Medjugorje Pilgrimage—hope does not disappoint

By Roger Sant

It’s hard not to renew your faith in a place where thousands gather annually from all over the world, a land of peace where praying the rosary in the streets is normal, where pilgrims stand before the ‘Queen of Peace’ outside St James Church, a Holy Door in this Jubilee Year, and climb Apparition Hill where the Blessed Mother appeared to six children.

Our journey began in Canada with a small group from Trinidad, including Frs Leslie Tang Kai and Trevor Nathasingh, and musician Marcellin Peters. After flights to Poland and Split, Croatia, a two-hour bus ride brought us to Medjugorje, visited by millions since the apparitions began in 1981.

Expectations were high, but the pilgrimage exceeded them, faith-filled, joyful, and charitable. We climbed Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain, supported by fellow pilgrims who helped those struggling with the demanding climbs. These moments of solidarity reminded us that God sends His angels in human form.

Medjugorje was bustling in mid-October. From Apparition Hill to Cross Mountain and the imposing St James Church, the Catholic faith was alive 24/7. Everywhere, pilgrims prayed, sang hymns, and lined up for Confession. It felt like stepping into a living sanctuary.

Apparition Hill

The first apparition occurred here on June 24, 1981. The climb over jagged rocks is a must for pilgrims, with Joyful Mysteries etched along the path. At the site stands a white statue of Our Lady overlooking the village, where pilgrims pray and bring petitions.

On October 18, visionary Ivan led the rosary and shared Our Lady’s five requests: pray the rosary daily, confess monthly, fast on bread and water twice weekly, read the Bible, and attend Sunday Mass. His words echoed the simplicity and depth of the Medjugorje message prayer, penance, and peace.

Cross Mountain

In 1933, 1,900 years after Christ’s crucifixion, locals erected a 29-foot cross atop a mountain. Pilgrims climb while praying the Stations of the Cross, a two-hour trek over jagged rocks with no defined path. At the summit, the cross contains a relic of the True Cross of Jesus donated by Pope Pius XI.

The climb tested endurance, but the spiritual reward was immense. Standing before the cross, wind sweeping across the mountain, we felt the weight of sacrifice and the triumph of faith.

Charity and community

This pilgrimage was not only about prayer but giving back. We pooled funds to buy food for a family of 17 and brought clothing and school supplies. Shopping for bulk items was a humbling experience as we worked in teams to stretch every dollar.

Visiting their home, we met the mother and children, who despite having little, offered us a drink, a gesture that spoke volumes about generosity and grace. It was a moment to ponder our own lives and blessings.

We also visited the Cenacolo community, which helps young people overcome addiction through faith, prayer, work, and charity. Their testimonies of transformation were powerful reminders that hope is never lost when Christ is at the centre.

Daily worship

Each morning began with praise and worship led by Frs Trevor and Leslie. For many of our Canadian brothers and sisters, charismatic worship was new, but the power of prayer filled the room.

Mass was celebrated daily at the hotel, St James Church, and other sites. Some pilgrims experienced a Life in the Spirit Seminar for the first time, deepening their understanding of the Holy Spirit. These sessions were life-changing, opening hearts to renewal.

We visited Mother’s Village, an orphanage founded to care for children displaced by the Bosnian war. At its chapel, we celebrated a moving Holy Spirit Mass and supported the orphanage by purchasing handmade items—a small way to contribute to their mission of love.

Sacred encounters

From Hotel Leone, St James Church was a short walk. We attended Mass in the church and in the large outdoor area where thousands gather for evening Mass and Adoration.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5.40 p.m., silence falls as Our Lady appears to a visionary. Confession is readily available, and it feels essential to participate fully in the sacraments. We were also blessed to venerate relics of St Anthony at St Anthony’s Cathedral and of St Faustina at the Divine Mercy Chapel.

Fr Leon, who is Chaplain to the English-speaking pilgrims, shared his own apparition experience, where Our Lady urged him to warn against gossip and slander, likening them to murder. Her message was clear: holiness begins with the tongue.

A lasting mission

All too soon, our ten-day pilgrimage ended. Leaving the Queen of Peace in the land of ‘Mir’ (peace) was bittersweet, but the experience was only beginning. We encountered Our Blessed Mother, her Son, and the Holy Spirit more deeply than ever. Now, our mission is to live that experience and share Medjugorje’s message with the world. It is what we are called to do: be witnesses of peace and hope.