as gaining eternal life in Heaven after this life. Matthew 16:25-27 "Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process? What can a man offer in exchange for his very self?"

A SHORT HISTORY OF OUR LADY'S APPARITIONS IN MEDJUGORJE
 
For quite a while now, in Medjugorje (Čitluk, Bosnia-Herzegovina) six trustworthy witnesses, testify firmly under oath, that since the 24th of June 1981, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the "Gospa", as she is affectionately known as here, appears to them every day up to the present. 
 
The first day 
On the said date at approximately six o' clock in the evening, on the area of Crnica hill known as Podbrdo, the children, Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Vicka Ivanković,Ivan Dragićević, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović saw an incredibly beautiful young woman with a little child in her arms. She didn't say anything to them but indicated with gestures that they should come closer. Surprised and frightened they were afraid to come near, even though they immediately thought her to be Our Lady. 
 
The Second day 
On the second day, the 25th of June 1981, the children agreed to meet once again at the same place that Our Lady had previously appeared, in the hope of seeing her again. All of a sudden there was a flash of light. The children looked up and saw Our Lady, this time without the child. She was smiling and joyful and was indescribably beautiful. With her hands she gestured to them to come closer. The children braced themselves and went up to her. They immediately fell to their knees and began to pray the "Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be". Our Lady prayed together with them except for when they prayed the "Hail Mary". After the prayer she began to speak with the children. Ivanka, first of all, asked her about her mother who had died two months previously.And Mirjana asked Our Lady for some sign to be given to show to the people that they were neither lying nor crazy, as some people had said.  Our Lady finally left the children with the words,” God be with you my angels!" Before that, when the children asked her if they would see her the following day, she replied by nodding her head. According to the visionaries the whole encounter was indescribable. On that day two of the children, which made up the previous group were missing: Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović. They were replaced by two others: Marija Pavlović and Jakov Čolo. And from that day onwards according to these six children, Our Lady regularly appears to them. Milka Pavlović and Ivan Ivanković, who were present on the first day of apparitions, did not see Our Lady again, even though they returned to the apparition site, in the hope of seeing her. 
 
The third day 
On the 26th of June 1981, the children full of anticipation waited at around six o' clock, which was when she previously appeared. They were going towards the same place, to meet her there. They were very happy, although their joy was mixed with fear wondering what would be the outcome of all this. Despite all this, the children could feel some sort of inner strength attracting them to meet with Our Lady. Suddenly, while the children were still on their way a light flashed three times. To them and to those following them, it was a sign indicating Our Lady's whereabouts. On that third day Our Lady appeared even higher up than on the previous days. All at once Our Lady disappeared. But when the children began to pray, she reappeared. She was cheerful and smiling serenely and once again her beauty was overwhelming. As they left their houses some older women advised them to carry holy water with them to make sure that it was not Satan. When they were with Our Lady Vicka took the water and splashed it in the direction of the vision saying, “If you are Our Blessed Mother, please stay, and if you are not, go away from us". Our Lady smiled at this and remained with the children. Then Mirjana asked her name and she replied, “I am the Blessed Virgin Mary".  On the same day, coming down Podbrdo, Our Lady appeared one more time, this time however only to Maria saying, “Peace, peace, peace and only peace”. Behind her, Maria could see a cross. After which Our Lady repeated, in tears, the following words, “Peace must reign between man and God, and between all people!” The area where this took place is about half way up to the Apparition Site. 
 
The fourth day 
On the 27th of June 1981, Our Lady appeared three times to the children. On that occasion the children asked all kinds of questions and Our Lady responded. For priests, she gave this message. “May the priests firmly believe and may they take care of the faith of the people!" Once again, Jakov and Mirjana asked for a sign, because the people had begun to accuse them of lying and of taking drugs. "Do not be afraid of anything", Our Lady replied. Before parting, when asked if she would come again, she indicated that she would. On the way down Podbrdo, Our Lady appeared one more time to say goodbye with the words, “May God be with you my angels, go in peace!" 
 
The fifth day 
On the 28th of June 1981, big crowds were gathering from all parts even from the early hours of the morning. By noon there were about fifteen thousand people. On the same day, the Parish Priest, Fr. Jozo Zovko, examined the children on what they had seen and heard in the previous days. At the usual time Our Lady appeared again. The children prayed with her, and afterwards they questioned her. Vicka, for example, asked "My dear Lady, what do you want from us and what do you want from our priests?” Our Lady replied, “The people should pray and firmly believe”. Regarding priests, she replied that they should believe firmly and help others to do the same. On that day Our Lady came and went many times. During one of these times the children asked her why she doesn't appear in the Parish Church for every-one to see. She replied," Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe". Even though the crowds were pushing them with their questions and curiosities and the day was heavy and sultry, the children felt as though they were in heaven. 
 
The sixth day 
On the 29th of June 1981, the children were taken to Mostar for a medical examination after which they were proclaimed "healthy". The statement of the head doctor was: "The children aren't crazy, the person who brought them here must be though"....  The crowds on Apparition Hill that day were greater than ever. As soon as the children arrived at the usual place and began to pray, Our Lady appeared. On that occasion the Blessed Mother exhorted them to have faith saying," The people should believe firmly and have no fear." On that day, a doctor who was following and observing them, during the apparition desired to touch Our Lady. The children guided her hand to the place where Our Lady's shoulder was, and she felt a tingling sensation. The doctor, even though an atheist had to admit that, "Here, something strange is happening!". On that same day a child was miraculously healed by the name of Daniel Šetka. Her parents had brought her to Medjugorje, praying specifically for a healing. Our Lady had promised that this would come about if the parents prayed and fasted and strongly believed. The child thereupon was healed. 
 
The seventh day 
On the 30th of June 1981 two young girls suggested to the children to go by car further away to be able to stroll in peace. Really their intention was to bring them away from the area and keep them until after the normal apparition time had passed. However, even though the children were far away from Podbrdo, at the usual time of the apparition, it was as if an interior call prompted them to ask to be let out of the car. As soon as they did, and said a prayer, Our Lady drew near to them, from the direction of Podbrdo, which was now over a kilometre away. She prayed seven "Our Fathers" etc. And so the girl's trick had no effect. Soon after this the police began to hinder the children and the pilgrims going on Podbrdo, the site of apparitions. The children, and soon afterwards even the crowds were forbidden to go there. But Our Lady continued to appear to them in secret places, in their homes and in the fields. The children had already gained confidence, and openly spoke with Our Lady, eagerly seeking her advice, listening to her warnings and messages. The events of Medjugorje continued in this fashion up until the 15th of January 1982. In the meantime, the Parish Priest began to host the pilgrims in the Church, enabling them to participate in the rosary and to celebrate the Eucharist. The children also gave out the rosary. Our Lady sometimes appeared to them in the church at that time. Even the Parish Priest himself once while praying the rosary, saw Our Lady. Immediately he broke off praying and spontaneously started to sing a popular hymn: "O how beautiful you are, Most Blessed Virgin Mary". The whole church could see that something unusual was happening to him. Afterwards he stated that he had seen her. And so, he who up until then had not only been doubtful, but openly against even rumours of the apparitions, became their defender. He testified his support of the apparitions even to the point of serving a prison sentence. From the 15th of January 1982 onwards the children saw Our Lady in a closed off area of the Parish Church. The Parish Priest arranged this because of the newly arisen difficulties and sometimes even dangers, which the visionaries faced. Previously the children had ensured that this was in accord with Our Lady's wishes. Because of the prohibitions of the Diocesan Bishop however, from April 1985 onwards the children ceased to use the area of the church as an apparition site. Instead, they went to a room in the Parish house. All this time, from the beginning of the apparitions up until today, there have only been five days when none of the children saw Our Lady. Our Lady didn't always appear in the same place either, nor to the same group, nor individuals, nor did her apparitions always last a specified period. Sometimes the apparitions lasted two minutes, sometimes an hour. Neither did Our Lady appear at the children's will. Sometimes they prayed and waited but Our Lady didn't appear until a little while afterwards, unexpectedly and unforewarned. And sometimes she appeared to one and not to the others. If she hadn't promised an appointed time, nobody knew when she would appear, or if she would appear. Neither did she appear always to just the aforesaid visionaries, but to others also of different age, stature, race, education and walks of life. All this suggests that the apparitions are not a product of the imagination. It depends neither on time nor place, nor desire nor the prayer of pilgrim or visionary, but moreover on the will of He who permits it. 
 
MESSAGES
                                                    
According to the united testimony of the visionaries, Our Lady on the occasion of her apparition gave a series of messages, to be transmitted to the people. Even though there are many messages, they can however be summarized in five themes, because all the messages basically underline or lead up to these five. These have been referred to by Our Lady as the 5 stones to defeat Satan who is our Goliath.
 
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE MESSAGES
                                                    
PEACE
Already on the third day, Our Lady stressed peace as the first of her messages: "Peace, peace, peace and only peace!", after which she said twice, "Peace must reign between God and man and between people". Considering that Maria could see a cross, when Our Lady gave this message, the obvious conclusion is that this peace comes from God. God, who through Our Lady in Christ became our peace.(Ephesians 2:14)"For He is the peace between us"...This peace, “the world cannot give"(John 14:27)and that's why Christ commanded His apostles to bring it to the world(Matthew 10:11) so that all men could become "sons of peace"(Luke 10:6). That's why Our Lady as "Queen of Apostles" in Medjugorje specifically refers to herself as "Queen of Peace". Who better than she can more successfully convince today's world, which is faced with the threat of destruction, how great and how necessary peace is. 
 
FAITH
The second of Our Lady's messages is faith. Already on the fourth, fifth and sixth day of apparitions, Our Lady exhorted those present to have strong faith. Understandably, she repeated this message many times. Without faith we cannot arrive at peace! Not only this but faith is itself an answer to God's Word, which he not only proclaims but actually gives to us. When we believe, we accept God's Word, which in Christ became "our peace"(Ephesians 2:14). Accepting it, the individual becomes a new creature, with a new life of Christ within, and a share in God's nature (1 Peter 1:4, Ephesians 2:18) In this way the individual ensures peace with God and with others. Once again there is no one who can better understand the necessity and efficaciousness of faith than Our Lady. That's why she stressed it on every occasion and charged the visionaries to bring the light of faith to others. Our Lady presented faith as an answer to everything, no matter whatever people were looking for. She presented it as the pre-requisite of all prayer, desires and demands, relating it to health, wholeness and to all other human necessities. 

CONVERSION
Conversion was another one of Our Lady's frequent messages. This presupposes that she noticed either a weakness or a complete lack of faith in humanity today. And without conversion it is impossible to achieve peace. True conversion means, the purifying or cleansing of the heart,(Jeremiah 4:14), because a corrupt or 'deteriorated' heart is the basis of bad relations, which in turn brings social disorder, unjust laws, base constitutions etc. Without a radical change of heart, without the conversion of the heart, there is no peace. For this reason, Our Lady continually suggests frequent confession. The request is directed to all without differentiation because, “not one of us is just"...."all have wandered, not one does right"(Romans 3:11-12). 
 
PRAYER 
Almost daily, from the fifth day of apparitions onwards Our Lady recommends prayer. She requests everyone to "pray without ceasing" just as Christ himself taught.(Mark 9:29, Matthew 9:38; Luke 11:5-13) Prayer, therefore stimulates and strengthens our faith, without which our relationship with God is disordered;-as is our relationship with each other. Prayer also reminds us of how close God is to us even in our daily lives: In prayer we acknowledge Him, we give Him thanks for His gifts to us, and we are filled with a hopeful expectancy of that which we need, but particularly our redemption. Prayer solidifies the equilibrium of the individual, and aids us in our 'ordered relationship with God', without which it is impossible to maintain peace either with God or with our neighbour. The Word of the Lord acquainted itself with all humanity and awaits humanity's response. It is precisely this which gives prayer it's "justification". Our response should be "spoken faith", or "prayer". In prayer, faith animates, renews, strengthens and sustains itself. In addition to this, man's prayer really bears witness to the Gospel, and to the existence of God, thus provoking a response of faith in others. 
 
FASTING 
Already on the sixth day of the apparitions, Our Lady often recommended fasting because it aids faith. That is, the practice of fasting aids and ensures control over oneself. Only the person who can dominate himself is truly free, and is capable of abandoning himself to God and to his neighbour, as faith demands. Fasting guarantees him that his abandonment to faith is secure and sincere. It helps him to free himself from every slavery, but especially to the slavery to sin. Whoever is not in the possession of oneself is in some way enslaved. Therefore fasting helps the individual to restrain himself from disordered pleasure seeking which in turn leads him to a futile and useless existence often wasteful of the very goods which are necessary to others just for basic survival. With fasting we also retrieve the gift, which creates within us a realistic love for the poor and the destitute, which up to a certain point eases the difference between rich and poor. It therefore heals the wants of the poor and also heals the excesses and over-indulgence of others. And in it's own way, it gives a dimension of peace which today in a special way, is threatened by the difference in the lifestyles of the rich and the poor. (e.g. North and South). To sum up, we can say that Our Lady's messages underline that v peace is the greatest good, and that faith, conversion, prayer and fasting are the means by which we can attain it. 
 
SPECIAL MESSAGES 
 
Outside of the five messages which, as we have said are the important messages which Our Lady immediately gave to the whole world, she started from the 1st of March 1984, every Thursday, mainly through the visionary Marija Pavlović to give special messages to the Parish of Medjugorje and to the pilgrims who come. Our Lady therefore, outside of the six visionaries chose the Parish of Medjugorje together with the pilgrims who come here to be her collaborators and witnesses. This is clear from the first of the Thursday messages, where she says: “I am choosing this Parish in a special way and I want to guide it." She emphasized this once again when she said," I am choosing this Parish in a special way, which is dearer to me than others, where I joyfully went when the Almighty sent me."(25th March 1985). Our Lady gave a reason too for her choice saying: “Convert, you in the Parish, this is my second wish. In that way, all those who come here will convert."(8th March 1984)." I am asking you, especially the members of this Parish, to live my messages"(16th August 1984). First of all the parishioners and the pilgrims should become witnesses of her apparitions, and her messages, so that we can then unite with her and the visionaries in the realization of her plan for conversion of the world and reconciliation with God. Our Lady well knows the weaknesses and the nature of the parishioners and pilgrims with whom she wishes to collaborate in the salvation of the world. She is aware of the need for supernatural strength. That's why she leads them to the fount of that strength. This primarily is prayer. She ardently and continuously exhorts us to pray. Of all prayer, she especially stresses the Holy Mass, (7th March 1985, 16th May 1985) and recommends continuous devotion to the Blessed Sacrament (15th March 1984). She also encourages devotion to the Holy Spirit (2nd June 1984; 9th June 1984; 11th April 1985; 23rd May 1988, etc.) and the reading of Sacred Scripture (8th Sept. 1984; 14th Feb.1985). With these special messages to the Parish and it's pilgrims, Our Lady wishes that the first messages, which in the beginning were intended for the whole world, are deepened, made more acceptable and understandable to others. From the 25th of January 1987 Our Lady began to give the message on the 25th of every month instead of every Thursday, through the visionary Marija Pavlović. This still continues today. 
 
The visionaries as at November 2004.

Vicka	Ivan	Ivanka	Jakov	Marija	Mirjana	

Vicka Ivankovic - Vicka is the oldest of the visionaries. She was born September 3, 1964, in Bijakovici, and comes from a family of 8 children. Her prayer mission given by Our Lady is to pray for the sick. Our Lady appeared to her for the first time on June 24, 1981. For her, the daily apparitions have not yet stopped. Our Lady has so far confided nine secrets to her.
Vicka married on January 26, 2002, and lives with her husband Mario in the small village of Gruda, a few kilometers north of Medjugorje. Vicka and Mario are expecting their second child in October 2004. 
Vicka is of medium height and thin. She has sparkling eyes and a wonderful smile. She simply radiates love through her constant smile. She is filled with energy and has tirelessly spoken with pilgrims in Medjugorje for over 21 years.
Vicka: "Before, I prayed from pure habit. Now I've turned completely to prayer. I commit my life completely to God. I feel sorry for those who do not believe in God, because Our Lady wants no one to be lost. We can help each other find the right way to God. It's up to the people to obey the messages and be converted. Great things are happening here: Our Lady is among us. She wishes to attract everyone to Her Son. That's the reason She has been coming so long and so often. Here, everyone feels the nearness and the love of God. As role model and example, Gospa began, in January 1983, to tell me Her life story, which took over two years."
The information Our Lady dictated to Vicka over these two years is contained in two hand written notebooks and will be published when Our Lady tells Vicka it is time.
Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo - Mirjana was born March 18th, 1965 in Sarajevo. Her prayer mission from Our Lady is to pray for all unbelievers. She is the second oldest of the seers. Very intelligent, Mirjana graduated from the University of Sarajevo where her family lived. 
Mirjana was the second to see the Blessed Mother that day, June 24th in Medjugorje. Although her family lived in Sarajevo, she spent the summers with her grandmother who lived in Bijakovici. That is how she came to be in Medjugorje that summer. She had daily apparitions from June 24, 1981 till December 25, 1982. On this date, Mirjana received her 10th and final secret from Our Lady. Mirjana was the first seer to receive all 10 secrets. Since that time, Our Lady only appeared to Mirjana once a year on her birthday (March 18) until August 2, 1987 when Our Lady also started appearing to Mirjana on the 2nd day of each month to pray with Mirjana for all unbelievers. Mirjana tells us that Our Lady defines "unbelievers" as those who have not yet felt God's love. She tells us that if we only once saw the tears in Our Lady's eyes for all unbelievers that we would all begin praying intensely for this intention.
These special meetings with Our Lady are sometimes apparitions and sometimes locutions. Mirjana's 2nd of the month meetings with Our Lady used to be something very private. Not even her own family was with her during these visits with Our Lady. Mirjana always locked herself into her room and started praying. On January 2, 1997, Our Lady told Mirjana that from February 2, 1997 onward, her apparitions would be public. Our Lady invites all to join them in prayer on this 2nd day of each month for unbelievers. For those fortunate enough to be in Medjugorje on the 2nd of the month, you can join Mirjana for this apparition, which is usually held in the Cenacolo community in Medjugorje.
Mirjana is living in the parish of Medjugorje and is married to Marko Soldo who she knew since they were children. They have two daughters and meet with pilgrims often when they are in Medjugorje. Mirjana also helps out with many orphans at the orphanage in Medjugorje since the war.
Mirjana: "I didn't know Marian apparitions existed. I never heard about Lourdes or Fatima. The first day Ivanka had the vision of Our Lady, she was full of enthusiasm and wanted me to look too. I thought: "This can't be real!" But, Our Lady gave us strength to accept Her as a Mother. I've changed a lot. I realize how empty my heart was. Now, I truly feel God, the Mother of God, and the faith. My relationship with Our Lady has become one of a mother and daughter. Jesus is like a friend, or an older brother. Whoever believes in God, and opens himself up to God, needn't be afraid. God will be with him in the future too. If everyone believed in God, there'd be no war."
Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti - Marija is the third oldest member of the group. She was born on April 1, 1965, in Bijakovici. Her prayer mission given by Our Lady is to pray for all the souls in purgatory. She has three brothers and two sisters. When the apparitions started, she was studying in Mostar which is about eighteen miles away.
She is of average height and thin. Marija is most serene and deeply spiritual. She is a retiring and unobtrusive person. Those who know her describe her as "just beautiful" because of her deep spirituality, prayerfulness, and humility.
Our Lady appeared to her for the first time on June 25, 1981. She still has apparitions every day, and is the visionary to whom Our Lady gives the public message to the world on the 25th of each month. Our Lady has confided nine secrets to her so far. Marija is presently living in Italy, is married, and has four children. She visits Medjugorje a number of times each year.
Marija: "Everything has changed in Medjugorje. People started to pray and listen to Our Lady's messages. Before, I didn't pray enough. Now I want to pray more and more. I'm sure God gives much to everyone who's open to prayer. I tell people they should pray more, and Our Lady will give them peace in all that burdens them. It's not I, it's Our Lady who urges us to nurture prayer, to propagate peace, and to fast. She says that everyone who comes to Medjugorje, must be converted. They must encourage other people too, to pray and fast. God wishes us to pray and fast. God wishes to develop the parish and make it grow more and more in faith. If people accept the messages, God will lead them."
Ivanka Ivankovic-Elez - Ivanka was the first to see Our Lady on June 24, 1981, and is the youngest of the 4 girls and was born on July 21, 1966, in Bijakovici. Ivanka's prayer mission from Our Lady is to pray for families. Ivanka has one brother and one sister. Her Mother Jagoda, died in May 1981. When the apparitions first began, Ivanka asked the Blessed Mother about her mother. Our Lady told her that her mother was with her in heaven. God has allowed Ivanka to see and speak to her mother, who is in heaven, five times over the years.
She had daily apparitions from June 24, 1981, until May 7, 1985. On that day Our Lady confided to her the last of her ten secrets. Our Lady told her that for her entire life she will have an apparition every year on June 25, the anniversary of the apparitions. And so far it has been just that way. Ivanka is living in the parish of Medjugorje, is married and has three children, and a fourth due in August 2004.
Ivanka: "When the apparitions began, I was only a child. I prayed and went to church when my parents asked me to. Now when I pray, I feel united with God and Our Lady. Before, when I went to Mass, I didn't feel anything special. Now, I know God is alive at the Holy Mass and gives Himself completely to us in the Host. Concerning my own future, I leave it completely to God - my path will go in the direction God leads me. I have some advice for young people: I want to tell them to turn to God as soon as possible because He's the only one who can lead them to happiness and truth. We simply must pray more and live the messages of Medjugorje."

Ivan Dragicevic - Ivan is the oldest of the two boys who see Our Lady and was born on May 25th, 1965 in Bijakovici. His prayer mission given by Our Lady is to pray for priests and the youth of the world. There are three younger children in his family and although Ivan and Mirjana share the same last name, they are not related.
Our Lady has appeared to him every day since June 24, 1981. Our Lady to date has confided nine secrets to Ivan. He is now married and resides half the year in the parish of Medjugorje, and half the year in Boston, MA. Ivan and his wife Laureen have three children.
Ivan: "The apparitions made a big difference in my life - the difference between heaven and earth. For example, I arrange my day now so that even during the day I find time to pray. Before, my life had no meaning. Now, I'm filled with inner contentment. The first time I saw Our Lady, a change occurred in my soul, and in my heart. Before, I often avoided prayer, but now the difference is so great, I really can't describe it. I'm no longer sorry that Our Lady revealed my future. I'm confident and not afraid, because I know who leads me, and therefore, I'm not afraid of death. People in our parish, and all people, should feel that way."
Jakov Colo - Jakov is the youngest of the seers. He was born on March 6, 1971 in Bijakovici, and was only 10 years old when the apparitions started. His prayer mission given by Our Lady is to pray for the sick. Jakovs' mother Jaca, died on September 5th 1983 and it affected Jakov very deeply since he rarely saw his father who worked in Germany as many men did in those days with no jobs available in Medjugorje or the surrounding area.
He has had daily apparitions since June 25, 1981, and on September 12, 1998, Our Lady confided to him his 10th secret. Our Lady now appears to Jakov only once per year on Christmas Day. Our Lady literally raised Jakov since his mother died when he was so young. It was very difficult for him to accept that he would no longer see Our Lady every day. He wondered how he would continue, and struggled for months until he tells us that through prayer he realized that he was now like all of us who do not see Our Lady. He tells us that Our Lady is with each one of us always, and we can experience her in our hearts. Jakov lives in the parish of Medjugorje, is married and now has three children.
In the early years, the presence of the young fidgety boy among the group of seers is special in terms of the authenticity of the apparitions. It was highly improbable that he would come to church for two to three hours of prayer every single day, in winter as well as in summer, in bad weather as well as in good, and for well over three years, simply to make believe that he is seeing the Blessed Virgin.
Jakov: "From the time Our Lady first appeared to me, my life has entirely changed. Now, I pray more and go to Mass every evening. I try, more and more, to fulfill the messages that Our Lady gives us. I feel I'm closer to God now. I believe we have to pray that God's plans will be realized. I now want to live as a Christian. I begin the day with prayer, then go to school. when I get home, I help wherever necessary. To me, the Mass means an encounter with the living God. Our Lady always tells us to pray more."

Frequently Asked Questions

How many of the visionaries still see Our Lady?
As of the writing of this FAQ (September 2002), Ivan, Vicka, and Marija have each received 9 secrets and still receive daily apparitions from Our Lady. Ivanka, Mirjana and Jakov have received all 10 secrets and will see Our Lady once per year for the rest of their lives. Ivanka on the anniversary of the apparitions (June 25), Jakov on Christmas, and Mirjana on her birthday (March 18). Mirjana also receives a special apparition or locution from Our Lady on the 2nd of each month for the express purpose of praying for unbelievers. Our Lady defines unbelievers as those who have not yet experienced God's love. 

What does Our Lady look like?
Many have in different ways interrogated the visionaries about Our Lady's appearance, as they have in general about what is happening in the parish of Medjugorje. Fr. Janko Bubalo, author and member of the Hercegovina province, was the most successful at that. He followed the Medjugorje apparitions from the beginning. For years he was coming to Medjugorje to hear confessions and thus he had experiences of Medjugorje spirituality. A visible result of such work was his book A "Thousand Encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medjugorje" (1985). It met with world wide success and received an award. As he testifies, he spoke several times with all the visionaries and did not publish anything that they did not approve.
Time has passed and attempts at portraying Our Lady have multiplied. Many of those attempts have been contrary to what the visionaries have said. In order to bring order into all that, Fr. Janko, although up in years (born 1913), made another attempt. He sent a survey sheet to the visionaries in which he interrogates them about Our Lady's appearance. Most of the visionaries responded to Fr. Janko's attempt (Ivan Dragievic, Vicka Ivankovic, Marija Pavlovic Lunetti, Ivanka Ivankovic Elez, and Mirjana Dragicevic Soldo). They testified to the survey number of their own answers by personal signatures at Humac in 1992. Jakov Colo did not fill out his survey sheet for justifiable reasons, but he agrees with what the others visionaries said and had nothing special to add. We now present the questions in full and the results of the visionaries' brief answers.

1. As the first thing, tell me: how tall is the Madonna, that you regularly see? 
About 165 cm - Like me (Vicka ). [5 feet 5 inches] 

2. Does she look rather "slender", slim or . . .? 
She looks rather slender. 

3. About how many kilograms do you think she weighs? 
About 60 kilograms (132 pounds). 

4. About how old do you think she is? 
From 18 to 20 years old. 

5. When she is with the Child Jesus does she look older? 
She looks as usual - she looks the same. 

6. When Our Lady is with you is she always standing or . . . 
Always standing. 
7. On what is she standing? 
On some little cloud. 

8. What color is that little cloud? 
The cloud is a whitish color. 

9. Have you ever seen her kneel? 
Never! (Vicka, Ivan, Ivanka. . .) 

10. Naturally your Madonna also has her own face. How does it look: round or rather long - oval? 
It's rather long - oval - normal. 

11. What color is her face? 
Normal - rather light - rosy cheeks. 

12. What color is her brow? 
Normal - mainly light like her face. 

13. What kind of lips does Our Lady have - rather thick or thin? 
Normal - beautiful - they are more thin. 

14. What color are they? 
Reddish - natural color. 

15. Does Our Lady have any dimples, as we people usually have? 
Ordinarily she doesn't - perhaps a little, if she smiles (Mirjana). 

16. Is there some pleasant smile ordinarily noticeable on her countenance? 
Maybe - more like some indescribable gentleness - there's a smile visible as if somehow under her skin (Vicka). 
17. What is the color of Our Lady's eyes? 
Her eyes are wonderful! Clearly blue (all). 

18. Are they rather big or . . .? 
More normal - maybe a little bit bigger (Marija). 
19. How are her eye-lashes? 
Delicate - normal. 

20. What color are her eye-lashes? 
Normal - no special color. 

21. Are they thinner or . . .? 
Ordinary - normal. 
22. Of course, Our Lady also has a nose. What is it like: sharp or . . .? 
A nice, little nose (Mirjana) - normal, harmonizing with her face (Marija). 

23. And Our Lady's eyebrows? 
Her eyebrows are thin - normal - more of a black color. 

24. How is your Madonna dressed? 
She is clothed in a simple woman's dress. 

25. What color is her dress? 
Her dress is grey - maybe a little bluish-grey(Mirjana). 

26. Is the dress pulled in around the body or does it fall freely. 
It falls freely. 

27. How far down does her dress reach? 
All the way down to the little cloud on which she's standing - it blends into the cloud. 

28. How far up around the neck? 
Normally - up to the beginning of her neck. 

29. Is a part of Our Lady's neck visible? 
Her neck is visible, but nothing of her bosom is visible. 

30. How far do her sleeves reach? 
Up to her palms. 
31. Is Our Lady's dress hemmed with anything? 
No, not with anything. 

32. Is there anything pulled in or tied around Our Lady's waist? 
No, there's nothing. 

33. On the body of the Madonna that you see, is her femininity noticeable? 
Of course it's noticeable! But nothing specially (Vicka). 

34. Is there anything else on Our Lady besides this dress described? 
She has a veil on her head. 

35. What color is that veil? 
The veil is a white color. 

36. Pure white or . . .? 
Pure white. 

37. How much of her does the veil cover? 
It covers her head, shoulders and complete body from the back and from the sides. 

38. How far down does it reach? 
It reaches down to the little cloud, also like her dress. 

39. How far does it cover in front? 
It covers from the back and from the sides. 

40. Does the veil look firmer, thicker than Our Lady's dress? 
No it doesn't - it's similar to the dress. 

41. Is there any kind of jewelry on her? 
There is no kind of jewelry. 

42. Is it trimmed with anything at the ends? 
Not with anything. 

43. Does Our Lady have any kind of ornament at all? 
She has no kind. 

44. For example, on her head or around the head? 
Yes - she has a crown of stars on her head. 

45. Are there always stars around her head? 
Ordinarily there are - there always are (Vicka). 

46. For example, when she appears with Jesus? 
She's the same way. 

47. How many stars are there? 
There are twelve of them. 

48. What color are they? 
Golden - gold color. 
49. Are they in any way connected with each other? 
They are connected with something - so that can stay up (Vicka) 

50. Is a little bit of Our Lady's hair visible? 
A little bit of her hair is visible. 

51. Where do you see it? 
A little above her forehead - from under the veil - from the left side. 

52. What color is it? 
It is black. 

53. Is either of Our Lady's ears ever visible? 
No, they are never visible. 

54. How is that? 
Well, the veil covers her ears. 

55. What is Our Lady usually looking at during the apparition? 
Usually she is looking at us - sometimes at something else, at what she's showing. 

56. How does Our Lady hold her hands about her? 
Her hands are free, relaxed, extended. 

57. When does she hold her hands folded? 
Almost never - maybe sometimes at the "Glory be." 

58. Does she ever move, gesture with her hands during the apparitions? 
She does not gesture, except when she shows something. 

59. Which way are her palms turned when her hands are extended? 
Her palms are usually relaxed upwards - her fingers are relaxed the same way. 

60. Are her fingernails then also visible? 
They are partially visible. 

61. How are they - which color are they? 
Natural color - clean cut fingernails. 

62. Have you ever seen Our Lady's legs? 
No - never - her dress always covers them. 

63. Finally, is Our Lady really beautiful, as you have said? 
Well, really we haven't told you anything about that - her beauty cannot be described - it is not our kind of beauty - that is something ethereal - something heavenly - something that we'll only see in Paradise - and then only to a certain degree. 

Why didn't any of the visionaries become priests or nuns?
Our Lady told the visionaries in the early days that she would like them to become priests and nuns but told them that they had complete free will to choose. Our Lady asked that they strive to be a good example in whatever vocation they chose. Ivanka was the first to decide that her calling was marriage, and asked for Our Lady's blessing. Our Lady gave Ivanka her blessing, and added that she had chosen a harder path for her life than being a nun would have required. I know Marija, Vicka, and Ivan all seriously considered a religious vocation, but after much prayer, discerned that their vocation was the married life. We should not consider the decision to be parents and bring life into the world a less important or holy vocation than a religious vocation. 

What is fasting? How do you fast? What did Our Lady ask in Medjugorje?
In the Old Testament and in the New Testament, there are many examples of fasting. Jesus fasted frequently. According to Tradition, fasting is encouraged especially in times of great temptation or severe trials. Certain devils, "can be cast out in no other way except by prayer and fasting", said Jesus. (Mark 9:29)
Fasting is essential in order to achieve spiritual freedom. Through fasting, one is better able to listen to God and man and to perceive them more clearly. If, through fasting, we achieve that freedom, we will be more aware of many things. Once we are aware that we can enjoy the necessities of life without struggle, then many fears and worries fade away. We become more open to our families and to the people with whom we live and work. Our Lady recommends fasting twice a week: "Fast strictly on Wednesdays and Fridays." (August 14, 1984)
"The best fast is on bread and water. Through fasting and prayer one can stop wars, one can suspend the natural laws of nature. Works of charity cannot replace fasting... Everyone except the sick, has to fast." (July 21, 1982)
Fasting takes personal discipline. Start slow, and work your way up to bread and water only. Fasting means that we give up something that we like and offer that sacrifice to God. One can give up sweets, coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, television, etc. But, Our Lady stresses that the best and most powerful fast is on bread and water for a 24 hour period from midnight to midnight. Great graces come from fasting and it can help with situations in your life that seem hopeless. Fr. Slavko always used to be asked how much bread and water one should eat on fast days. His answer was very simple, "as much as you need". The amount and frequency are not really important, but rather our intention to fast out of love for God.

What is the message or purpose of Medjugorje?
The message of Medjugorje is a call to Peace. Our Lady gives us five Stones or Weapons (prayer, fasting, confession, the bible, and the Eucharist), which we can use to overcome the power and influence of evil and sin in our lives and therefore obtain peace. She is leading us step by step toward a life of holiness through the hundreds of messages she has given to the world through the visionaries in Medjugorje. It is no point in us trying to obtain peace in the world if we don’t have peace in our own hearts.

I heard about a special blessing Our Lady has given in Medjugorje?
This is a difficult question, and there is controversy regarding this reported special blessing. This issue stems from a reported apparition that Marija received while in the United States in 1989. The group responsible for reporting this message has been known to sensationalise information in the past. There is no official acknowlegement by the parish of Medjugorje that this message is correct, and actually their stance is that it is incorrect.
We do know that Our Lady offers a special motherly blessing to anyone present for an apparition. The difficulty starts when people claim that this blessing can be passed on by them to other people. The concern is mainly from a theological standpoint that lay people should not be going around blessing other people. Anyone convinced that Our Lady gave this special blessing and wants it to be passed on do it in the following way: "I ask Our Lady to send you her special blessing in Medjugorje" rather than saying "I bless or I give you Our Lady's special blessing from Medjugorje".

Isn't praying the rosary just mindlessly repeating prayers over and over again?
The rosary is one of the most powerful weapons we have against Satan, and Our Lady promises many graces to those who pray it. Praying the rosary is not repetitiously repeating prayers over and over again. There are Twenty "mysteries" of the Rosary, which we meditate upon while reciting the prayers of the rosary. Thirteen of these mysteries are taken directly from the bible and constitute three periods of Jesus life (birth, death, and resurrection). Two mysteries are dogmatic and are truths of our Catholic faith. There is no greater way to gain knowledge and be drawn into a deeper understanding of Jesus' life than praying the Rosary, since it is scriptural. There are incredible graces that come as a result of praying the Rosary. Our Lady asks that we pray all 15 decades every day, and asks that every family pray the rosary as a family as well as reads a small passage of the bible every day. 

Is Medjugorje just for Catholics?
Absolutely Not! Medjugorje is not just for Catholics. God loves all His people. Many people who come on our trips are not Catholic and come from many different faiths and religions throughout the world. What is most important is that we change our lives to put God in the first place. Although a good percentage of those of other faiths that visit Medjugorje do convert to Catholicism, it is only because of what they see in the Catholic faith. Not only is the Catholic Church the original Church founded at the time of Jesus, but no other faith celebrates or has the same beliefs as we do about the Holy Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, and the rest of the Sacraments of the Church, the most is given to Catholics and the most is also required. If you have questions about the Catholic faith please do some research. There are many good books which will help you understand the incredible richness of the Catholic faith. 

How do we know the visionaries aren't making these apparitions up?
There have been two major scientific studies done on the visonaries since the apparitions began in Medjugorje on June 25, 1981. The most recent of which was in 1998. Both drew the same conclusions, which are that the visionaries are healthy mentally and physically, they are not hallucinating, are not lying, and are definitely experiencing something that is beyond our scientific understanding that is unexplainable. Look at the "Fruits of Medjugorje". As scripture says: "You will know them by their fruits". There are thousands of documented physical healings and literally countless spiritual healings and conversions that have taken place in Medjugorje over the last 21+ years. 

I heard that one of the visionaries was dictated Our Lady's life. Is it available?
In the late 1980's Our Lady dictated her life to the visionary Vicka. The work is contained in two hand written notebooks, and will be published when Our Lady tells Vicka it is time. 

Why believe in Medjugorje if the Church hasn't approved it yet?
The Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Franjo Kuharic stated: “We Bishops after a three year long commission study accept Medjugorje as a holy place, as a shrine”.
His Holiness, Pope Urban VIII stated: "In cases which concern private revelations, it is better to believe than not to believe, for, if you believe, and it is proven true, you will be happy that you have believed, because our Holy Mother asked it. If you believe, and it should be proven false, you will receive all blessings as if it had been true, because you believed it to be true."(Pope Urban VIII, 1623-44)
Our Lady has repeated over and over in Medjugorje that we are living in a time of grace, and anyone who opens their hearts to Our Lady and Jesus in these times will receive special graces to resist and defeat the evils and temptations of our world. While it is true that believing in any Marian apparition is not required as part of our faith, passing up the incredible graces offered through these apparitions of the Mother of God is not something to be taken lightly. Many Catholics who live a very faithful life and who obey all the rules of the Church that are completely changed as a result of visiting Medjugorje. Their lives are dramatically changed and they are brought into a much deeper love of Jesus, Our Lady, and the Sacraments of the Church. The Holy Mass takes on a new intensity and they have a greater desire to pray, attend Eucharistic Adoration, and go to Mass more than just on Sundays.
It is likely that the Church will not continue its investigation into Medjugorje until the apparitions of Our Lady there cease. Refusing to believe means passing up the incredible graces that are being offered there to every single person on earth.

Jesus is our Savior, why give Our Lady all this attention?
This is actually more of a Catholic Faith question than a Medjugorje questions but I will try to give a simple answer. This could be a very long discussion but I think sticking to the simplistic reality of Our Lady's role in the Church is enough.
Some other faiths contend that Catholics worship Mary, or at the very least, give too much attention to Mary. If one excludes Mary, the mother of God, from their faith, then they are making a great mistake. The Second Vatican Council (Lumen Gentium #61-62) said: “The Blessed Virgin is invoked in the church under the titles of Advocate, Auxillatrix, Adiutrix and Mediatrix. This however is to be so understood that it takes nothing away or adds nothing to the dignity and efficacy of Christ, the one Mediator. For no creature can ever be put on the same level with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer…”
It is a fact that for the first 1500 years after the start of Christianity, Mary was very deeply revered and respected. The loss of this devotion among Christians has occurred primarily since the Reformation period (1500's), which is somewhat ironic since Martin Luther, himself, had a special devotion to Mary. In scripture we find that Mary prophesied herself, "All ages to come shall call me blessed." Mary is a special instrument in God's plan. While she is not to be worshipped, she is "blessed," and she deserves great respect for the role she played in our salvation by being the human tabernacle of Christ. She is a great model for all of us to follow. 
Our Lady's message in Medjugorje supports her role in the Church, and coincidentally is virtually the same message proclaimed by John the Baptist. Just as John's message, Our Lady points the way to her Son Jesus, and implores us to "repent", to change our lives to lives with God as our focus and core. It is interesting that Our Lady's first appearance in Medjugorje was on June 24, 1981, the feast of John the Baptist.

Belief in apparitions is not required as part of our faith so why bother?
It is true that apparitions fall under a category called "private revelation", which is not required for us to believe in as part of the Catholic Faith. So La Salette, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, etc. are all private revelation.
But, many incredible graces come to those who believe and follow these private revelations. We have all heard stories of dramatic healings of mind, body, and spirit in all of these major Marian apparition sites. Medjugorje is no exception, and I have personally witnessed many incredible miracles that have come about as a result of the graces given in Medjugorje. Our Lady has said many times in Medjugorje that we are living in "A Time of Grace". Our Lady asks us to take advantage of this grace to change our lives and those of our loved ones back to lives that will lead us to heaven rather than eternal damnation. As much as modern theologians and preachers of many denominations try to white wash this reality. There are only two places we can ultimately go, heaven or hell. Satan has done a very good job at making people believe he does not exist. We must put on the "Full armor of God" as St. Paul says if we are to survive satans attacks.
It is incredible to imagine that Jesus loves us so much that He has sent His mother to earth as early as the 1300's to warn us, and implore us to change. We have historically done a poor job of listening and responding.

I already believe in God and am a good person. Why do I need Medjugorje?
Most of the answer exists in the previous question, but anyone who has this attitude should truly look at their lives. Anyone who is honest with themselves, including the greatest saints, would ever dare to say that they did not have room for improvement. All would agree that they could have lived their lives better and more perfectly. Our time on earth is a great opportunity to do good. It is a great opportunity to earn merit. Once we die, this opportunity is gone. The graces offered to everyone who asks with an open heart in Medjugorje, will change their life. The graces will strengthen you in your faith, and bring you to a closer relationship with Jesus and His Blessed Mother. There is no refuting this. It is simple truth.

I heard the Church has condemned Medjugorje. Is this true?
A big NO!!! This is one of the most frequent questions/accusations. It is simply not true. The Holy See has affirmed its position a number of times over the years. It is best to start from the beginning and briefly give you a rundown of the facts.
Firstly, the Holy See and Pope John Paul II have kept a close watch on the messages of Medjugorje over the last 21+ years. They have never found anything that contradicts scripture or the Church. If they had, Medjugorje would have been condemned years ago. Our Lady's message in Medjugorje calls us to: Daily prayer of the Rosary, monthly Confession, daily reading of Scripture, fasting on Wednedays and Fridays on bread and water, and attending Holy Mass as often as possible. This is a simple message meant to help us in the lifelong process of conversion.
Bishop Pavao Žanic originally visited Medjugorje five times in the first two months of the apparitions in 1981 and performed a thorough investigation. Afterwards he came only to confer the sacrament of Confirmations to the faithful. In front of over 3000 people at Holy Mass, he declared: "I am deeply convinced that no child who says that they have seen Our Lady, has been talked into doing so. If we were speaking about one child only, one might say he could be stubborn and that not even the police could make the child renounce what he said. But six innocent, simple children in the space of half an hour, would, if they were pushed, admit all. None of the priests, I guarantee, had any idea of putting the children up to something.... I am also convinced that the children are not lying. The children are only speaking out what's in their hearts... It is certain: the children are not lying". (From a sermon given on the feast of St. James, the patron saint of Medjugorje, on the 25th of July 1981)
In "Glas Koncila", the Croatian national catholic newspaper, 16th of August 1981, he stated; "It is definite that the children were not incited by anyone, and especially not by the church, to lie."
It is unclear why in the months to follow that Bishop Zanic changed his mind. Some say it was due to threats and pressure by the Communist government of imprisonment of both Fr. Jozo and the Bishop if the apparitions did not cease. We all know that Fr. Jozo served 18 months of harsh inprisonment for refusing to denounce Medjugorje. Others say that a reported comment from Our Lady regarding a wrong judgement the Bishop had made with a Franciscan priest infuriated the Bishop. But regardless the ultimate outcome was that the Bishop turned against Medjugorje.
Then in 1984, a commission of 14 people was formed by Bishop Zanic that consisted mainly of members that had already declared themselves to be against the alleged events. They made two statements which basicly said that they agreed with the Holy See that a decision should not be rushed. Then in 1987 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger entrusted the investigation into the hands of the Yugoslavian bishops' conference. After three years of study the former Bishops' Conference of Yugoslavia on April 10, 1991 published their declaration in which among other things it states:
"On the basis of investigations up till now it cannot be established that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelations."
This statement does not mean that there is no apparition, but only that it is not yet established or proven. Words like these were really a compromise between the position of Bishop Zanic and the good fruits, which the events of Medjugorje were producing. The commission for pastoral life in the parish of Medjugorje decided to meet again on June 27, 1991. However, one day before, Serbia attacked Slovenia and the war broke out that put the last nails in the corpse that was called Yugoslavia. With the dissolution of the state of Yugoslavia, the Bishops Conference of Yugoslavia was also dissolved.
After the commission findings were made public in 1991, Pope John Paul II retired Bishop Zanic of his duties and handed over the responsibility to investigate and render a final decision on Medjugorje to a hand picked commission of Bishops. It is the current belief that this commission will not issue a final decision or continue its investigation until the apparitions have ceased. But of great importance is the last statement that they rendered in 1993 which states:
"We bishops, after a three-year-long commission study accept Medjugorje as a holy place, as a shrine. This means that we have nothing against it if someone venerates the Mother of God in a manner also in agreement with the teaching and belief of the Church. . . Therefore, we are leaving that to further study. The Church does not hurry." (Glas Koncila, August 15, 1993).
The replacement for Bishop Zanic was Bishop Ratko Peric. Bishop Ratko worked closely with Bishop Zanic for years, and it was no surprise that he held, and still holds the same negative opinion of Medjugorje. Bishop Ratko is reported to have never investigated Medjugorje, never spoken with or interviewed the visionaries, and visits Medjugorje only rarely for Confirmations and official functions. The important issue here is that Bishop Ratko Peric does not have authority over the final decision on Medjugorje. This responsibility still rests with the commission of Bishops. The local Bishop's negative comments about Medjugorje were addressed directly in 1998 by the Holy See in a letter to his Excellency Mons. Gilbert Aubry, Bishop of Saint-Denis de la Reunion. The letter states that Bishop Peric's position on Medjugorje is his personal opinion, which he is entitled to as local Bishop, but his opinion does not reflect the official position of the Church. 
Lastly is Pope John Paul II himself. Our beloved Pope is also very much a supporter of Medjugorje (although unofficially, which he must be until Medjugorje is finally approved). Most recently, in August 2002, Pope John Paul II wrote a personal note to Fr. Jozo Zovko thanking him for his ministry, and giving him his blessing. 
The Holy See has also stated and confirmed on numerous occasions over the years that travelling to Medjugorje is permitted. The only restriction is a pilgrimage can not be organized by the Church (because Medjugorje is not fully approved). It is perfectly ok for priests, bishops, and cardinals to travel to Medjugorje alone or with groups.

I heard the local bishop is against Medjugorje.
True! The replacement for Bishop Zanic, who was in power at the time the apparitions began, was Bishop Ratko Peric. Bishop Ratko worked closely with Bishop Zanic for years, and it was no surprise that he held, and still holds, the same negative opinion of Medjugorje. Bishop Ratko is reported to have never investigated Medjugorje, never spoken with or interviewed the visionaries, and visits Medjugorje only rarely for Confirmations and official functions. But with this said, the important issue here is that Bishop Ratko Peric does not have authority over the final decision on Medjugorje. This responsibility still rests with the commission of Bishops. The local Bishop's negative comments about Medjugorje were addressed directly in 1998 by the Holy See in a letter to his Excellency Mons. Gilbert Aubry, Bishop of Saint-Denis de la Reunion. The letter states that Bishop Peric's position on Medjugorje is his personal opinion, which he is entitled to as local Bishop, but his opinion does not reflect the official position of the Church. 
All the priests serving in Medjugorje are appointed by the Bishop and they are all under obedience to him. Monsignor Peric said on June 14 2001 that he does not believe in the supernatural nature of Medjugorje, but he expressed his satisfaction at the way the parish is administered.

I heard the Pope is against Medjugorje.
False! Our beloved Pope is also very much a supporter of Medjugorje (although unofficially, which he must be until Medjugorje is finally approved). In August 2002, Pope John Paul II wrote a personal note to Fr. Jozo Zovko thanking him for his ministry, and giving him his blessing. 

One one of the messages said that all faiths are equal. Isn't this against the Catholic Church's beliefs?
There was a question asked of Our Lady in October 1981 which was: Are all religions the same? Our Lady answered: "Members of all faiths are equal before God. God rules over each faith just like a sovereign over his kingdom. In the world, all religions are not the same because all people have not complied with the commandments of God. They reject and disparage them."
The difficulty that some Catholics have had with this answer is based on the belief that the only salvation is within the Catholic Church. But the Catholic Church does not believe this. In fact, Vatican II in its Dogmatic Constitution on the Church "Lumen Genitum" says this: "Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God, and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life." That pretty much says it all. Who are we to judge who goes to heaven and who does not? Unfortunately those bent on destroying Medjugorje will use any tactic to accomplish their goal. Those who do not know their faith are many times unknowingly misled by these people.

I heard that the apparitions in Medjugorje are the work of Satan.
If that is the case then Satan has converted!". Scripture tells us that you will know by their fruits. And the fruits of Medjugorje are simply incredible. Over 30 million people have visited Medjugorje since the apparitions began in 1981. Countless dramatic healings of mind, body, and spirit have been witnessed there over the years. The parish office in Medjugorje has volumes of medically documented healings. There have been countless conversions to a deeper Catholic Faith, conversions to the Catholic Faith, or simply conversions back to God. Take a look at who is involved with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at church, who is involved with prayer groups, attends daily Mass, is on fire with their faith. It is many times someone who has been to Medjugorje. This new breath of life is the grace that is extended to everyone who asks. Our Lady has repeatedly said that "This is a time of grace." We must take advantage of it! The message of Our Lady in Medjugorje is pray every day, fast on bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays, read the bible every day, go to monthly confession, and attend Holy Mass as often as possible. How could one conclude that Medjugorje is the work of Satan? 
One can refer to Scripture once again when we look at Matthew 12:24: "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man drives out demons only by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons." But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and no town or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand?"
 
I heard all the taxi drivers in Medjugorje drive Mercedes cars. Is this true?
It is true! Most are 20+ years old, and sell for $1000-$1500 USD. For those of us who have ridden in these gems they are anything but luxurious! You have to realize that a Mercedes in Europe is not a status symbol like it is in other countries. A Mercedes is like a Chevrolet. I can't imagine someone saying, "hey look at that guy, he is driving a Lumina!". The Bosnia and Hercegovina government also waved all import taxes on a car for men who served in the army during the war. This makes the cost of a car, including a new Mercedes, less than half what it is in the US. 
 
I heard one of the visionaries said Our Lady would only appear for a few days?
This is another popular argument against Medjugorje. One must understand that the visionaries grew up in a very poor and sheltered communist governed village of 95 families. They knew nothing of apparitions. They had never heard of La Sallette, Lourdes, Fatima, etc. When the apparitions began visitors began speaking to the visionaries about these other apparitions. From what they heard from these visitors they assumed that Our Lady would appear for the same short length of time. This was merely an assumption and proved incorrect. The important point here is that Our Lady did not say she would only appear for a short time.

I heard the visionaries are rich, live in big houses, and make money from the apparitions.
Not true. The visionaries live in homes that are the size of an average house. But the difference is they live in a small portion of the house and dedicate most of the square footage to accomodating pilgrims. This is the norm in Medjugorje. This is the way the visionaries survive. They do not charge money to speak about Medjugorje. They dedicate their lives to spreading the message. It is a full time job. They must be able to feed and cloth their children just as we all do. They work hard to cook and clean for the pilgrims that stay with them.

I heard that Medjugorje is nothing more than a money making scheme.
Not true. As with anything, or any place, there will be dishonest people who prey on the innocent. But they are fewer and virtually non existant in Medjugorje. The overwhelming majority of people in Medjugorje charge very little for what they do or for what they sell. The people there live simply, and never take advantage of anyone. I have seen shop keepers running down the street after someone who paid too much. I have seen wallets returned to our pilgrims full of money by taxi drivers. I think the best way to sum it up is to say that it is the most honest place to visit that I have ever been. I have never been cheated, and actually quite the opposite. People are always giving you something extra, and with a smile. The local people there work to supply visiting pilgrims with what they want in the way of food, clothing, rosaries, statues, etc. They work to make their stay more comfortable. There is certainly nothing wrong with that.

Where do I go from here ?

If this is your first experience of the Medjugorje messages, we hope you’ve been inspired to live the messages and learn more. Here is some information on where to find out more and how to participate in Marian activities. Even if you are already familiar with Medjugorje, you may find this a useful source of information to fill in any gaps in your knowledge. Remember, as Ivan said, we are in Our Lady’s school. We will never stop learning about our faith while we are on earth.

Marian Publications
Name	Address	Details	
Apostolate for the triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart	St James Avenue. (off Gleghorn Road), Kallista, Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia. P.O. Box 25A Kallista Vic 3791
kmorley@chestnuthill.mel.net
03 97552145(P)
03 97551003(F)	The Apostolate supplies books, videos, cassettes, cards and other items for purchase, sourced from around the world. Also a quarterly newsletter priced at $22 per year. Orders can be placed by email, fax, post and/or phone. Appropriate postage will be added to all items.	
A.T.V.5 Video Productions	Private Bag 2000 / Shire Centre 65-75 Captain Cook Drive Taren Point N.S.W. 2229
atv5@optusnet.com.au
02 95241990 (P)
02 95241993 (F)	 Video recording of religious events	
Ave Maria - Glenbrook	P.O. Box 40 Glenbrook N.S.W. 2773	Posters of Our Lady for railway stations etc	
Ave Maria - Perth	PO Box 1804 Geraldton 
WA 6531
avemaria@wn.com.au
08 99214365 (P)
08 99647635 (F)	Sister Emmanuel's Video and Audio Tapes	
Divine Mercy Publications	P.O. Box 351 Camberwell 
Vic 3124
03 98893923 (P)
03 98894459 (F)	Books, videos, cards, leaflets etc	
Mr John Voytas	 john.voytas@bigpond.net.au
02 47512746 (P)	Newsletter with monthly messages, Sr Emmanuels Report etc	
Marian Centre Newsletter	P.O. Box 60 Hillary 6025 W.A.	Printed every 5 weeks. Both local and global Marian information. Subscription by donation	
Medjugorje Sentinel	P.O. Box 746 Pennant Hills 2120
No Phone – Work part time.
02 99807806 (F)	Quarterly news on Medjugorje and many other topics	
Messenger of the Two Hearts	Marian Centre: 261 Hampton Street, Hampton, 3188, Victoria, Australia.
marcent@alphalink.com.au
03 95970333 (P)
03 95970333 (F)	Quarterly Magazine with many interesting topics.	
Perth Catholic Productions	Perth W.A.
info@perthcatholicproductions.com.au
08 92594054 (F)	The sole objective of Perth Catholic Productions is to evangelize the authentic faith of the Roman Catholic Church by producing, distributing and disseminating quality recordings on compact disc and audio cassette to promote the Holy Rosary and other teachings of the Catholic Church.	
Sydney Marian Centre	P.O. Box 86 Broadway 2007
02 92121457 (P)
02 92121138 (F)	Books, Magazines, Religious articles	
Wayne Weible's Books, Tapes and Newsletters 	 Rainbow Books – Many Locations.	Well known and popular books written by Wayne Weible	
Online Store (Will ship all over the world).	www.Medjugorje.org/newitems.htm	Huge array of items including books, Rosaries, statues, crucifixes, Medals, Music Paintings. 	
Medjugorje Electronic Resources	German De Silva
P.O. 1874 Sunnybank Hills
Qld 4109 	CDs, Screensavers, E-Books related to Medjugorje	

Medjugorje Prayer Groups

19 Walker St Five Dock NSW 2046 
8.15pm Every 2nd Friday of the month
Contact Veronique Henrisson (02) 9745 2927 (P)
Email VeroniqueH@hfm.net

St Michael’s Parish Hall Dorritt Street Lane Cove NSW 2066
7pm Every Sunday
Contact Leo Daly (02) 9428 1360 (P)
Email ldaly2@bigpond.net.au

Cathedral Seminar Room Geraldton WA
2nd Fridays of the month 7.30pm
Contact Peter Dew 08 9921 4365
Email Avemaria@wn.com.au

Queen of Peace Internet Prayer Group www.iipg-queenofpeace.org
Join your prayer requests with others from all around the world.

If you don’t have a group in your local area, you may wish to start one. However, it is recommended that you get your Parish Priest’s approval first.

Websites
If you have access to the internet, there are a number of very good websites available which will keep you up to date with what is happening with Medjugorje as well as providing much more information on the history etc of this wonderful place.
www.medjugorje.hr	The official Medjugorje Parish website. The official source of information about Medjugorje.
www.medjugorje.org	Run by an American couple, provides much information on Medjugorje and other Catholic topics. 
www.geocities.com/ausmedjugorje 	Australian website, focuses 
mainly on how to get involved in Marian activities in Australia
www.your-catholic-faith.net		Many items relating to our faith. A section 
on Medjugorje has just been added.
Most of the information in this booklet came from the first 2 sites.

Travel

Maybe you’d like to travel to Medjugorje. Contact Harvest Pilgrimages at either

NSW PO BOX A2574 Sydney South NSW 1236  Ph 1800 819 156   

VIC 	Suite 1 1st Floor 1 Smith Street FITZROY VIC 3065 
Ph 03 9495 6488 or 1300 552 955 (Country Victoria)