Yes, I am alive!!!
Praised be Jesus and MAry!
It has been a while, but here we are, back online.
I must say that it might be different now when I have this little baby girl on my side but I will try, together with Emanuel ( who is a super busy father now) to keep this page running.
This is just to let know all of you who were writing , calling , sending messages etc.. that we are ok, back home(me and the baby), back to the store and to the online world.
I have to go now but promise to write about all the good things in Medjugorje as we used to do.
Thank you all for your prayers and kind words. I promise we will write back to all of you but with over 700 messages in inbox , please give us some time.
God bless you
Anita
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Medjugorje in summer
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
This morning I am replacing Emanuel in the shop. I thought it will be easier but sun came up and I feel like we are in the midle of summer time. It is so hot!
Well All the Irish and English pilgrims are very happy with this so if nothing else I have to be happy for them. I realy enjoy sun but beeing pregnant means that you feel the heat more than other persons- now this is something to learn!
I also had to cancel one of my dear groups as I am not able to guide them under this conditions. I am so sorry as I really enjoy beeing with pilgrims. I love to be a guide! This group is coming from Canada and will be staying with visionary Ivanka. I am sure they will have the best time and also I know my colegue Laurance will do the best possible job for them too.
Ah, my baby is growing and is about to come. I have full month ahead of me but sometimes I come she will come eralier, maybe on the Aniversary day (25/06), although I was thinking how everybody will be so busy and I will end up driving myself to the hospital, auch!
In Medjugorje, as usual, many people. More and more pilgrims is coming from all over the world. Ivan visionary is in the village and we are beeing invited to the appartions with him and his prayer group. I think that is great experiance and would recomend everybody who are in the vilalge to join them and pray together with the group and with Our Lady.
This monday Ivan had the apparition on the hill but I am not alowed to climb up. So for us who are not able to go and climb in the dark the advice is to concentrate and to pray in silance in that moment when Our Lady arrives. You can do that also, just remember the time of apparition here in Mejdugorje is always at 18h40 .. recalculate that into your time zone and pray, pray, pray....
God bless you all
Anita
This morning I am replacing Emanuel in the shop. I thought it will be easier but sun came up and I feel like we are in the midle of summer time. It is so hot!
Well All the Irish and English pilgrims are very happy with this so if nothing else I have to be happy for them. I realy enjoy sun but beeing pregnant means that you feel the heat more than other persons- now this is something to learn!
I also had to cancel one of my dear groups as I am not able to guide them under this conditions. I am so sorry as I really enjoy beeing with pilgrims. I love to be a guide! This group is coming from Canada and will be staying with visionary Ivanka. I am sure they will have the best time and also I know my colegue Laurance will do the best possible job for them too.
Ah, my baby is growing and is about to come. I have full month ahead of me but sometimes I come she will come eralier, maybe on the Aniversary day (25/06), although I was thinking how everybody will be so busy and I will end up driving myself to the hospital, auch!
In Medjugorje, as usual, many people. More and more pilgrims is coming from all over the world. Ivan visionary is in the village and we are beeing invited to the appartions with him and his prayer group. I think that is great experiance and would recomend everybody who are in the vilalge to join them and pray together with the group and with Our Lady.
This monday Ivan had the apparition on the hill but I am not alowed to climb up. So for us who are not able to go and climb in the dark the advice is to concentrate and to pray in silance in that moment when Our Lady arrives. You can do that also, just remember the time of apparition here in Mejdugorje is always at 18h40 .. recalculate that into your time zone and pray, pray, pray....
God bless you all
Anita
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Prayer, Silence and Fasting Seminar at Domus Pacisi by Peggy
Okay, here I am sharing with you all my first thoughts regarding my pilgrimage and on the ? all in the "School of Our Lady". As I type this on the computer, my stomach is rumbling and ?singing?, and reminding me of the body's song to Jesus being adored in the Most Blessed Sacrament through out the Prayer and Fasting Seminar. Every stomach, adjusting to the bread/water/tea diet, was just singing away in the silence -- be it in the chapel, at meal times, in bed, or on the path to church! All petitions were with me throughout my pilgrimage and presented in the petition basket before leaving.
I arrived Wednesday evening of Holy Week, walkedimmediately through the fields to the evening prayer program for HolyMass, prayers, and adoration...a wonderful start for the two weeks in Medjugorje. The crowds grew each day I was there. I again stayed in Bijakovici so I was able to walk to St. James through the fields each day;climb Apparition Hill almost every morning. The walking is always important for me. It is a time for prayer out-of-doors and spring was infull bloom -- a time for rejoicing!
The retreat was neither a "pit" for me, nor was there a "fireworks display"at any point. It was pure discipline that I was absorbing. It is interesting that, before the retreat, I was the only pilgrim at Zlata'shome. Since she speaks no English I was already eating my meals in silenceand prayer before the retreat, returning to the same thing following the retreat. Somehow the contrast to my high school cafeteria would be broughtto my mind!! :)
"Letting go" was also a theme for me, departing on the pilgrimage with some heavy mental and emotional 'baggage' (you may recall some of my postsasking for prayers). This letting go, and letting God have all that is in my heart, is an on going process. There are times when it is easy, even in the most difficult circumstances. And there are times when it takes every effort of mind, body and heart. What time and age are teaching me isthat there are NO ANSWERS to the spiritual life...there is only process.Each lesson learned, has levels that continue to reveal themselves over theyears. Quite frankly I was a bit on edge thinking that I was going to go into the desert of some deeper levels of past healing, and that this wouldpresent challenges I was not capable of meeting. I try to surrender situations, and try not to control. But I usually fail and continue projecting my fears on the future? whether the future is the next hour,the next week, or the next year. This is what the Blessed Mother means when she says: "Also today I call you to have >more< trust in me and mySon." This English-speaking prayer and fasting 'seminar,' as it is called,begins early on Monday morning and continues through Saturday morning.Here are some of the 'particulars' although the schedule changed on somedays. There were 40 participants from America, Ireland, Canada andEngland. One young man was from Hungary. It was lead by Maria Dugandzic,with presentations by Fr. Ljubo translated by Nancy Latta. It was the first retreat offered in English since Fr Slavko died, and so very poignant for a number of people. And you could really sense Fr Slavko's presence! Maria reminded us continually to "keep the silence" -- silence not only of our speech, but also silence of the body...to move silently, walk silently.Awareness of our bodies as connected to thoughts, movement, prayer,emotions, reactions, needs, wants...it was interesting in both awareness and in practice for me. She said to create our own silent space within us. Forme this place became a meeting place where I could meet Jesus without distraction; to converse with Mary without interuption. Fr. Ljubo placed Jesus in the monstrance at 9 a.m. Monday morning. This Adoration continued until 8 a.m. the following Saturday morning. I prayed to once again fall in love with Jesus in this most Blessed Sacrament...and my prayer was heard.The only reading material we were to use was the Bible. It was also for me atime to fall in love with Sacred Scriptures! We prayed each morning and each afternoon together selected Psalms, using the lectio divina techniques.We broke into two 'choirs', left and right, while in the chapel and one side would read two lines of the psalm and the other side the next two lines, andso on. At the end, following a period of silence, we were invited to read a phrase or a line that struck us as individuals, allowing silent time inbetween. This was wonderfully effective in making the psalm a 'living prayer'.Meals were not a place one would ever go hungry. You were simply limited to bread for food; quantities were unlimited. There were baskets of freshbread -- four or five different kinds -- at each meal. Water in pitchers, awide variety of teas for hot beverage, lemon, sugar. And these all werealso available between meals, with the addition of apple juice being available between meals. The purpose was not to starve, but to limit; this limitation helped me to focus on the Bread of Life. Soothing music was played during each meal, which assisted in the meditation process. It is amazing what a little piece of bread, on an otherwise empty plate, will teach you!The only time we spoke was when we were singing or praying. Each evening we went to the evening prayer program at St. James, beginning with the rosaryat 5 p.m. We would return for dinner at 8 p.m., unless adoration began atthe church at 8. Following dinner we would return to the church for Eucharistic adoration or adoration of the Cross. Upon return to the house (Domus Pacis) we would sign up for adoration hours throughout the night.There was an afternoon break most days of two hours as our 'free time'.
I used this time to reflect and do some drawing, which is a form of meditationfor me. One drawing of a piece of bread has a host emerging from it...We climbed Krizevac one morning as a group. Some who could not make theclimb were given other 'assignments' that were to help them keep focus onthe retreat. We climbed Pdbrodo Friday afternoon in a rain and thunderstorm(we all wanted to do this!) and it stopped raining by the time we reached the top. We were the only ones there-- no small miracle! Saturday morning, the last day, we met in the chapel for prayer as usual at7 a.m. Fr Ljubo spoke briefly and we went up to a wonderful breakfast of eggs, coffee, bread (!), and little cakes to celebrate the end of our week's fast. Talk was plentiful, as was laughter! Some reflections I remember...some I took down as notes or sketches. I include a little more here..
Fearis the opposite of faith. I battled fears every day on the retreat. Thefears I thought I had renounced years ago seemed to resurface in a nebulousway. Sometimes I had no words for the fear, but they would manifest themselves in tears, and so I would have to back track in my thinking to see if I could identify the thoughts that preceded the fears. The theme for myretreat, before, during, and even now, is >>surrender<<.The healing that I received during and after Fr Jozo's retreat in 2002 was not repeated in any other form during/after this retreat. But I know there is soul excavation going on that allows the establishment of a wider anddeeper faith foundation in my mind, body, heart and soul. This knowledge is comforting, even though the work is, at times, indefinable. Dependence on Sacred Scripture is one gem that emerged with me from the five days ofsilence and fasting and prayer. The only vocalization made during the fivedays of silence was that of prayer or reading the Psalms, or singing songsof adoration. The 24-hour adoration was a dream-come-true. Time with Jesuswas precious and the voice of the Spirit -- His whisper -- was clear andtrue. The words of the Psalms were like glistening gems, completelyformed/cut/polished by then end of the individual reading. They would not simply resonate within my heart, but would hang in the air, suspended,almost a breathless whisper. The sentiment would then embed itself deeply into my mind and heart. I will try to remember to write the list of Psalms that we used, although I do not remember the order in which we used them. I found myself referring to the daily seasonal readings often throughout each day. I remembered to bring a little booklet that has the daily Mass readings in it. It was extremely helpful during the evening Croatian Mass.Each night the Gospel was proclaimed in ten languages! What magnificence!
After Easter the number of priest and pilgrim groups rose, and so eachevening there were 40 to 50 priests concelebrating Mass. The retreat was held between Easter Sunday and Divine Mercy Sunday...a great blessing, and such beautiful daily readings at Holy Mass! Divine Mercy Sunday is almost non-existent in Vermont, and so I LOVE being in a place where Mercy -- Divine Mercy -- is valued, honored, and praised. It is this very Divine Mercy that saved my soul, and I ache when I think of those who have not yet heard of it, and those who do not know it as a pearl of great price!
more to come...if you're not totally bored yet!! :))
Writen by: Peggy [fivestonesofgospa@yahoo.com]
I arrived Wednesday evening of Holy Week, walkedimmediately through the fields to the evening prayer program for HolyMass, prayers, and adoration...a wonderful start for the two weeks in Medjugorje. The crowds grew each day I was there. I again stayed in Bijakovici so I was able to walk to St. James through the fields each day;climb Apparition Hill almost every morning. The walking is always important for me. It is a time for prayer out-of-doors and spring was infull bloom -- a time for rejoicing!
The retreat was neither a "pit" for me, nor was there a "fireworks display"at any point. It was pure discipline that I was absorbing. It is interesting that, before the retreat, I was the only pilgrim at Zlata'shome. Since she speaks no English I was already eating my meals in silenceand prayer before the retreat, returning to the same thing following the retreat. Somehow the contrast to my high school cafeteria would be broughtto my mind!! :)
"Letting go" was also a theme for me, departing on the pilgrimage with some heavy mental and emotional 'baggage' (you may recall some of my postsasking for prayers). This letting go, and letting God have all that is in my heart, is an on going process. There are times when it is easy, even in the most difficult circumstances. And there are times when it takes every effort of mind, body and heart. What time and age are teaching me isthat there are NO ANSWERS to the spiritual life...there is only process.Each lesson learned, has levels that continue to reveal themselves over theyears. Quite frankly I was a bit on edge thinking that I was going to go into the desert of some deeper levels of past healing, and that this wouldpresent challenges I was not capable of meeting. I try to surrender situations, and try not to control. But I usually fail and continue projecting my fears on the future? whether the future is the next hour,the next week, or the next year. This is what the Blessed Mother means when she says: "Also today I call you to have >more< trust in me and mySon." This English-speaking prayer and fasting 'seminar,' as it is called,begins early on Monday morning and continues through Saturday morning.Here are some of the 'particulars' although the schedule changed on somedays. There were 40 participants from America, Ireland, Canada andEngland. One young man was from Hungary. It was lead by Maria Dugandzic,with presentations by Fr. Ljubo translated by Nancy Latta. It was the first retreat offered in English since Fr Slavko died, and so very poignant for a number of people. And you could really sense Fr Slavko's presence! Maria reminded us continually to "keep the silence" -- silence not only of our speech, but also silence of the body...to move silently, walk silently.Awareness of our bodies as connected to thoughts, movement, prayer,emotions, reactions, needs, wants...it was interesting in both awareness and in practice for me. She said to create our own silent space within us. Forme this place became a meeting place where I could meet Jesus without distraction; to converse with Mary without interuption. Fr. Ljubo placed Jesus in the monstrance at 9 a.m. Monday morning. This Adoration continued until 8 a.m. the following Saturday morning. I prayed to once again fall in love with Jesus in this most Blessed Sacrament...and my prayer was heard.The only reading material we were to use was the Bible. It was also for me atime to fall in love with Sacred Scriptures! We prayed each morning and each afternoon together selected Psalms, using the lectio divina techniques.We broke into two 'choirs', left and right, while in the chapel and one side would read two lines of the psalm and the other side the next two lines, andso on. At the end, following a period of silence, we were invited to read a phrase or a line that struck us as individuals, allowing silent time inbetween. This was wonderfully effective in making the psalm a 'living prayer'.Meals were not a place one would ever go hungry. You were simply limited to bread for food; quantities were unlimited. There were baskets of freshbread -- four or five different kinds -- at each meal. Water in pitchers, awide variety of teas for hot beverage, lemon, sugar. And these all werealso available between meals, with the addition of apple juice being available between meals. The purpose was not to starve, but to limit; this limitation helped me to focus on the Bread of Life. Soothing music was played during each meal, which assisted in the meditation process. It is amazing what a little piece of bread, on an otherwise empty plate, will teach you!The only time we spoke was when we were singing or praying. Each evening we went to the evening prayer program at St. James, beginning with the rosaryat 5 p.m. We would return for dinner at 8 p.m., unless adoration began atthe church at 8. Following dinner we would return to the church for Eucharistic adoration or adoration of the Cross. Upon return to the house (Domus Pacis) we would sign up for adoration hours throughout the night.There was an afternoon break most days of two hours as our 'free time'.
I used this time to reflect and do some drawing, which is a form of meditationfor me. One drawing of a piece of bread has a host emerging from it...We climbed Krizevac one morning as a group. Some who could not make theclimb were given other 'assignments' that were to help them keep focus onthe retreat. We climbed Pdbrodo Friday afternoon in a rain and thunderstorm(we all wanted to do this!) and it stopped raining by the time we reached the top. We were the only ones there-- no small miracle! Saturday morning, the last day, we met in the chapel for prayer as usual at7 a.m. Fr Ljubo spoke briefly and we went up to a wonderful breakfast of eggs, coffee, bread (!), and little cakes to celebrate the end of our week's fast. Talk was plentiful, as was laughter! Some reflections I remember...some I took down as notes or sketches. I include a little more here..
Fearis the opposite of faith. I battled fears every day on the retreat. Thefears I thought I had renounced years ago seemed to resurface in a nebulousway. Sometimes I had no words for the fear, but they would manifest themselves in tears, and so I would have to back track in my thinking to see if I could identify the thoughts that preceded the fears. The theme for myretreat, before, during, and even now, is >>surrender<<.The healing that I received during and after Fr Jozo's retreat in 2002 was not repeated in any other form during/after this retreat. But I know there is soul excavation going on that allows the establishment of a wider anddeeper faith foundation in my mind, body, heart and soul. This knowledge is comforting, even though the work is, at times, indefinable. Dependence on Sacred Scripture is one gem that emerged with me from the five days ofsilence and fasting and prayer. The only vocalization made during the fivedays of silence was that of prayer or reading the Psalms, or singing songsof adoration. The 24-hour adoration was a dream-come-true. Time with Jesuswas precious and the voice of the Spirit -- His whisper -- was clear andtrue. The words of the Psalms were like glistening gems, completelyformed/cut/polished by then end of the individual reading. They would not simply resonate within my heart, but would hang in the air, suspended,almost a breathless whisper. The sentiment would then embed itself deeply into my mind and heart. I will try to remember to write the list of Psalms that we used, although I do not remember the order in which we used them. I found myself referring to the daily seasonal readings often throughout each day. I remembered to bring a little booklet that has the daily Mass readings in it. It was extremely helpful during the evening Croatian Mass.Each night the Gospel was proclaimed in ten languages! What magnificence!
After Easter the number of priest and pilgrim groups rose, and so eachevening there were 40 to 50 priests concelebrating Mass. The retreat was held between Easter Sunday and Divine Mercy Sunday...a great blessing, and such beautiful daily readings at Holy Mass! Divine Mercy Sunday is almost non-existent in Vermont, and so I LOVE being in a place where Mercy -- Divine Mercy -- is valued, honored, and praised. It is this very Divine Mercy that saved my soul, and I ache when I think of those who have not yet heard of it, and those who do not know it as a pearl of great price!
more to come...if you're not totally bored yet!! :))
Writen by: Peggy [fivestonesofgospa@yahoo.com]
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Apparition at the Blue Cross on Friday 12/05/2006
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
Yesterday night , again, Ivan the visionary and his prayer group invited all the people from the village of Medjugorje and all of our pilgrims to join them in prayer at the Blue Cross.
Our Lady came and spoke to Ivan. All have prayed together with her and then Ivan told about the message she has for us. Unfortunatly I am not sure if I have the corect wording of the message but I can give you the message in general.
Our Lady called us to live the prayer and to live the peace not just talk about it. She repeted three times : pray, pray, pray!
I have to let you know it will be harder for me to write the message as I am so pregnant that my doctor and family will not let me go on the hill at night. Actualy they wil not let me go even in the morning or afternoon :-)
But I am hoping that good friends will still go and try to remember the message so that we can put it online for everybody to read.
God bless you all!
Anita
Yesterday night , again, Ivan the visionary and his prayer group invited all the people from the village of Medjugorje and all of our pilgrims to join them in prayer at the Blue Cross.
Our Lady came and spoke to Ivan. All have prayed together with her and then Ivan told about the message she has for us. Unfortunatly I am not sure if I have the corect wording of the message but I can give you the message in general.
Our Lady called us to live the prayer and to live the peace not just talk about it. She repeted three times : pray, pray, pray!
I have to let you know it will be harder for me to write the message as I am so pregnant that my doctor and family will not let me go on the hill at night. Actualy they wil not let me go even in the morning or afternoon :-)
But I am hoping that good friends will still go and try to remember the message so that we can put it online for everybody to read.
God bless you all!
Anita
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Message to the visioanry Ivan at the blue cross in Mejdugorje
friday, 05/05/2006
All of the sudden here in the village we hear that Ivan visionary is in town and he is inviting us all to come to the blue cross where we are to join him and his prayer group while they pray and wait for the appartion of Our Lady - Queen of Peace.
Here is the message which he received on that night from Our Lady. Please note, as usual, it is my modest translation to English and not the official parish translation. Official translation is not made for the messages of this apparitons at night nor for the message to Mirjana on the 2nd of each month. However we are trying to have this message on line for you to read. I am sure it will do us all much good to read it and, most important, start living it.
Dear children, also tonight I invite you to holyness, holiness in your families.
dear children, you have to understand that there is no holiness in the family without returning to prayer in the family.
For this I invite you even tonight: iniciate theprayer in your family with your children.
With prayer the peace and joy will retun.
Thank you dear children for responding to my call.
God bless you all
All of the sudden here in the village we hear that Ivan visionary is in town and he is inviting us all to come to the blue cross where we are to join him and his prayer group while they pray and wait for the appartion of Our Lady - Queen of Peace.
Here is the message which he received on that night from Our Lady. Please note, as usual, it is my modest translation to English and not the official parish translation. Official translation is not made for the messages of this apparitons at night nor for the message to Mirjana on the 2nd of each month. However we are trying to have this message on line for you to read. I am sure it will do us all much good to read it and, most important, start living it.
Dear children, also tonight I invite you to holyness, holiness in your families.
dear children, you have to understand that there is no holiness in the family without returning to prayer in the family.
For this I invite you even tonight: iniciate theprayer in your family with your children.
With prayer the peace and joy will retun.
Thank you dear children for responding to my call.
God bless you all
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Message to Mirjana on May 2, 2006
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
Sorry for not writing to you in such a long time. I have been with my group from US and Emnauel was busy in the shop.
Last ten days in Medjugorje were so busy that in some times we were thinking it is a time of Aniversary in June, if it wasn't for the rain of course. We had rain for 7 days. It has been so dificulte for my group as they never knew what changes will their guide make in the program :-)
At the end we got 2 days of the sun so we still managed to do the hills - Apparition Hill and Cross mountain.
We also went, as a group, to community Cenacolo to be present at the appartiton of Our Lady with visionary Mirjana. How many people !!!! We arrived about 7 in the morning but already it was packed. No room inside, although I had couple of my pilgrims getting in ( I do not know how) ...
The message we received is folowing:
"Dear children
I come to you as a Mother, I come with an open heart full of love for you.
Purify your heart from everything that prevents you to receive me so that
you can know My love and the love of my Son.
My heart wants to win trough you and to triumph. I invite you to that."
I promise I will write more of the news from the Medjugorje village, only now as my baby is about to come I am more dedicated to organise myself and the house for her arrival. After all it is our first one, I am sure that with the 5-th one I will be all relaxed LOL :-)
Once again we invite you to write about your Medjugorje experiances. We would love to have them online here on our website. I am sure that your witness can help many souls.
Love and blessings to you all!
Anita
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Summer Schedule at the Shrine
The summer prayer programme schedule at the Shrine of the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje begins on May 1st.
Praying of the Rosary in the Parish Church begins at 6.00 pm. Holy Mass is at 7.00 pm, followed by the prayer programme according to the day of the week. Eucharistic adoration on Wednesday and Saturday is at 10.00 pm. Both the Rosary on Apparition Hill and the Way of the Cross on Krizevac begin at 4pm
Praying of the Rosary in the Parish Church begins at 6.00 pm. Holy Mass is at 7.00 pm, followed by the prayer programme according to the day of the week. Eucharistic adoration on Wednesday and Saturday is at 10.00 pm. Both the Rosary on Apparition Hill and the Way of the Cross on Krizevac begin at 4pm
Centre MIR Medjugorje
Message of April 25, 2006
Message of April 25, 2006
“Dear children! Also today I call you to have more trust in me and my Son. He has conquered by His death and resurrection and, through me, calls you to be a part of His joy. You do not see God, little children, but if you pray you will feel His nearness. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
“Dear children! Also today I call you to have more trust in me and my Son. He has conquered by His death and resurrection and, through me, calls you to be a part of His joy. You do not see God, little children, but if you pray you will feel His nearness. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Friday, April 21, 2006
The seventh International Seminar for Married Couples
The seventh International Seminar for Married Couples will be held from the 1st to the 4th November 2006. The theme of the seminar is: “The family called to forgiveness and holiness” (“…I invite all of you, little children, that before all else forgive in the family…let your family be a place where holiness is birthed…”, from Our Lady’s message from 25th January 1996 and 24th of July 1986)
Bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones (for simultaneous translation) and a Bible.
Participation per couple: 40 €. You may make reservations by e-mail: seminar.marija@medjugorje.hr, or by fax +387-36-651-999. 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 September. All the participants are invited to individually provide their accommodation in Medjugorje.
7th INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FOR MARRIED COUPLES
The seventh International Seminar for Married Couples will be held from the 1st to the 4th November 2006. The theme of the seminar is:
“The family called to forgiveness and holiness”
(“…I invite all of you, little children, that before all else forgive in the family…let your family be a place where holiness is birthed…”, from Our Lady’s message from 25th January 1996 and 24th of July 1986)
PROGRAM
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
3 pm – Registration of the participants
4 pm – Introduction to the seminar
5 pm – Evening Prayer Program in the church (rosary, holy mass)
9 pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Thursday, November 2, 2006
9 am – Morning Prayer
9:30 am – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
12 am - Silent adoration
2 pm – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
5 pm – Evening Prayer Program in the church (Rosary, Holy Mass, Adoration)
Friday, November 3, 2006
6.30 am – Prayer on Cross Mountain
10:00 am – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
12 am - Silent adoration
2 pm – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
4 pm – Preparation for confession
5 pm – Evening Prayer Program in the church (Rosary, Holy Mass, Veneration of the Cross)
Saturday, November 4, 2006
7 am – Prayer on Apparition Hill
9:30 am – Morning prayer
10 am – Lecture, sharing
12 am – Holy Mass – end of the seminar
Bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones (for simultaneous translation) and a Bible.
Participation per couple: 40 €. You may make reservations by e-mail: seminar.marija@medjugorje.hr, or by fax +387-36-651-999. 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 September. All the participants are invited to individually provide their accommodation in Medjugorje.
Lecturers:
The Community "Word and Prayer" (Community MiR) is a catholic society of lay believers, whose founder is Ph.D. Tomislav Ivancic. The teachings of the Council Vatican II, which was held whereas he was a student in theology in Rome, are the source and the support of his inspirations related to the apostolate of the laity. In the Encyclical of the Pope Paul VI "Evangelii nuntiandi" (1975), consecrated to the evangelization in the contemporary world, the Community recognized its own nature. This is why the following period was marked by a spirituality of evangelization, and expressed through prayer groups and seminars of evangelization. In the 20-year-old practice, the evangelization activity proved to be an particularly successful model of evangelization, not only in Croatia, but also abroad. They showed that the experience of the presence of God acts like a remedy in the healing of spiritual sufferings. Thus Dr. Ivancic gradually developed an authentic model of proposal for a spiritual help, called later the hagiotherapy, according to which one works in the Centers for spiritual help, of which the first was founded in 1990, in Zagreb (Croatia).
The activities of the Community include several fields. The Community "is recognized by the Croatian Bishop Conference for a special mission: to lead people to the experience of the living God, through the seminars of evangelization, to work on the spiritual renewal of the world and to offer spiritual help in Centers for spiritual help (CDP). The first Center for Spiritual Help (in Croatian: CDP) was founded in 1990 as a humanitarian organization, serving those who suffer spiritually, persons plagued by fears, dejection, meaninglessness, aggressiveness, guilt feeling, suicidal thoughts, sense of failure, inability to accept oneself or others, marriage and family crises, problems with children, loss of a beloved person etc.; persons with deviant moral attitudes (bitterness, revengefulness, meanness, dependence of ideologies, sects, criminal deeds etc.); drug-, alcohol-addicts, dependence of the occult, of people etc.; persons searching for meaning, God, hope, understanding... Centers for Spiritual help exist in Croatia, in Austria, in Germany, in Belgium, in Switzerland, in Netherlands and in Italy.
The name of the Community, “Prayer and Word”, designates its essence: in prayer, it receives the power of the Holy Spirit who makes her able to give to people the living God through the Word.
Silva and Ivo Vrdoljak live and work in Slavonski Brod, Croatia, they are parents of two children, 18 and 13 years old. They have been living the charisma of the MiR Community (Prayer and Word Community), of which they have been members since they were students in the community of Prof. Dr. Tomislav Ivančić, for 25 years.
Ivo Vrdoljak is a food technology engineers and completed his spiritual formation under the leadership of Prof. Ivančić. He was director of the Community from 2001 to 2005, leader of the “MiR” community in Slavonski Brod, he leads many spiritual renewals.
Silva Vrdoljak is a theology graduate, hagiotherapist. She is the leader of the Centre for spiritual assistance in Slavonski Brod and a member of the parish committee on addiction. She leads many spiritual renewals for addicts, married couples, families, women, families of deceased soldiers, youth.
The charisma of the Community “MiR” has marked their life and they live and work within it.
Bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones (for simultaneous translation) and a Bible.
Participation per couple: 40 €. You may make reservations by e-mail: seminar.marija@medjugorje.hr, or by fax +387-36-651-999. 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 September. All the participants are invited to individually provide their accommodation in Medjugorje.
7th INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FOR MARRIED COUPLES
The seventh International Seminar for Married Couples will be held from the 1st to the 4th November 2006. The theme of the seminar is:
“The family called to forgiveness and holiness”
(“…I invite all of you, little children, that before all else forgive in the family…let your family be a place where holiness is birthed…”, from Our Lady’s message from 25th January 1996 and 24th of July 1986)
PROGRAM
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
3 pm – Registration of the participants
4 pm – Introduction to the seminar
5 pm – Evening Prayer Program in the church (rosary, holy mass)
9 pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Thursday, November 2, 2006
9 am – Morning Prayer
9:30 am – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
12 am - Silent adoration
2 pm – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
5 pm – Evening Prayer Program in the church (Rosary, Holy Mass, Adoration)
Friday, November 3, 2006
6.30 am – Prayer on Cross Mountain
10:00 am – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
12 am - Silent adoration
2 pm – Lecture, sharing (Comunity MIR)
4 pm – Preparation for confession
5 pm – Evening Prayer Program in the church (Rosary, Holy Mass, Veneration of the Cross)
Saturday, November 4, 2006
7 am – Prayer on Apparition Hill
9:30 am – Morning prayer
10 am – Lecture, sharing
12 am – Holy Mass – end of the seminar
Bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones (for simultaneous translation) and a Bible.
Participation per couple: 40 €. You may make reservations by e-mail: seminar.marija@medjugorje.hr, or by fax +387-36-651-999. 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 September. All the participants are invited to individually provide their accommodation in Medjugorje.
Lecturers:
The Community "Word and Prayer" (Community MiR) is a catholic society of lay believers, whose founder is Ph.D. Tomislav Ivancic. The teachings of the Council Vatican II, which was held whereas he was a student in theology in Rome, are the source and the support of his inspirations related to the apostolate of the laity. In the Encyclical of the Pope Paul VI "Evangelii nuntiandi" (1975), consecrated to the evangelization in the contemporary world, the Community recognized its own nature. This is why the following period was marked by a spirituality of evangelization, and expressed through prayer groups and seminars of evangelization. In the 20-year-old practice, the evangelization activity proved to be an particularly successful model of evangelization, not only in Croatia, but also abroad. They showed that the experience of the presence of God acts like a remedy in the healing of spiritual sufferings. Thus Dr. Ivancic gradually developed an authentic model of proposal for a spiritual help, called later the hagiotherapy, according to which one works in the Centers for spiritual help, of which the first was founded in 1990, in Zagreb (Croatia).
The activities of the Community include several fields. The Community "is recognized by the Croatian Bishop Conference for a special mission: to lead people to the experience of the living God, through the seminars of evangelization, to work on the spiritual renewal of the world and to offer spiritual help in Centers for spiritual help (CDP). The first Center for Spiritual Help (in Croatian: CDP) was founded in 1990 as a humanitarian organization, serving those who suffer spiritually, persons plagued by fears, dejection, meaninglessness, aggressiveness, guilt feeling, suicidal thoughts, sense of failure, inability to accept oneself or others, marriage and family crises, problems with children, loss of a beloved person etc.; persons with deviant moral attitudes (bitterness, revengefulness, meanness, dependence of ideologies, sects, criminal deeds etc.); drug-, alcohol-addicts, dependence of the occult, of people etc.; persons searching for meaning, God, hope, understanding... Centers for Spiritual help exist in Croatia, in Austria, in Germany, in Belgium, in Switzerland, in Netherlands and in Italy.
The name of the Community, “Prayer and Word”, designates its essence: in prayer, it receives the power of the Holy Spirit who makes her able to give to people the living God through the Word.
Silva and Ivo Vrdoljak live and work in Slavonski Brod, Croatia, they are parents of two children, 18 and 13 years old. They have been living the charisma of the MiR Community (Prayer and Word Community), of which they have been members since they were students in the community of Prof. Dr. Tomislav Ivančić, for 25 years.
Ivo Vrdoljak is a food technology engineers and completed his spiritual formation under the leadership of Prof. Ivančić. He was director of the Community from 2001 to 2005, leader of the “MiR” community in Slavonski Brod, he leads many spiritual renewals.
Silva Vrdoljak is a theology graduate, hagiotherapist. She is the leader of the Centre for spiritual assistance in Slavonski Brod and a member of the parish committee on addiction. She leads many spiritual renewals for addicts, married couples, families, women, families of deceased soldiers, youth.
The charisma of the Community “MiR” has marked their life and they live and work within it.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
Here are some picutures taken during Easter in Mejdugorje.
http://www.med-bz.it/pictures/pasqua2006/index.htm
As you know Emanuel and I do not take photos during prayer program
but we are glad that we can bring some of the atmosphere to you
thanks to the official Mejdugorje photographer.
God bless you all
Here are some picutures taken during Easter in Mejdugorje.
http://www.med-bz.it/pictures/pasqua2006/index.htm
As you know Emanuel and I do not take photos during prayer program
but we are glad that we can bring some of the atmosphere to you
thanks to the official Mejdugorje photographer.
God bless you all
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
May your Easter dawn with blessings for this holy day... May this time of miracles bring joyful surprises, your beliefs be strengthened and your heart filled.
Anita and Emanuel
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good friday- begin Divine Mercy Novena
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
Do not forget, today on the Good Friday we start our Divine Mercy Novena. If you have not done it before, start today. The Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday!
Jesus promised that “The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.”(Diary 699) He went on to say “I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy.” (Diary 1109)
From today say one chaplet each day following the novena intention
Divine Mercy Chaplet
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
.(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world
Divine Mercy Novena
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary 1209, 796)
First Day
"Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Third Day
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion." Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Sixth Day
"Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence." Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Seventh Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
Eighth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice." Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, likecorpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen
Letter from father Jozo
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said :"go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead." Matthew 28: 6-7
My dear brothers and sisters!
Never as now, have I felt such a profound need to thank Our Loand the the Queen of Peace for each one of you. It is 25 years since the beginning of the Apparitions - 25 years of growing up with the Mother as Our Lord in Nazareth did, growing in grace and wisdom, before God and man.
Each one of you is the fortunate one who has found the buried treasure in the field of our difficult times, a time in which people do not feel the need to stop before the Lord, a time in which our families have become "modern" without praying together. Instead of being with the Lord,they spend their time before television screens and its false prophets,teachers and friends.
You are the fortunate one before whom the Queen of Peace has stoppedand called you to dosomething new, something more than ordinary. You are fortunate because infeeling that you are chosen, you have listened to her call:"I have called you; I have chosenyou, and I need you." In visiting Elizabeth in Ain Karem, the Blessed Virgin brought greatpeace and blessing. Theothers, beside Elizabeth who was chosen, did not feel this. Not everyone has recognized or felt Our Lady's Apparitions in Medjugorje, only those chosen. It is those, who full of joy like Elizabeth, glorify, magnify and give thanks because they have recognized:"The Mother of my God has come to me"
That great joy is a new beginning in our lives, as it was in the life of Elizabeth.
The Apparitions and all the graces that entered into our lives, families, theChurch and the entire world through the Queen of Peace, have changed the lives of many. Our Lady uses the visionaries and calls them to witness to everyone despite all the trials and difficulties. She uses every pilgrim to transmit the message into his life and family. In a special way,the Mother uses us because we have responded to her call to live her messages and to bearfruit.
It is most difficult to move Medjugorje from the level of‘information’ into life, because themessages are not ‘information’ or an ‘event’ for newspaper articles. They are not merchandise for the marketplace, but a seed that seeks an openheart to be sown andlived so as to bear a hundredfold yield. For this reason I must always ask myself if my heart and my soul are open and humble; if they are nurtured like the earth and prepared for the sowing. Without fruit we are in great error like the Pharisees who defend themselves with various activities such as pilgrimages, fasting, listening to prayer programs andthe like. Our prayer family is much more. We are most like the community that Jesus formed to witness Him to the whole world, united in prayer and acts of love.
In order to be persevering and fearless in our Apostolate, we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to the Church, united in prayer with the Mother of Our Lord. Therefore, may this Lent be our precious time which we spend in fasting, prayer, sacrifice and listening to the Word of God. May this holy time of grace be a cultivation of our hearts and souls that we may be able to receive the necessary gifts and bear fruit.
By living the messages, let us help to prepare the way for themillions of pilgrims who will comeor have been to Medjugorje. Let us help them to be open to the graces and thus to participate in the renewal of the Church in the world. In this holy time, we are called to renew the fervor of honoring and adoring the Blessed Sacrament. We are called to pray for OurLadyÂ’s intentions and the intentions of the Holy Father. We are called to begin the Apostolate of living the Rosary in our midst and to start spending an hour with the Bible so as to reawaken the love and the faith in the living Word of God. Confession and the Holy Mass must be holy to us.They must become ou rleaning post for each spiritual advancement
. If we observe nations and families in the entire world today we willrecognize a difficultcrisis. The Queen of Peace responds to our needs and shows us the shortestway to our renewal. We are chosen. Let us respond to that call with faith and love.
I often observe those who come asking for help. They are mostly those who seek spiritual adviceand aid. So many knock on our doors to put themselves and their needs in our prayers. More than ever before, groups that pray are necessary to pray for those who never pray. Those who have timefor others, because they love, are necessary. The merciful Samaritans of our time are essential because there are many wounded. There must bethe signs on the way because so many have become lost.
My dear brothers and sisters!As I await the resurrection of the Lord, I also wait for our springtime andour rebirth. We areso needed by Our Lady and She counts on us. There are so many of those whospread error and bringdarkness; so many enemies of the family and youth. There are so manyenemies of the priests andreligious. Therefore there must be those who completely surrender so thatnone may be lost, asJesus told us. Do your utmost to grow and to advance. With great hope, I look forward to ourAnnual Meeting this year when we will reflect on ourselves and the messages which we have received. We will contemplate how and in what way we must be intercessors because this is more important than any medicine. For this reason let us pray that the HolySpirit may lead and move us for the messages to bear a hundredfold yield. I offer my prayers,fasting and good works for each one of you and your step forward. Wholeheartedly I congratulate you and wish you a happy and blessed Easter. May the Risen Lord say to each of us: “Fear not. My peaceI give you, my peace I leave with you.” May each one of us be a joyful messenger of His Resurrection.
Warmest greetings to all,
Sincerely yours,Fr. Jozo Zovko, O.F.M.
27.03.2006
My dear brothers and sisters!
Never as now, have I felt such a profound need to thank Our Loand the the Queen of Peace for each one of you. It is 25 years since the beginning of the Apparitions - 25 years of growing up with the Mother as Our Lord in Nazareth did, growing in grace and wisdom, before God and man.
Each one of you is the fortunate one who has found the buried treasure in the field of our difficult times, a time in which people do not feel the need to stop before the Lord, a time in which our families have become "modern" without praying together. Instead of being with the Lord,they spend their time before television screens and its false prophets,teachers and friends.
You are the fortunate one before whom the Queen of Peace has stoppedand called you to dosomething new, something more than ordinary. You are fortunate because infeeling that you are chosen, you have listened to her call:"I have called you; I have chosenyou, and I need you." In visiting Elizabeth in Ain Karem, the Blessed Virgin brought greatpeace and blessing. Theothers, beside Elizabeth who was chosen, did not feel this. Not everyone has recognized or felt Our Lady's Apparitions in Medjugorje, only those chosen. It is those, who full of joy like Elizabeth, glorify, magnify and give thanks because they have recognized:"The Mother of my God has come to me"
That great joy is a new beginning in our lives, as it was in the life of Elizabeth.
The Apparitions and all the graces that entered into our lives, families, theChurch and the entire world through the Queen of Peace, have changed the lives of many. Our Lady uses the visionaries and calls them to witness to everyone despite all the trials and difficulties. She uses every pilgrim to transmit the message into his life and family. In a special way,the Mother uses us because we have responded to her call to live her messages and to bearfruit.
It is most difficult to move Medjugorje from the level of‘information’ into life, because themessages are not ‘information’ or an ‘event’ for newspaper articles. They are not merchandise for the marketplace, but a seed that seeks an openheart to be sown andlived so as to bear a hundredfold yield. For this reason I must always ask myself if my heart and my soul are open and humble; if they are nurtured like the earth and prepared for the sowing. Without fruit we are in great error like the Pharisees who defend themselves with various activities such as pilgrimages, fasting, listening to prayer programs andthe like. Our prayer family is much more. We are most like the community that Jesus formed to witness Him to the whole world, united in prayer and acts of love.
In order to be persevering and fearless in our Apostolate, we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to the Church, united in prayer with the Mother of Our Lord. Therefore, may this Lent be our precious time which we spend in fasting, prayer, sacrifice and listening to the Word of God. May this holy time of grace be a cultivation of our hearts and souls that we may be able to receive the necessary gifts and bear fruit.
By living the messages, let us help to prepare the way for themillions of pilgrims who will comeor have been to Medjugorje. Let us help them to be open to the graces and thus to participate in the renewal of the Church in the world. In this holy time, we are called to renew the fervor of honoring and adoring the Blessed Sacrament. We are called to pray for OurLadyÂ’s intentions and the intentions of the Holy Father. We are called to begin the Apostolate of living the Rosary in our midst and to start spending an hour with the Bible so as to reawaken the love and the faith in the living Word of God. Confession and the Holy Mass must be holy to us.They must become ou rleaning post for each spiritual advancement
. If we observe nations and families in the entire world today we willrecognize a difficultcrisis. The Queen of Peace responds to our needs and shows us the shortestway to our renewal. We are chosen. Let us respond to that call with faith and love.
I often observe those who come asking for help. They are mostly those who seek spiritual adviceand aid. So many knock on our doors to put themselves and their needs in our prayers. More than ever before, groups that pray are necessary to pray for those who never pray. Those who have timefor others, because they love, are necessary. The merciful Samaritans of our time are essential because there are many wounded. There must bethe signs on the way because so many have become lost.
My dear brothers and sisters!As I await the resurrection of the Lord, I also wait for our springtime andour rebirth. We areso needed by Our Lady and She counts on us. There are so many of those whospread error and bringdarkness; so many enemies of the family and youth. There are so manyenemies of the priests andreligious. Therefore there must be those who completely surrender so thatnone may be lost, asJesus told us. Do your utmost to grow and to advance. With great hope, I look forward to ourAnnual Meeting this year when we will reflect on ourselves and the messages which we have received. We will contemplate how and in what way we must be intercessors because this is more important than any medicine. For this reason let us pray that the HolySpirit may lead and move us for the messages to bear a hundredfold yield. I offer my prayers,fasting and good works for each one of you and your step forward. Wholeheartedly I congratulate you and wish you a happy and blessed Easter. May the Risen Lord say to each of us: “Fear not. My peaceI give you, my peace I leave with you.” May each one of us be a joyful messenger of His Resurrection.
Warmest greetings to all,
Sincerely yours,Fr. Jozo Zovko, O.F.M.
27.03.2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Palm Sunday in Medjugorje
Celebrations have started with the blessings of the palm and olive branches at the foundations of the old church of Medjugorje then continued with procession towards the new St. James parish church.
There was so many people, specially Croatian pilgrims that I thought Emanuel and I will not be able to enter the church ground, but we did. However entering the church was just not possible, even to find a seat around the church was very difficult. I got lucky as one nice man decided to give his seat to a pregnant lady, me! Emanuel, on the other hand, had to stand all the way trough the mess.
The day was just perfect, so sunny and warm. I got some sun burns but I don't care. I just enjoyed the day so much. I love Palm Sunday as it is also my celebration of my own conversion here in Mejdugorje, so it is really a big feast for me.
As you know, Emanuel and I do not take photos during mass in Medjugorje church so
On www.medjugorje.hr there will be photos and text available within few days.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The Passion of Christ - live in Imotski
Palm Sunday in Imotski, only 50 km away from Mejdugorje. More than 200 actors and over 6000 parishioners told the story about the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The streets of this little town were full of people..
I am hoping that next year we will be able to bring some of you to see this Live. It is absolutly amazing...
I am hoping that next year we will be able to bring some of you to see this Live. It is absolutly amazing...
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Reflection on the last message-father Ljubo
I AM LEADING YOU ALONG THE PATH OF HOLINESS
“Courage, little children! I decided to lead you on the way of holiness. Renounce sin and set out on the way of salvation, the way which my Son has chosen. Through each of your tribulations and sufferings God will find the way of joy for you. Therefore, little children, pray. We are close to you with our love. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Message of March 25, 2006
This month the Blessed Virgin Mary begins her motherly message with the following words: "Courage, little children!" Mother wants to encourage, awaken and inspire her children along the path of holiness. Or, as she said in one of her messages: "You, dear children, are not able by yourselves, therefore I am here to help you.“ Mary is full of grace wishing the best to her children, and that is holiness.
In Church everybody is called to holiness. As our dearly departed Pope John Paul II used to emphasize: "Without any hesitation do I say that the perspective into which the whole of pastoral planning is to be placed is under the heading of holiness. It would be a contradiction to settle for a life of mediocrity, marked by a minimalist ethic and shallow religiosity." Blessed Mother Teresa used to say: " Holiness is not the luxury of the few, it is a simple duty for each one of us." The ideal of Christian holiness is not an extraordinary life lived exclusively by a few "great men" of holiness. Desiring to become holy means desiring to become more and more similar to the person we love. Man is turning into the ideal standing before him. We have the most beautiful, the holiest and the purest Mother - the Virgin Mary.
She is blessed because she believed. Her greatest glory lies in the fact that she has retained nothing of her own, nothing of her ego that might glorify her for her own sake. Neither did she place any barrier to the glory of God, nor did she oppose God's love and will. She was devoid of any stain of selfishness that may have tarnished God's light in her heart. Completely devoid of any sin, Mary was pure as the glass of a very clean window having no other task than to let the sunlight in.
It is her apparitions and her being close to here with which she tries to cast God's light on every heart, to encourage and lead every heart along the path of holiness.
If one is to go to another place, one must leave the place where one is. This is why she tells us to renounce every sin and everything that binds us. To have the courage to say No to a sin and Yes to God.
For our sake was Jesus tried, then suffered, was tortured and murdered. For our sake did he choose the path of salvation. He did all that for our sake, but he did not do it instead of us. He will not and he does not want to make the decision about our eternity for us. He is sending us his and our Mother so that we can decide in favour of life, and not of death.
God has a solution even in cases of most severe pain and suffering. With God nothing is tragic. The Virgin Mary is a witness to that encouraging us not to renounce prayer as a means of protecting us from losing our way on the path of salvation.
Thank you, Mary, for the safety you instil in our insecure hearts. Thank you for bringing Jesus to us and leading us towards Jesus.
Fr. Ljubo Kurtović
“Courage, little children! I decided to lead you on the way of holiness. Renounce sin and set out on the way of salvation, the way which my Son has chosen. Through each of your tribulations and sufferings God will find the way of joy for you. Therefore, little children, pray. We are close to you with our love. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Message of March 25, 2006
This month the Blessed Virgin Mary begins her motherly message with the following words: "Courage, little children!" Mother wants to encourage, awaken and inspire her children along the path of holiness. Or, as she said in one of her messages: "You, dear children, are not able by yourselves, therefore I am here to help you.“ Mary is full of grace wishing the best to her children, and that is holiness.
In Church everybody is called to holiness. As our dearly departed Pope John Paul II used to emphasize: "Without any hesitation do I say that the perspective into which the whole of pastoral planning is to be placed is under the heading of holiness. It would be a contradiction to settle for a life of mediocrity, marked by a minimalist ethic and shallow religiosity." Blessed Mother Teresa used to say: " Holiness is not the luxury of the few, it is a simple duty for each one of us." The ideal of Christian holiness is not an extraordinary life lived exclusively by a few "great men" of holiness. Desiring to become holy means desiring to become more and more similar to the person we love. Man is turning into the ideal standing before him. We have the most beautiful, the holiest and the purest Mother - the Virgin Mary.
She is blessed because she believed. Her greatest glory lies in the fact that she has retained nothing of her own, nothing of her ego that might glorify her for her own sake. Neither did she place any barrier to the glory of God, nor did she oppose God's love and will. She was devoid of any stain of selfishness that may have tarnished God's light in her heart. Completely devoid of any sin, Mary was pure as the glass of a very clean window having no other task than to let the sunlight in.
It is her apparitions and her being close to here with which she tries to cast God's light on every heart, to encourage and lead every heart along the path of holiness.
If one is to go to another place, one must leave the place where one is. This is why she tells us to renounce every sin and everything that binds us. To have the courage to say No to a sin and Yes to God.
For our sake was Jesus tried, then suffered, was tortured and murdered. For our sake did he choose the path of salvation. He did all that for our sake, but he did not do it instead of us. He will not and he does not want to make the decision about our eternity for us. He is sending us his and our Mother so that we can decide in favour of life, and not of death.
God has a solution even in cases of most severe pain and suffering. With God nothing is tragic. The Virgin Mary is a witness to that encouraging us not to renounce prayer as a means of protecting us from losing our way on the path of salvation.
Thank you, Mary, for the safety you instil in our insecure hearts. Thank you for bringing Jesus to us and leading us towards Jesus.
Fr. Ljubo Kurtović
Monday, April 03, 2006
Message to MIrjana on 02/04/2006
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
Here is the message Our Lady gave to MIrjana yesterday:
Dear Children,
I come to you, because I wish to show you, by my own example, the importance of the prayer for those who have not known the love of God. Ask yourself if you are following me?
My children, don't you recognize the signs of times? Don't you talk about them? Follow me. As your Mother I call you! Thank you for having responded.
Here is the message as translated by father Ljubo to Italian
Cari figli!
Vengo a voi perche desidero con il mio esempio mostrarvi l'importanza della preghiera per quelli che non hanno conosciuto l'amore di Dio. Domandatevi se mi seguite? Figli miei, non riconoscete i segni dei tempi? Non parlate de essi? venite dietro di me. Come Madre vi chiamo. Grazie perche avete risposto.
Here is the message Our Lady gave to MIrjana yesterday:
Dear Children,
I come to you, because I wish to show you, by my own example, the importance of the prayer for those who have not known the love of God. Ask yourself if you are following me?
My children, don't you recognize the signs of times? Don't you talk about them? Follow me. As your Mother I call you! Thank you for having responded.
Here is the message as translated by father Ljubo to Italian
Cari figli!
Vengo a voi perche desidero con il mio esempio mostrarvi l'importanza della preghiera per quelli che non hanno conosciuto l'amore di Dio. Domandatevi se mi seguite? Figli miei, non riconoscete i segni dei tempi? Non parlate de essi? venite dietro di me. Come Madre vi chiamo. Grazie perche avete risposto.
message - on hold
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
As you know , yesterday morning Our Lady came to visionary Mirjana in the community Cenacolo. For you who are waiting for the message I must say that there is a message but you will have to wait for a little while until I do the translation in English.
As always there was so many people and it is hard to get the message clearly so some of the translation done was not correct and we will have to check one more time, compare with original Croatian. As far as I could understand the problem was during the Italian translation, where the person was not saying the correct translation, even Mirjana was saying that it is wrong and that Our Lady did not say that. So you will understand me for not putting anything online just yet. As our site grows bigger and bigger it is more and more responsibility for us.
We are dedicated to spreading the message, but we want to stay close to Our Lady and her true words. Even the translation of the message is not "official" we do give our best to make it as closest to the original as possible.
As we have heard Mirjana will give the original message to father Ljubo, who was not present at the apparition yesterday morning, and he will do the Italian translation.
God bless you all
Anita
As you know , yesterday morning Our Lady came to visionary Mirjana in the community Cenacolo. For you who are waiting for the message I must say that there is a message but you will have to wait for a little while until I do the translation in English.
As always there was so many people and it is hard to get the message clearly so some of the translation done was not correct and we will have to check one more time, compare with original Croatian. As far as I could understand the problem was during the Italian translation, where the person was not saying the correct translation, even Mirjana was saying that it is wrong and that Our Lady did not say that. So you will understand me for not putting anything online just yet. As our site grows bigger and bigger it is more and more responsibility for us.
We are dedicated to spreading the message, but we want to stay close to Our Lady and her true words. Even the translation of the message is not "official" we do give our best to make it as closest to the original as possible.
As we have heard Mirjana will give the original message to father Ljubo, who was not present at the apparition yesterday morning, and he will do the Italian translation.
God bless you all
Anita
Friends in crisis!- GOSPA FLORIDA
The latest news from Gospa Florida, Inc.
GOSPA FLORIDA, Inc. continues to work on humanitarian and medical aid for Bosnia, Croatia and Haiti. Currently we are in possession of 2 donated Craftmatic beds (with mattresses) and 30 used night stands. Boxes of assorted medical supplies have also been received from numerous sources. All these are currently stored at various locations (wherever a bit of space was available)as we continue to seek another storage facility. It looked like we might be given donated space but our benefactor/liaison person fell ill bringing a halt to negotiations . Please see the CRISIS notice below. The need is more urgent than ever.
Meanwhile we have continued with our twice-a-year suitcase aid to the Medjugorje area including Mostar. This is done as we do pilgrimage to Medjugorje, allowing us to transport the donations free of cost. We have delivered loads of disposable gloves, syringes, colonoscopy supplies, diabetic testing supplies, general patient care items and beautiful handmade baby afghans, bonnets, sweaters and booties for the newborns. This is only a partial listing of the generous donations we've transported to that needy area. We provide assistance to the Old Mostar Hospital, the TB/Respiratory Disease Hospital (both in Mostar), St. Joseph's Home for the indigent aged, the Oasis of Peace, Campo della Vita (Cenacolo) Community and the new women's facility, and the orphanage, Mothers' Village. Delivering all these goodies is a highlight of our pilgrimage particularly for those pilgrims visiting Medjugorje for the first time. We pray daily for the many generous benefactors who make this ongoing and so rewarding work possible.
Meanwhile we have continued with our twice-a-year suitcase aid to the Medjugorje area including Mostar. This is done as we do pilgrimage to Medjugorje, allowing us to transport the donations free of cost. We have delivered loads of disposable gloves, syringes, colonoscopy supplies, diabetic testing supplies, general patient care items and beautiful handmade baby afghans, bonnets, sweaters and booties for the newborns. This is only a partial listing of the generous donations we've transported to that needy area. We provide assistance to the Old Mostar Hospital, the TB/Respiratory Disease Hospital (both in Mostar), St. Joseph's Home for the indigent aged, the Oasis of Peace, Campo della Vita (Cenacolo) Community and the new women's facility, and the orphanage, Mothers' Village. Delivering all these goodies is a highlight of our pilgrimage particularly for those pilgrims visiting Medjugorje for the first time. We pray daily for the many generous benefactors who make this ongoing and so rewarding work possible.
CRISIS !!!
Our generous benefactor can no longer supply us with a storage facility. HELP! We are currently unable to accept great medical donations due to loss of the storage facility. Needed desperately: a dry, secure and easily accessible storage space to sort, inventory and pack medical goods and equipment prior to shipment to needy areas worldwide. Facility approx. 20 feet by 20 feet or larger and available for a minimum of six months would be ideal.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS INTENTION!
www.gospafl.com
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The 17th International Youth Festival - Mladifest 17 – Medjugorje 2006
The 17th International Youth Festival - Mladifest 17 – will take place in Medjugorje from August 1st to August 6th, 2006. The theme of the encounter is, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119 [118]:105) (“Dear children … witness with your life that you believe and live the Word of God. - Message of January 25, 2006) This theme is in harmony with the theme of the 21st World Youth Day, which is taking place on April 9th (Palm Sunday) in local Churches. Holy Father is addressing his word to young people:
“From this moment onwards, my dear young friends, in a climate of constant listening to the word of God, call on the Holy Spirit, Spirit of fortitude and witness, that you may be able to proclaim the Gospel without fear even to the ends of the earth. Our Lady was present in the cenacle with the Apostles as they waited for Pentecost. May she be your mother and guide. May she teach you to receive the word of God, to treasure it and to ponder on it in your heart (cf Lk 2:19) as she did throughout her life. May she encourage you to declare your "yes" to the Lord as you live "the obedience of faith". May she help you to remain strong in the faith, constant in hope, persevering in charity, always attentive to the word of God. I am together with you in prayer, and I bless each one of you with all my heart.”
August 1st to August 6th, 2006
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119 [118]:105)
(“Dear children … witness with your life that you believe and live the Word of God. - Message of January 25, 2006)
Programme
Monday, July 31
07:00 pm - Holy Mass – general rehearsal for the choir and the orchestra
08.00 pm - Adoration - – general rehearsal for the choir and the orchestra
Tuesday, August 1
06:00 pm - Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
09:30 pm - Adoration
Wednesday, August 2
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
09:30 pm– Adoration
Thursday, August 3
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
08:30 pm – Procession
Friday, August 4
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies – Sister Elvira's Community
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
09:30 pm –Theatre and musical show
Saturday, August 5
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
08:30 pm - Adoration
09:30 pm - Singing Farewell
Sunday, August 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord
05:00 am - Holy Mass on Cross Mountain
RECOMMENDATIONS
v Things to bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones, a Bible and an umbrella.
v All groups participating in the Youth Prayer meeting: please do not arrange or make plans for any other programs during this week.
v The evening prayer programme for all begins with the Rosary at 6 pm followed by Holy Mass at 7 pm.
v On arrival in Medjugorje, please register at a registration table set up from 9 am to 6 pm every day; registration will take place throughout the entire week.
ATTENTION
DURING THE TIME OF THE YOUTH FESTIVAL (except on Sunday)
THERE WILL BE NO MORNING MASSES FOR PILGRIMS.
ALL PILGRIMS WILL ATTEND THE EVENING MASS WITH THE YOUTH.
During the entire Youth Festival, THERE WILL BE SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION.
“From this moment onwards, my dear young friends, in a climate of constant listening to the word of God, call on the Holy Spirit, Spirit of fortitude and witness, that you may be able to proclaim the Gospel without fear even to the ends of the earth. Our Lady was present in the cenacle with the Apostles as they waited for Pentecost. May she be your mother and guide. May she teach you to receive the word of God, to treasure it and to ponder on it in your heart (cf Lk 2:19) as she did throughout her life. May she encourage you to declare your "yes" to the Lord as you live "the obedience of faith". May she help you to remain strong in the faith, constant in hope, persevering in charity, always attentive to the word of God. I am together with you in prayer, and I bless each one of you with all my heart.”
August 1st to August 6th, 2006
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119 [118]:105)
(“Dear children … witness with your life that you believe and live the Word of God. - Message of January 25, 2006)
Programme
Monday, July 31
07:00 pm - Holy Mass – general rehearsal for the choir and the orchestra
08.00 pm - Adoration - – general rehearsal for the choir and the orchestra
Tuesday, August 1
06:00 pm - Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
09:30 pm - Adoration
Wednesday, August 2
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
09:30 pm– Adoration
Thursday, August 3
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
08:30 pm – Procession
Friday, August 4
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies – Sister Elvira's Community
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
09:30 pm –Theatre and musical show
Saturday, August 5
09:00 am - Morning Prayer
09:30 – 12:00 am – Lectures and testimonies
04:00 – 05:30 pm - Lectures and testimonies
06:00 pm – Rosary
07:00 pm - Holy Mass
08:30 pm - Adoration
09:30 pm - Singing Farewell
Sunday, August 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord
05:00 am - Holy Mass on Cross Mountain
RECOMMENDATIONS
v Things to bring with you: a small FM radio with headphones, a Bible and an umbrella.
v All groups participating in the Youth Prayer meeting: please do not arrange or make plans for any other programs during this week.
v The evening prayer programme for all begins with the Rosary at 6 pm followed by Holy Mass at 7 pm.
v On arrival in Medjugorje, please register at a registration table set up from 9 am to 6 pm every day; registration will take place throughout the entire week.
ATTENTION
DURING THE TIME OF THE YOUTH FESTIVAL (except on Sunday)
THERE WILL BE NO MORNING MASSES FOR PILGRIMS.
ALL PILGRIMS WILL ATTEND THE EVENING MASS WITH THE YOUTH.
During the entire Youth Festival, THERE WILL BE SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION.
Cenacolo Community brings radical cure for addiction
KENDAL - 27 March 2006 - Pearl Mina
Sister Elvira Petrozzi, the Italian foundress of the worldwide CenacoloCommunity, visited the UK last weekend, to celebrate the first anniversaryof Our Lady Queen Of Martyrs House in Dodding Green, Kendal.
Community Cenacolo is a Christian association, founded by the Italian nun,Sister Elvira Petrozzi in 1983 to welcome in desperate young people, who aresuffering from the strains of life, and may have turned to drug addiction,alcohol or substance abuse. In Community they are able to rebuild theirlives for a new life in society. The success rate is astonishing, with 93%of those who enter community houses that Sister Elvira has set up around theworld, never taking drugs again. Many have even taking up vocations withinthe church; up to five new priests have been ordained following Community.There are over 50 Communities worldwide including Italy, France (Lourdes) ,Ireland (Knock) , Austria, Croatia, Brazil Mexico, Bosnia Herzegovina(Medjugorje) , Poland, Dominican Republic and in the USA. There arecurrently 1200 persons in community and there are separate houses for menand women with some family houses for those addicts who wish to have theirchildren with them.After several years of meetings, prayer and many setbacks the first CenacoloCommunity in England was finally opened in Dodding Green on 19 March 2005,by the 'Friends For a UK Cenacolo Community' - a registered charity thatprovides for community and receives no support from the state.As with all Communities, the community at Dodding Green, relies purely onGods Providence, prayer and the generosity of its supporters for theireveryday needs. Unlike a conventional rehabilitation unit, there are nodoctors, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, or medication. Lifein the community is simple and centred on work, prayer and spiritualhealing. Each house is self-sufficient, growing their own vegetables anddepending on the location, they may keep animals cows, pigs, chickens andgoats. Every community is run by recovered addicts for addicts under theoverall direction of Sister Elvira, who has a great love for young peoplestruggling with addiction.
Now, a year on, in the presence of the Bishop Of Lancaster, the Rt RevPatrick O'Donoghue, Father Stefan from Italy, Cenacolo's first Ordainedpriest, and Father Michael McCormick, Parish Priest of The Holy Trinity andSt George Parish Kendal, over 500 people from all over Europe gathered atDodding Green, Kendal to celebrate Mass and give thanks to Sister Elvira forher courage and inspiration. The Anniversary Mass was held in a giantmarquee, specially built for the event, on the holy grounds, by the ten mencurrently in residence in the community house.With a hearty voice and vibrant Italian accent Sister Elvira instantlyenthused the crowds at Dodding Green, with her profound testimony,translated by Cenacolo Ambassador Nicola Hughes, a former heroin addict fromLiverpool, who for the past five years has been running the SaluzzoCommunity and house in Italy.
Both Sister Elvira and Nicola Hughes are living witnesses to the power ofthe Holy Spirit and Gods mercy in transforming the lives of young peoplemarked by a harrowing drug addiction and scarred by despair.Sister Elvira's message is revolutionary and simple. To the young who havedesperate and shattered lives caused by addiction, who are unsatisfied andslaves to uncontrollable impulses and destructive habits, who live in fear,darkness, isolation and anger, Sister Elvira and her community joyfully echothe Gospel and announce the resurrection, the triumph of life over death.Sister Elvira teaches that drugs: "can be a cross that kills, or a crossthat saves."Pointing to faith, friendship and work as the means to reform andregenerate, Sister Elvira spoke of the strong call within her heart tominister to the most alone and excluded youth trapped in today'snarcissistic culture, caught in a world filled with material illusions,searching for a meaningless escape, which only leads to a painfulhopelessness, and a constant belief of being misunderstood or ignored:"Today I have a message that is filled with trust, hope and joy, but aboveall faith. The Bishop Of Lancaster has made a great big act of faith in God,by believing in us and even before he got to know us, he trusted the work ofthe Holy Spirit and supported the aims of Cenacolo.
It is always a beautifulsurprise for us when people embrace our mission and today we have beenwelcomed into your open arms with love and faith. I care about you all hereand today the Community Cenacolo proposes to young people in England, a lifeof freedom and being truthful, but first you must be brave and find courage."In Italy, I ask the parents to lose face and take their masks off, to bebrave enough to say "my child takes drugs"."We ask the families and the addicts to live a life of truth and eliminatethe stigma and shame that drugs bring to a family. You don't have to feelscandalised because it is LIFE! Life is a journey and it is difficultsometimes and we shouldn't be surprised of the mistakes other people make,because even if we haven't fallen to the ground yet, one day we might. Onceyou face the truth you can start again because you cannot carry this painfor the rest of your lives."The Bishops' faith is strong and persistent in opening the house here inKendal in the face of many obstacles and negative opposition. When we openedthe first house in Saluzzo Italy many years ago nobody would walk past ourroad! They became very judgmental, even my superiors put their hands ontheir heads and asked: "Oh that nun! What is she doing with all these drugaddicts!""But the risk you are taking is to trust in God and God never disappointsand he has never stopped working through the Cenacolo in over 23 years. Thisis your leap of faith. Because nothing is impossible to God. I have seen inCommunities many miracles of faith as broken, hurt lives have beentransformed. Cenacolo is not a place of rehabilitation but transformation."In other communities they let in doctors, psychologists and the socialservice's. The people that we let in are Our Lady and Jesus Christ, andwe've invited them in to heal people."The most effective medicine to alleviate drug addiction is found in theEucharist. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament has changed the lives of manyyouths recovering from drug addiction. What therapeutic method or medicinecould I offer them? There is no pill that can give them the joy to live andfind peace in the heart."I want to take this opportunity to reveal to you that the mostextraordinary light to come out of this darkness of evil is the treasurefound in the Eucharist. It is the Eucharist miracle that I have beencontemplating for so many years. The Eucharist creates not only a personaldynamism but a dynamism of the people.
At the beginning, of their own freewill, many young people staying in community, took it upon themselves to getup in the night for personal adoration."Then gradually every Saturday night, for many young people the traditionalnight for party antics all over the world, they decided to kneel, in eachone of the 50 communities, from 2-3am to pray for those young people lost inthe false lures of the world."I wanted to tell you this piece of history, to give thanks to Jesus, who inthe Eucharist has changed the lives of many youths recovering from drugaddiction. These people are true, living witnesses that death never has thelast word and that the anxieties of life, the struggles for meaning andimportance, acceptance and fellowship, should not lead to escape and liesbut to the abundant life of Christ."Bishop O' O'Donoghue echoed Sister Elvira's message. He said: "This, ourfirst birthday, is a tremendously important and historic occasion.
There hasbeen a sacred refuge and church here on this holy ground at Dodding Green,since the 1600's where it was once a dispatching place for priests, duringthe Reformation when catholic recusants were persecuted by the state. So itis very fitting that we should have the great movement of the CenacoloCommunity completing their first year here, in England. Cenacolo is a veryprecious gift to our church and our world.In Cenacolo we see in a special way what is possible under the power anddirection of the Holy Spirit. We see conversion in a wonderful way, brokenlives being healed. Cenacolo is a treasure not just for the addicts andtheir families, it is a treasure for all of our Diocese and indeed forsociety in Britain today.The challenge for us now is to enable Cenacolo to flourish within oursociety and continually pray that the spread of new houses and communitieswill grow and develop. This can only be achieved by all of our prayers,therefore we must persist in our prayers to the Holy Spirit that we may growin strength and commitment to helping the UK Cenacolo's advancement.Today is just the beginning and my message is not to lose hope. We all failon occasions but it is through failure that we are brought to a newawareness of our conversion, in turning to Our Lord Jesus Christ."Fr Michael McCormick, Spiritual Director for Cenacolo UK and Parish Priestat Holy Trinity and St George Parish in Kendal has spent some months inSaluzzo Community Italy, experiencing life in the community in order tounderstand the lifestyle of recovering addicts and holds a support group foraddicts and their families, every Thursday evening from 7pm at the localparish:"Addicts who are serious about changing their lives are helped to obtainplaces in a Cenacolo. During this time we pray together in front of TheBlessed Eucharist and afterwards together with other addicts, parents andfamilies we talk about life in the Cenacolo Community and many of therecovered addicts from community are on hand to chat & give theirtestimony's. Similar prayer and meeting groups are held in Liverpool,Birmingham, London, Devon, Croydon and Bradford.
To succeed you have toreally want to change your life in a fundamental way, there is no easy wayand no short cuts."Cenacolo and its experience as a "School of Life" is about this innertransformation, a work of grace, where we learn once again what it means todepend on God. By sharing in each others' feelings they learn again tounderstand and feel emotion, feelings which drugs had dulled, and they learnagain what it is to be human. They regain a sense of self worth inthemselves and others."As the hard facts of drug abuse reach epidemic proportions across Britaintoday, the Friends For a UK Cenacolo Communities help and prayers cannotcome at a better time.For more information visit: http://www.comunitacenacolo.org/
Sister Elvira Petrozzi, the Italian foundress of the worldwide CenacoloCommunity, visited the UK last weekend, to celebrate the first anniversaryof Our Lady Queen Of Martyrs House in Dodding Green, Kendal.
Community Cenacolo is a Christian association, founded by the Italian nun,Sister Elvira Petrozzi in 1983 to welcome in desperate young people, who aresuffering from the strains of life, and may have turned to drug addiction,alcohol or substance abuse. In Community they are able to rebuild theirlives for a new life in society. The success rate is astonishing, with 93%of those who enter community houses that Sister Elvira has set up around theworld, never taking drugs again. Many have even taking up vocations withinthe church; up to five new priests have been ordained following Community.There are over 50 Communities worldwide including Italy, France (Lourdes) ,Ireland (Knock) , Austria, Croatia, Brazil Mexico, Bosnia Herzegovina(Medjugorje) , Poland, Dominican Republic and in the USA. There arecurrently 1200 persons in community and there are separate houses for menand women with some family houses for those addicts who wish to have theirchildren with them.After several years of meetings, prayer and many setbacks the first CenacoloCommunity in England was finally opened in Dodding Green on 19 March 2005,by the 'Friends For a UK Cenacolo Community' - a registered charity thatprovides for community and receives no support from the state.As with all Communities, the community at Dodding Green, relies purely onGods Providence, prayer and the generosity of its supporters for theireveryday needs. Unlike a conventional rehabilitation unit, there are nodoctors, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, or medication. Lifein the community is simple and centred on work, prayer and spiritualhealing. Each house is self-sufficient, growing their own vegetables anddepending on the location, they may keep animals cows, pigs, chickens andgoats. Every community is run by recovered addicts for addicts under theoverall direction of Sister Elvira, who has a great love for young peoplestruggling with addiction.
Now, a year on, in the presence of the Bishop Of Lancaster, the Rt RevPatrick O'Donoghue, Father Stefan from Italy, Cenacolo's first Ordainedpriest, and Father Michael McCormick, Parish Priest of The Holy Trinity andSt George Parish Kendal, over 500 people from all over Europe gathered atDodding Green, Kendal to celebrate Mass and give thanks to Sister Elvira forher courage and inspiration. The Anniversary Mass was held in a giantmarquee, specially built for the event, on the holy grounds, by the ten mencurrently in residence in the community house.With a hearty voice and vibrant Italian accent Sister Elvira instantlyenthused the crowds at Dodding Green, with her profound testimony,translated by Cenacolo Ambassador Nicola Hughes, a former heroin addict fromLiverpool, who for the past five years has been running the SaluzzoCommunity and house in Italy.
Both Sister Elvira and Nicola Hughes are living witnesses to the power ofthe Holy Spirit and Gods mercy in transforming the lives of young peoplemarked by a harrowing drug addiction and scarred by despair.Sister Elvira's message is revolutionary and simple. To the young who havedesperate and shattered lives caused by addiction, who are unsatisfied andslaves to uncontrollable impulses and destructive habits, who live in fear,darkness, isolation and anger, Sister Elvira and her community joyfully echothe Gospel and announce the resurrection, the triumph of life over death.Sister Elvira teaches that drugs: "can be a cross that kills, or a crossthat saves."Pointing to faith, friendship and work as the means to reform andregenerate, Sister Elvira spoke of the strong call within her heart tominister to the most alone and excluded youth trapped in today'snarcissistic culture, caught in a world filled with material illusions,searching for a meaningless escape, which only leads to a painfulhopelessness, and a constant belief of being misunderstood or ignored:"Today I have a message that is filled with trust, hope and joy, but aboveall faith. The Bishop Of Lancaster has made a great big act of faith in God,by believing in us and even before he got to know us, he trusted the work ofthe Holy Spirit and supported the aims of Cenacolo.
It is always a beautifulsurprise for us when people embrace our mission and today we have beenwelcomed into your open arms with love and faith. I care about you all hereand today the Community Cenacolo proposes to young people in England, a lifeof freedom and being truthful, but first you must be brave and find courage."In Italy, I ask the parents to lose face and take their masks off, to bebrave enough to say "my child takes drugs"."We ask the families and the addicts to live a life of truth and eliminatethe stigma and shame that drugs bring to a family. You don't have to feelscandalised because it is LIFE! Life is a journey and it is difficultsometimes and we shouldn't be surprised of the mistakes other people make,because even if we haven't fallen to the ground yet, one day we might. Onceyou face the truth you can start again because you cannot carry this painfor the rest of your lives."The Bishops' faith is strong and persistent in opening the house here inKendal in the face of many obstacles and negative opposition. When we openedthe first house in Saluzzo Italy many years ago nobody would walk past ourroad! They became very judgmental, even my superiors put their hands ontheir heads and asked: "Oh that nun! What is she doing with all these drugaddicts!""But the risk you are taking is to trust in God and God never disappointsand he has never stopped working through the Cenacolo in over 23 years. Thisis your leap of faith. Because nothing is impossible to God. I have seen inCommunities many miracles of faith as broken, hurt lives have beentransformed. Cenacolo is not a place of rehabilitation but transformation."In other communities they let in doctors, psychologists and the socialservice's. The people that we let in are Our Lady and Jesus Christ, andwe've invited them in to heal people."The most effective medicine to alleviate drug addiction is found in theEucharist. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament has changed the lives of manyyouths recovering from drug addiction. What therapeutic method or medicinecould I offer them? There is no pill that can give them the joy to live andfind peace in the heart."I want to take this opportunity to reveal to you that the mostextraordinary light to come out of this darkness of evil is the treasurefound in the Eucharist. It is the Eucharist miracle that I have beencontemplating for so many years. The Eucharist creates not only a personaldynamism but a dynamism of the people.
At the beginning, of their own freewill, many young people staying in community, took it upon themselves to getup in the night for personal adoration."Then gradually every Saturday night, for many young people the traditionalnight for party antics all over the world, they decided to kneel, in eachone of the 50 communities, from 2-3am to pray for those young people lost inthe false lures of the world."I wanted to tell you this piece of history, to give thanks to Jesus, who inthe Eucharist has changed the lives of many youths recovering from drugaddiction. These people are true, living witnesses that death never has thelast word and that the anxieties of life, the struggles for meaning andimportance, acceptance and fellowship, should not lead to escape and liesbut to the abundant life of Christ."Bishop O' O'Donoghue echoed Sister Elvira's message. He said: "This, ourfirst birthday, is a tremendously important and historic occasion.
There hasbeen a sacred refuge and church here on this holy ground at Dodding Green,since the 1600's where it was once a dispatching place for priests, duringthe Reformation when catholic recusants were persecuted by the state. So itis very fitting that we should have the great movement of the CenacoloCommunity completing their first year here, in England. Cenacolo is a veryprecious gift to our church and our world.In Cenacolo we see in a special way what is possible under the power anddirection of the Holy Spirit. We see conversion in a wonderful way, brokenlives being healed. Cenacolo is a treasure not just for the addicts andtheir families, it is a treasure for all of our Diocese and indeed forsociety in Britain today.The challenge for us now is to enable Cenacolo to flourish within oursociety and continually pray that the spread of new houses and communitieswill grow and develop. This can only be achieved by all of our prayers,therefore we must persist in our prayers to the Holy Spirit that we may growin strength and commitment to helping the UK Cenacolo's advancement.Today is just the beginning and my message is not to lose hope. We all failon occasions but it is through failure that we are brought to a newawareness of our conversion, in turning to Our Lord Jesus Christ."Fr Michael McCormick, Spiritual Director for Cenacolo UK and Parish Priestat Holy Trinity and St George Parish in Kendal has spent some months inSaluzzo Community Italy, experiencing life in the community in order tounderstand the lifestyle of recovering addicts and holds a support group foraddicts and their families, every Thursday evening from 7pm at the localparish:"Addicts who are serious about changing their lives are helped to obtainplaces in a Cenacolo. During this time we pray together in front of TheBlessed Eucharist and afterwards together with other addicts, parents andfamilies we talk about life in the Cenacolo Community and many of therecovered addicts from community are on hand to chat & give theirtestimony's. Similar prayer and meeting groups are held in Liverpool,Birmingham, London, Devon, Croydon and Bradford.
To succeed you have toreally want to change your life in a fundamental way, there is no easy wayand no short cuts."Cenacolo and its experience as a "School of Life" is about this innertransformation, a work of grace, where we learn once again what it means todepend on God. By sharing in each others' feelings they learn again tounderstand and feel emotion, feelings which drugs had dulled, and they learnagain what it is to be human. They regain a sense of self worth inthemselves and others."As the hard facts of drug abuse reach epidemic proportions across Britaintoday, the Friends For a UK Cenacolo Communities help and prayers cannotcome at a better time.For more information visit: http://www.comunitacenacolo.org/
© Independent Catholic News 2006
Monday, March 27, 2006
Message of March 25, 2006
“Courage, little children! I decided to lead you on the way of holiness. Renounce sin and set out onthe way of salvation, the way which my Son has chosen. Through each of yourtribulations and sufferings God will find the way of joy for you. Therefore,little children, pray. We are close to you with our love. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Information centre"Mir" Medjugorje
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
The annual apparition of our Lady to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo on march 18, 2006
The visionary Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo had daily apparitions from June 24th 1981 to December 25th 1982. During the last daily apparition, Our Lady gave her the 10th secret, and told her that she would appear to her once a year, on the 18th of March. It has been this way through the years.
This year several thousand pilgrims gathered to pray the Rosary at the Cenacolo Community in Medjugorje. The apparition lasted from 13:59 to 14:04 and Our Lady gave the following message:
“Dear children! In this Lenten time, I call you to interior renunciation. The way to this leads you through love, fasting, prayer and good works. Only with total interior renunciation will you recognize God’s love and the signs of the time in which you live. You will be witnesses of these signs and will begin to speak about them. I desire to bring you to this. Thank you for having responded to me.“
This year several thousand pilgrims gathered to pray the Rosary at the Cenacolo Community in Medjugorje. The apparition lasted from 13:59 to 14:04 and Our Lady gave the following message:
“Dear children! In this Lenten time, I call you to interior renunciation. The way to this leads you through love, fasting, prayer and good works. Only with total interior renunciation will you recognize God’s love and the signs of the time in which you live. You will be witnesses of these signs and will begin to speak about them. I desire to bring you to this. Thank you for having responded to me.“
Information Centre "MIR" Medjugorje
Friday, March 10, 2006
Fr. Jozo's Reflection on the February Message
Message of February 25, 2006 "Dear children! In this Lenten time of grace, I call you to open your hearts to the gifts that God desires to give you. Do not be closed, but with prayer and renunciation say yes to God and He will give to you in abundance. As in springtime the earth opens to the seed and yields a hundredfold, so also your heavenly Father will give to you in abundance. I am with you and love you, little children, with a tender love. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Dear brothers and sisters, my most valued prayer family,
This word and message is especially for us at this Lenten time. Like the Church, Our Lady calls the Lenten time a time of grace. This is not only because it is Lent, but also because of her presence which is a grace for all of us. The Bible often speaks about a time of grace, as does Jesus in His sermons and teachings, and the Church in its documents, through its proclamation and through the lives of its Saints. This time always inspired Christians to respond more intensely to their Christian vocation. These times, if we look at them on a calendar in the Church year, are Advent, Lent, and prior to Pentecost. These are times of intense prayer, sacrifice, fasting, charity, and works of mercy. They are especially times of a more intense Sacramental life.
Today, on Ash Wednesday, with a sign of ashes on our forehead, we began Lent. To come from dust and to return to dust are Biblical boundaries of every man. Between these two boundaries, man is called to bear fruit. He is called to build his life into the unending and eternal love. Man is the greatest of all creation and the most sinful of all beings. Being created in the image of God, it is he in particular who has a chance and a call to be and to do immortal works. Christ as the God-man by His example showed how we are to pass through this world and time by doing only good. Despite his frailness, man is called to be strong. Despite his sinfulness, he is called to be holy. Despite his passing nature, he is called to be immortal. It is worthwhile to gaze at Jesus and the Church and to decide to do what is good, holy, and merciful. We must open our hearts to these great gifts and graces of God, as the Queen of Peace tells us. These gifts do not just hang in the air. They do not float about as lost or rejected things. Instead, God gives them as gifts to those who are open. God wants to give them to me because without them, I am poor and unhappy. Imagine a person without peace, without joy, without faith, without hope, without love, and without goodness. An image of such a destroyed person is frightening. God does not want man to be such, and Our Lady calls us to open ourselves to the gifts which God, as the merciful Father, desires to give us. To be closed is the greatest misfortune that can happen to man. To lose trust in God and His goodness is the greatest humiliation. The greatest distance from God is not sin but despair, mistrust and a lack of belief in His goodness. The greatest poverty is not ignorance, but to lose the gift of faith and love.
Prayer and renunciation, and fasting and sacrifice are gifts of grace which the old person within us accepts to remove the garment of every curse and misfortune – as the Prodigal son, to receive the new garment of a son of God. How great is Lent when it succeeds to awaken within us the penitential works with love. These works heal and conquer our sinful nature by opening the door of hope and awakening a new life within us. Our Lady uses a most beautiful image from everyday life. She uses a comparison of the earth, the garden, and the seed. It is springtime. During these days we are all in our gardens and on our fields. They need to be opened by being ploughed. Their face needs to be turned over. They must be cleansed from the weeds and nurtured. Finally, then it comes time to sow the seed. One bean seed will bear a plant with dozens of pods of new fruit. One grain of corn will yield a stalk and new ears of corn with so many new grains. In the same way our Heavenly Father will place His gifts and graces in the hearts that are prepared, that are nurtured with prayer and moistened by the Word of God; the hearts that are cultivated by sacrifices and penance. Our Lady speaks about abundance. In this time of malnourished families and toxic values of freedom, entertainment, pleasure, moral crises and ruins, we stand before a challenge. We need to nurture everyone. We need to give and offer to everyone and especially to those who are convinced that on the way of conversion and faith there is no peace, joy, success, or friendship. By our fruit we can feed the hungry. With the clear water of grace we can give to the thirsty to drink.
My dearest, again we are called to fasting, prayer, renunciation, and works of mercy and love. Let us do this with new enthusiasm in this holy time, because there is no other way. Just as the fruit of the earth could not come through various theories and aids, but from the earth and the seed, so the grace comes through the Church that prays, fasts, and lives holiness. Be proud and grateful that once again we are able to see how the Queen of Peace counts on us. Once again we have heard that we are needed by her and important for the renewal and conversion of the world and the Church. This month we will pray for the following intentions:
1. For all the Christian families to renew family prayer, fasting, and the reading of the Sacred Scripture this Lent. For them to actively partake in Lenten devotions and especially the Way of the Cross.
2. For all of the sick, to offer their illnesses to the Lord and to daily give their contribution for the conversion of youth.
3. That this Lenten time of grace may be the springtime of the Church among all nations. We especially pray for all the pilgrims who visited Medjugorje or will come on a pilgrimage to the Queen of Peace in this 25th Jubilee year “ that they may find the necessary grace and especially the grace of conversion.
Dear brothers and sisters, there is so much that I would like to transmit to your hearts in this holy time. I decided to offer my fasting, prayer, and all sacrifices to the Lord for each one of you, and especially for those of you who are sick and helpless and therefore all the more similar to Our Lord. Be enthusiastic, because there is no sacrifice that does not bear fruit. There is no prayer that is not heard. There is no devotion that cannot strengthen us. Be examples to others in everything.
I greet you wholeheartedly and wait for you at our Annual Meeting this year.
Yours sincerely, Fra Jozo Zovko, O.F.M.
Dear brothers and sisters, my most valued prayer family,
This word and message is especially for us at this Lenten time. Like the Church, Our Lady calls the Lenten time a time of grace. This is not only because it is Lent, but also because of her presence which is a grace for all of us. The Bible often speaks about a time of grace, as does Jesus in His sermons and teachings, and the Church in its documents, through its proclamation and through the lives of its Saints. This time always inspired Christians to respond more intensely to their Christian vocation. These times, if we look at them on a calendar in the Church year, are Advent, Lent, and prior to Pentecost. These are times of intense prayer, sacrifice, fasting, charity, and works of mercy. They are especially times of a more intense Sacramental life.
Today, on Ash Wednesday, with a sign of ashes on our forehead, we began Lent. To come from dust and to return to dust are Biblical boundaries of every man. Between these two boundaries, man is called to bear fruit. He is called to build his life into the unending and eternal love. Man is the greatest of all creation and the most sinful of all beings. Being created in the image of God, it is he in particular who has a chance and a call to be and to do immortal works. Christ as the God-man by His example showed how we are to pass through this world and time by doing only good. Despite his frailness, man is called to be strong. Despite his sinfulness, he is called to be holy. Despite his passing nature, he is called to be immortal. It is worthwhile to gaze at Jesus and the Church and to decide to do what is good, holy, and merciful. We must open our hearts to these great gifts and graces of God, as the Queen of Peace tells us. These gifts do not just hang in the air. They do not float about as lost or rejected things. Instead, God gives them as gifts to those who are open. God wants to give them to me because without them, I am poor and unhappy. Imagine a person without peace, without joy, without faith, without hope, without love, and without goodness. An image of such a destroyed person is frightening. God does not want man to be such, and Our Lady calls us to open ourselves to the gifts which God, as the merciful Father, desires to give us. To be closed is the greatest misfortune that can happen to man. To lose trust in God and His goodness is the greatest humiliation. The greatest distance from God is not sin but despair, mistrust and a lack of belief in His goodness. The greatest poverty is not ignorance, but to lose the gift of faith and love.
Prayer and renunciation, and fasting and sacrifice are gifts of grace which the old person within us accepts to remove the garment of every curse and misfortune – as the Prodigal son, to receive the new garment of a son of God. How great is Lent when it succeeds to awaken within us the penitential works with love. These works heal and conquer our sinful nature by opening the door of hope and awakening a new life within us. Our Lady uses a most beautiful image from everyday life. She uses a comparison of the earth, the garden, and the seed. It is springtime. During these days we are all in our gardens and on our fields. They need to be opened by being ploughed. Their face needs to be turned over. They must be cleansed from the weeds and nurtured. Finally, then it comes time to sow the seed. One bean seed will bear a plant with dozens of pods of new fruit. One grain of corn will yield a stalk and new ears of corn with so many new grains. In the same way our Heavenly Father will place His gifts and graces in the hearts that are prepared, that are nurtured with prayer and moistened by the Word of God; the hearts that are cultivated by sacrifices and penance. Our Lady speaks about abundance. In this time of malnourished families and toxic values of freedom, entertainment, pleasure, moral crises and ruins, we stand before a challenge. We need to nurture everyone. We need to give and offer to everyone and especially to those who are convinced that on the way of conversion and faith there is no peace, joy, success, or friendship. By our fruit we can feed the hungry. With the clear water of grace we can give to the thirsty to drink.
My dearest, again we are called to fasting, prayer, renunciation, and works of mercy and love. Let us do this with new enthusiasm in this holy time, because there is no other way. Just as the fruit of the earth could not come through various theories and aids, but from the earth and the seed, so the grace comes through the Church that prays, fasts, and lives holiness. Be proud and grateful that once again we are able to see how the Queen of Peace counts on us. Once again we have heard that we are needed by her and important for the renewal and conversion of the world and the Church. This month we will pray for the following intentions:
1. For all the Christian families to renew family prayer, fasting, and the reading of the Sacred Scripture this Lent. For them to actively partake in Lenten devotions and especially the Way of the Cross.
2. For all of the sick, to offer their illnesses to the Lord and to daily give their contribution for the conversion of youth.
3. That this Lenten time of grace may be the springtime of the Church among all nations. We especially pray for all the pilgrims who visited Medjugorje or will come on a pilgrimage to the Queen of Peace in this 25th Jubilee year “ that they may find the necessary grace and especially the grace of conversion.
Dear brothers and sisters, there is so much that I would like to transmit to your hearts in this holy time. I decided to offer my fasting, prayer, and all sacrifices to the Lord for each one of you, and especially for those of you who are sick and helpless and therefore all the more similar to Our Lord. Be enthusiastic, because there is no sacrifice that does not bear fruit. There is no prayer that is not heard. There is no devotion that cannot strengthen us. Be examples to others in everything.
I greet you wholeheartedly and wait for you at our Annual Meeting this year.
Yours sincerely, Fra Jozo Zovko, O.F.M.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
GOD IS LOVE! - Apparition to Mirjana on March 2, 2006
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
This morning again many people came to Cenacolo community to be present during apparition of Our Lady of Medjugorje to the visionary Mirjana.
Mirjana said that Our Lady came very sad and did not have any message for the people. Our Lady was very, very sad, in tears. She was praying for all the people who do not know the love of God yet. Then she prayed and blessed all people present at the apparitions and all of the religious articles they have brought with them. Our Lady spoke about situation in the world and has repeated three times
God is love! God is love! God is love!
This time Mirjana was able to ask Our Lady about some ill people and bring their intentions before Our Lady and was given answers but could not share it with all of us.
So this is all for this morning from me and Emanuel.
God bless you all
Anita
This morning again many people came to Cenacolo community to be present during apparition of Our Lady of Medjugorje to the visionary Mirjana.
Mirjana said that Our Lady came very sad and did not have any message for the people. Our Lady was very, very sad, in tears. She was praying for all the people who do not know the love of God yet. Then she prayed and blessed all people present at the apparitions and all of the religious articles they have brought with them. Our Lady spoke about situation in the world and has repeated three times
God is love! God is love! God is love!
This time Mirjana was able to ask Our Lady about some ill people and bring their intentions before Our Lady and was given answers but could not share it with all of us.
So this is all for this morning from me and Emanuel.
God bless you all
Anita
Monday, February 27, 2006
Hello to everybody. As you know we are enterning season of Lent so the church in Medjugorje has issued her official program during Lent.
In the parish church during Lent, from Ash Wednesday (March 1st) to Passion Sunday (April 9th), after the evening Mass in each case, we will pray the Way of the Cross on Fridays (replacing the Veneration of the Cross) and again on Sundays (replacing the prayer for health of body and soul and the third Rosary).
The Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain will continue as usual, every Friday at 2 pm.
God bless you all
Emanuel
In the parish church during Lent, from Ash Wednesday (March 1st) to Passion Sunday (April 9th), after the evening Mass in each case, we will pray the Way of the Cross on Fridays (replacing the Veneration of the Cross) and again on Sundays (replacing the prayer for health of body and soul and the third Rosary).
The Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain will continue as usual, every Friday at 2 pm.
God bless you all
Emanuel
Message of February 25, 2006
“Dear children! In this Lenten time of grace, I call you to open your hearts to the gifts that God desires to give you. Do not be closed, but with prayer and renunciation say ‘yes’ to God and He will give to you in abundance. As in springtime the earth opens to the seed and yields a hundredfold, so also your heavenly Father will give to you in abundance. I am with you and love you, little children, with a tender love. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Friday, February 24, 2006
Happy Birthday Madre Claire!
Praised be Jesus and Mary !
One of our dear friends Madre Claire Marie from Oasis of Peace had have her birthday celebrated yesterday. Emanuel and I had have a most wonderful afternoon with the community.
It is always such a intense experience to be present among this joyful and peaceful group of brothers and sisters. We wish to express our love to her even here on our blog.
Thank you Madre for all your prayers, understanding, support and love.
May God bless you and keep you safe always. Happy birthday!
To all of you who plan to come to Medjugorje we most strongly advise to go and spend some time in the little chapel the community has. It is most wonderful stone built chapel with Most Blessed Sacrament exposed all day. Also you will find original Divine Mercy picture there and most fascinating Crucifix you have ever seen in your life.
Read more about community in their presentation on http://www.oasispacis.org/inglese.htm
God bless you all.
Anita
One of our dear friends Madre Claire Marie from Oasis of Peace had have her birthday celebrated yesterday. Emanuel and I had have a most wonderful afternoon with the community.
It is always such a intense experience to be present among this joyful and peaceful group of brothers and sisters. We wish to express our love to her even here on our blog.
Thank you Madre for all your prayers, understanding, support and love.
May God bless you and keep you safe always. Happy birthday!
To all of you who plan to come to Medjugorje we most strongly advise to go and spend some time in the little chapel the community has. It is most wonderful stone built chapel with Most Blessed Sacrament exposed all day. Also you will find original Divine Mercy picture there and most fascinating Crucifix you have ever seen in your life.
Read more about community in their presentation on http://www.oasispacis.org/inglese.htm
God bless you all.
Anita
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Personal from Medjugorje
Hello everybody!
finally I am back online. First let me tell you that I do not have a message for you from the last Mirjana's appariton with Our Lady of Medjugorje. The appartion was private so it is the message. I have received many mails, but I just cannot say anything this time I am sorry.
As many of you know we do have some problems with our phone lines etc. Also due to some problems in apartment , Emanuel and I were forced to move out for a few weeks. Now we are back to our modest Medjugorje home and we are working on our shop. Due to the new tax policy in the country there will be pretty much work to get all organized but we are hopping that from March we will be working in our regular working hours in the shop itself as well as on our online webshop.
I am very excited about this year in Medjugorje as it is 25th anniversary of the first apparition, and also this year Emanuel and I will have our first baby born some time around the anniversary date (God willing).
In Medjugorje all is wonderful , cheerful ... Sun is back and some pilgrims are already here. We have about hundred or so people on English mass in the morning, I guess they keep father Chisholm quite busy in the evening during rosary when is the time for confession. Also some 30-40 people from Latin America and also quite a few from Italy. Local people is coming to the evening mass as usual. Sundays are full from morning to night on all messes and it is impossible to find a seat just like in the summer. Thanks be to God it is warm enough to sit outside.
We are expecting huge numbers of people at beginning of March. Mirjana will most probably have the apparition of Our Lady on the March 2nd in Cenacolo community, then we have St. Joseph and Mirjana's birthday on March 18th with apparition of Our Lady, again in community Cenacolo.
The village is in state of preparations. Some more Pensions are being built, some are being renovated or reconstructed. There will be more shops, restaurants, and other facilities available in the year 2006.
The works in the church yard are coming to their end. The building itself is finished but the works in the yard in front of the parish office are still going on. It is the beginning of the garage, actually it's entrance which will be finished and closed for now.
So, this is all for today my darling friends.
God bless you
Anita
finally I am back online. First let me tell you that I do not have a message for you from the last Mirjana's appariton with Our Lady of Medjugorje. The appartion was private so it is the message. I have received many mails, but I just cannot say anything this time I am sorry.
As many of you know we do have some problems with our phone lines etc. Also due to some problems in apartment , Emanuel and I were forced to move out for a few weeks. Now we are back to our modest Medjugorje home and we are working on our shop. Due to the new tax policy in the country there will be pretty much work to get all organized but we are hopping that from March we will be working in our regular working hours in the shop itself as well as on our online webshop.
I am very excited about this year in Medjugorje as it is 25th anniversary of the first apparition, and also this year Emanuel and I will have our first baby born some time around the anniversary date (God willing).
In Medjugorje all is wonderful , cheerful ... Sun is back and some pilgrims are already here. We have about hundred or so people on English mass in the morning, I guess they keep father Chisholm quite busy in the evening during rosary when is the time for confession. Also some 30-40 people from Latin America and also quite a few from Italy. Local people is coming to the evening mass as usual. Sundays are full from morning to night on all messes and it is impossible to find a seat just like in the summer. Thanks be to God it is warm enough to sit outside.
We are expecting huge numbers of people at beginning of March. Mirjana will most probably have the apparition of Our Lady on the March 2nd in Cenacolo community, then we have St. Joseph and Mirjana's birthday on March 18th with apparition of Our Lady, again in community Cenacolo.
The village is in state of preparations. Some more Pensions are being built, some are being renovated or reconstructed. There will be more shops, restaurants, and other facilities available in the year 2006.
The works in the church yard are coming to their end. The building itself is finished but the works in the yard in front of the parish office are still going on. It is the beginning of the garage, actually it's entrance which will be finished and closed for now.
So, this is all for today my darling friends.
God bless you
Anita
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Ted Zachwieja - message
Good day to you all!
Here is the message for Mr Ted Zachwieja
Dear Ted we are unable to send you an e-mail.
It is some problem with your mail provider.
Please give us another buzz from some other e-mail address
and we will be glad to reply as soon as possible.
Thank you !
Emanuel
Here is the message for Mr Ted Zachwieja
Dear Ted we are unable to send you an e-mail.
It is some problem with your mail provider.
Please give us another buzz from some other e-mail address
and we will be glad to reply as soon as possible.
Thank you !
Emanuel
Monday, January 30, 2006
sun finally
Praised be Jesus and Mary !
Another great sunny day in Medjugorje. Some of our pilgrims came to enjoy peace and quite of the Medjugorje winter days. The problem we hove these days is internet service for those who are staying in Medjugorje and would like to contact their family by e-mail.
Post office is having a new system installed and will have service operating sometime in March, other places that used to provide this service are closed.
Also, new public telephone system will be installed in Medjugorje , therefore you will not be able to use local telephones until all work is done and system starts working.
For now you can use one phone at the small post office near parc, and several phones in the main post office building. If you have any phone cards from your last trip you will not be able to use it again, unfortunately.
Third news is a new income tax called PDV. New tax of 17% is applied on ALL goods and services. All the prices went up, including bread, oil, flavor, sugar and other things on which we did not have any tax before. I guess you might be little surpried with the prices next time you come :-)
Well this is all from me for today. I am getting back now to the work in the shop.
God bless you all
Emanuel
Another great sunny day in Medjugorje. Some of our pilgrims came to enjoy peace and quite of the Medjugorje winter days. The problem we hove these days is internet service for those who are staying in Medjugorje and would like to contact their family by e-mail.
Post office is having a new system installed and will have service operating sometime in March, other places that used to provide this service are closed.
Also, new public telephone system will be installed in Medjugorje , therefore you will not be able to use local telephones until all work is done and system starts working.
For now you can use one phone at the small post office near parc, and several phones in the main post office building. If you have any phone cards from your last trip you will not be able to use it again, unfortunately.
Third news is a new income tax called PDV. New tax of 17% is applied on ALL goods and services. All the prices went up, including bread, oil, flavor, sugar and other things on which we did not have any tax before. I guess you might be little surpried with the prices next time you come :-)
Well this is all from me for today. I am getting back now to the work in the shop.
God bless you all
Emanuel
Friday, January 27, 2006
Message of January 25, 2006
Message of January 25, 2006
“Dear children! Also today I call you to be carriers of the Gospel in your families. Do not forget, little children, to read Sacred Scripture. Put it in a visible place and witness with your life that you believe and live the Word of God. I am close to you with my love and intercede before my Son for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
“Dear children! Also today I call you to be carriers of the Gospel in your families. Do not forget, little children, to read Sacred Scripture. Put it in a visible place and witness with your life that you believe and live the Word of God. I am close to you with my love and intercede before my Son for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Saturday, January 21, 2006
news and statistics
1/18/2006
Whole-night silent adoration each 25th of the month
During the last year, declared by the Holy Father as the Year of the Eucharist, there was a whole-night silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the parish church. In the coming year, it will also be so.
More
1/16/2006
Bishops in Medjugorje duringthe year 2005
During 2005, 15 bishops from 12 countries came to Medjugorje:
- Mons. Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Pontianak (Indonesia)
- Mons. Salvatore Boccaccio, bishop of Frosinone (Italija)
- Mons. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios Ottathengil, syro-malankar bishop of Bathery (Kerala, India)
- Mons. José Luís Azcona Hermoso, O.A.R., Augustinian, bishop of Marajó (Para, Brazil)
- Mons. Bruno Tommasi, retired archbishop of Lucca (Italy)
- Mons. Hermann Raich, S.V.D., bishop of Wabag (Papua New Guinea)
- Mons. Issam John Darwish, BSO, DD., eparch of the Melkite Catholic Church in Australia and New Zeeland
- Mons. Domenico Pecile, retired bishop of Latina (Italy)
- Mons José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A., auxiliary bishop of Panama (Panama)
- Mons. Stanislas Lukumwena Lumbala, O.F.M., bishop of Kole (Democratic Republic Congo)
- Mons. Pearce Lacey, retired auxiliary bishop of Toronto (Canada)
- Mons. Thomas Msusa, bishop of Zomba (Malawi)
- Mons. Allan Chamgwera, retired bishop of Zomba (Malawi)
- Mons. Remi Joseph Gustave Saint-Marie, bishop of Dedza (Malawi)
- Mons. Joseph Faber MacDonald, bishop of Saint John (New Brunswick, Canada)
More
1/15/2006
Statistics for the house of prayer “Domus Pacis” for the year 2005
During 2005, 45 different seminars for 1.532 persons took place in the house of prayer “Domus Pacis”.
There were 18 “Prayer, fasting and silence” seminars for 644 faithful from Austria (2), Germany (2), Poland (1), France (2), Ukraine (1), Russia (1), Lituania (1), Slovakia (1), Italy (2), Hungary (1), Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina (4). During six days, they deepened their faith in the Lord, following Our Lady’s call to prayer, fasting, and inner silence. These seminars were led by Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic.
There were also 9 recollections for 294 members of the Franciscan Youth Fraternity and for the Altar boys from Herzegovina.
Franciscan School Sisters led 7 seminars for 190 girls.
There were also 11 other seminars for 404 persons, organised by different movements.
More
1/14/2006
Statistics for the year 2005
1,299.100 Holy Communions were distributed. 29,673 priests have concelebrated. Groups of pilgrims came from 57 countries from all the continents: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Philippines, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, South African Republic, Canada, China, Korea, La Reunion, Latvia, Leetonia, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Hungary, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zeeland, Nederland, Germany, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, USA, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro, Scotland, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tahiti, Ukraine, Vietnam.
Whole-night silent adoration each 25th of the month
During the last year, declared by the Holy Father as the Year of the Eucharist, there was a whole-night silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the parish church. In the coming year, it will also be so.
More
1/16/2006
Bishops in Medjugorje duringthe year 2005
During 2005, 15 bishops from 12 countries came to Medjugorje:
- Mons. Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Pontianak (Indonesia)
- Mons. Salvatore Boccaccio, bishop of Frosinone (Italija)
- Mons. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios Ottathengil, syro-malankar bishop of Bathery (Kerala, India)
- Mons. José Luís Azcona Hermoso, O.A.R., Augustinian, bishop of Marajó (Para, Brazil)
- Mons. Bruno Tommasi, retired archbishop of Lucca (Italy)
- Mons. Hermann Raich, S.V.D., bishop of Wabag (Papua New Guinea)
- Mons. Issam John Darwish, BSO, DD., eparch of the Melkite Catholic Church in Australia and New Zeeland
- Mons. Domenico Pecile, retired bishop of Latina (Italy)
- Mons José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A., auxiliary bishop of Panama (Panama)
- Mons. Stanislas Lukumwena Lumbala, O.F.M., bishop of Kole (Democratic Republic Congo)
- Mons. Pearce Lacey, retired auxiliary bishop of Toronto (Canada)
- Mons. Thomas Msusa, bishop of Zomba (Malawi)
- Mons. Allan Chamgwera, retired bishop of Zomba (Malawi)
- Mons. Remi Joseph Gustave Saint-Marie, bishop of Dedza (Malawi)
- Mons. Joseph Faber MacDonald, bishop of Saint John (New Brunswick, Canada)
More
1/15/2006
Statistics for the house of prayer “Domus Pacis” for the year 2005
During 2005, 45 different seminars for 1.532 persons took place in the house of prayer “Domus Pacis”.
There were 18 “Prayer, fasting and silence” seminars for 644 faithful from Austria (2), Germany (2), Poland (1), France (2), Ukraine (1), Russia (1), Lituania (1), Slovakia (1), Italy (2), Hungary (1), Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina (4). During six days, they deepened their faith in the Lord, following Our Lady’s call to prayer, fasting, and inner silence. These seminars were led by Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic.
There were also 9 recollections for 294 members of the Franciscan Youth Fraternity and for the Altar boys from Herzegovina.
Franciscan School Sisters led 7 seminars for 190 girls.
There were also 11 other seminars for 404 persons, organised by different movements.
More
1/14/2006
Statistics for the year 2005
1,299.100 Holy Communions were distributed. 29,673 priests have concelebrated. Groups of pilgrims came from 57 countries from all the continents: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Philippines, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, South African Republic, Canada, China, Korea, La Reunion, Latvia, Leetonia, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Hungary, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zeeland, Nederland, Germany, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, USA, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro, Scotland, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tahiti, Ukraine, Vietnam.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
The death of visionary's mother
On January 15th we received the news about the death of the mother of the visionary Marija.
Her funeral was day before yesterday.
We were not to write about it but as we had calls and some missunderstandings it is better to put it online.
Please keep Marija in your prayers.
God bless you
Emanuel
Her funeral was day before yesterday.
We were not to write about it but as we had calls and some missunderstandings it is better to put it online.
Please keep Marija in your prayers.
God bless you
Emanuel
Friday, January 13, 2006
The 13th International Meeting for Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups
The 13th International Meeting for Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups will take place in the New Hall in Medjugorje from March 5 to 9, 2006. The theme of this encounter is: “You shall be my witnesses until the ends of the world” (Acts 1,8)
Sunday, 5. 03. 2006.
14:00 - Registration
17:00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
Monday, 6. 03. 2006.
09,00 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
09,30 - Lecture, sharing - dr. Fr. Ante Vuckovic, ofm
10,30 - Intermission
11,00 - Meeting and discussion with the lecturer
15,00 - Meeting with the Franciscans
17,00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
Tuesday, 7. 03. 2006.
09,00 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
09,30 - Lecture, sharing – Fr. Mario Knezovic, ofm
10,15 - Intermission
10,45 - Meeting and Discussion and sharing between guides
11,30 - “Humanitarian Activities Linked to the Apparitions of Medjugorje” – Fr. Ivan Landeka
Meeting and discussion with the lecturer about humanitarian activities
15,00 - Rosary on Apparition Hill
17,00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
20,30 - Meeting of the participants with the Parish priest
Wednesday, 8. 03. 2006.
Day of Prayer: Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic
9,00 - 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, 9. 03. 2006.
9,00 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
9,30 - Experiences of the Participants
11,00 - Holy Mass
Lunch for all the participants
Lecturers:
Dr. Fr. Ante Vuckovic, OFM, was born in 1958 in Sinj (Croatia). He is member of the Franciscan Province of the Holy Redeemer. He attended the little seminary and the classical college at Sinj, completed his studies of theology in Makarska and Zagreb, then was ordained a priest in 1983. He made specialized studies in philosophy at Muenchen and in Rome, taught philosophy in Rome, at the pontifical University Antonianum, and at the Franciscan Theology in Makarska. He is teaching now at the Catholic Faculty of Theology of the University of Split. He is leading retreats, seminars and spiritual recollections. He published several books in spiritual matters and is collaborating in several specialized and popular reviews.
Fr. Mario Knezovic, OFM, was born in 1973. in Posusje. He attended the seminary in Dubrovnik, Visoko and Sinj. He entered in the Franciscan order in 1993, completed his studies of philosophy and theology in Zagreb in 1999, was ordained a deacon in 1999 in Detroit (Canada) and a priest in 2000 in Chicago (the USA). He spent its year of deaconate in New York, then he worked during one year in St. Peter and Paul parish at Mostar. As a student in Zagreb, he was a redactor of a newspaper of students. From 2000 to 2004, he was a secretary of the Conference of the major religious superiors of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Currently, he is director of the Information center “Mir” Medjugorje, chief editor of Radio “Mir” Medjugorje and collaborator of several media in the country and abroad.
The 13th International Meeting for Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups will take place in the New Hall in Medjugorje from March 5 to 9, 2006.
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, at the latest by the end of November 2005. You can send your registrations by fax + 387 36 651 999 (for Marija Dugandzic), or by e-mail: seminar.marija@medjugorje.hr ..
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 60 € per person. This includes all the fees for the organization and running of the seminar (lecturers, translations of texts, simultaneous translation and lunch the last day). When you register and pay at the beginning of the seminar, you will receive a badge, which will allow you to participate in the seminar. We ask you kindly to organize personally your accommodation in Medjugorje. We believe that this is not a problem for you, because you have come to Medjugorje for many years now and have friends and acquaintances here.
We are looking forward to your reservations and to welcoming you at this meeting!
Source: Mejdugorje information centre
Sunday, 5. 03. 2006.
14:00 - Registration
17:00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
Monday, 6. 03. 2006.
09,00 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
09,30 - Lecture, sharing - dr. Fr. Ante Vuckovic, ofm
10,30 - Intermission
11,00 - Meeting and discussion with the lecturer
15,00 - Meeting with the Franciscans
17,00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
Tuesday, 7. 03. 2006.
09,00 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
09,30 - Lecture, sharing – Fr. Mario Knezovic, ofm
10,15 - Intermission
10,45 - Meeting and Discussion and sharing between guides
11,30 - “Humanitarian Activities Linked to the Apparitions of Medjugorje” – Fr. Ivan Landeka
Meeting and discussion with the lecturer about humanitarian activities
15,00 - Rosary on Apparition Hill
17,00 - Evening Prayer Program in Church
20,30 - Meeting of the participants with the Parish priest
Wednesday, 8. 03. 2006.
Day of Prayer: Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic
9,00 - 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, 9. 03. 2006.
9,00 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
9,30 - Experiences of the Participants
11,00 - Holy Mass
Lunch for all the participants
Lecturers:
Dr. Fr. Ante Vuckovic, OFM, was born in 1958 in Sinj (Croatia). He is member of the Franciscan Province of the Holy Redeemer. He attended the little seminary and the classical college at Sinj, completed his studies of theology in Makarska and Zagreb, then was ordained a priest in 1983. He made specialized studies in philosophy at Muenchen and in Rome, taught philosophy in Rome, at the pontifical University Antonianum, and at the Franciscan Theology in Makarska. He is teaching now at the Catholic Faculty of Theology of the University of Split. He is leading retreats, seminars and spiritual recollections. He published several books in spiritual matters and is collaborating in several specialized and popular reviews.
Fr. Mario Knezovic, OFM, was born in 1973. in Posusje. He attended the seminary in Dubrovnik, Visoko and Sinj. He entered in the Franciscan order in 1993, completed his studies of philosophy and theology in Zagreb in 1999, was ordained a deacon in 1999 in Detroit (Canada) and a priest in 2000 in Chicago (the USA). He spent its year of deaconate in New York, then he worked during one year in St. Peter and Paul parish at Mostar. As a student in Zagreb, he was a redactor of a newspaper of students. From 2000 to 2004, he was a secretary of the Conference of the major religious superiors of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Currently, he is director of the Information center “Mir” Medjugorje, chief editor of Radio “Mir” Medjugorje and collaborator of several media in the country and abroad.
The 13th International Meeting for Leaders of Peace Centres and Medjugorje Prayer, Pilgrim and Charity groups will take place in the New Hall in Medjugorje from March 5 to 9, 2006.
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, at the latest by the end of November 2005. You can send your registrations by fax + 387 36 651 999 (for Marija Dugandzic), or by e-mail: seminar.marija@medjugorje.hr ..
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 60 € per person. This includes all the fees for the organization and running of the seminar (lecturers, translations of texts, simultaneous translation and lunch the last day). When you register and pay at the beginning of the seminar, you will receive a badge, which will allow you to participate in the seminar. We ask you kindly to organize personally your accommodation in Medjugorje. We believe that this is not a problem for you, because you have come to Medjugorje for many years now and have friends and acquaintances here.
We are looking forward to your reservations and to welcoming you at this meeting!
Source: Mejdugorje information centre
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Ivan Dragicevic's Speaking Schedule January and February 2006
Ivan Dragicevic was born on May 25th, 1965 in Bijakovici. Our Lady has appeared to Ivan every day since June 24, 1981, and has, to date, confided nine secrets. Ivan married in 1994 and has three beautiful children. His family resides half the year in Medjugorje and the other half in the US.
Ivan: "The apparitions have 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."
2006 Schedule January
East Coast, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan
Jan 5
St Luke the Evangelist Church
70 West Main StWestborough, MA, 01581
Contact: Rectory508-366-5502
6 - 9:30 PM
Jan 7
St Michael's Church
543 Bridge StLowell, MA 01850
Contact: Glenn Olsen978-455-8325
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 13
St. Michael Church
9 Lincoln StExeter, NH, 03833
Contact: Rectory603-772-2494
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 14
Holy Family of Nazareth Church
750 Union StLeominster, MA 01453
Contact: Terry Leger978-466-6864cntleger@aol.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 16
St,Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church
444 Wilson StreetDowners Grove,Il 60515
Contact: Kathy ClemensTel: 630-810-1175
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 18
Holy Angels
Corner of Lancaster and HardinAurora, IL 60506
Contact: Michelle630-859-3162mddugan@core.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 19
St. Mary Immaculate
15629 S. Route 59Plainfield, IL 60544
Contact: LisaTel: 815-439-8458
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 20
Holy Family
2515 Palatine RoadInverness IL, 60067
Contact: Marie847-304-4846bobf@suncoastmc.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 21
St. Peter Damian Church
109 S. Crest Ave.Bartlett, IL 60103
Contact: Colleen630-289-6401
5:30 PM
Jan 22
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
4640 N. Ashland Ave.Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Randy847-699-9640 orKelly: kellyjo12001@yahoo.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 23
St. Peter's Catholic Church
5001 North Sherman Ave.Madison Wi 53704
Contact: Betty Jo Lins608 846-5395
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 24
St Mary Parish
919 W. Main St.Palmyra Wi 53156
Contact: Betty Jo Lins Tel: 608 846-5395
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 25
St. Isidore Catholic Church
628 Diamond Avenue NEGrand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact: Rectory(616) 459-4731
5 - 8:00 PM
February
Mass., Southern California, Nevada and Utah
Feb 4
St. Mary's of the Assumption
670 Washington StRevere, MA 02151
Contact: Kathy Magno781-289-0580
6 - 9:30 PM
Feb 12
St Mary's Catholic Church
94 Andover StGeorgetown, MA 01833
Contact: Annie Rhodes978-352-6540
6 - 9:30 PM
Feb 15
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
10321 Tujunga Canyon Blvd.Tujunga, CA. 91042
Contact: Church(818) 352-3218
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 16
St. Anastasia Church
7390 West Manchester Ave.Los Angeles, CA. 90045
Contact: Church(310) 670 - 2243
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 17
Annunciation Church
1307 East Longden Ave.(At Peck Road)Arcadia, CA. 91006
Contact: Church(626) 447-6202
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 18
Holy Cross Church
1740 Cliff DriveSanta Barbara, CA. 93109
Contact: Church(805) 962 - 0411
5 - 8:00 PM
Feb 19
St. Paul the Apostle Church
14085 Peyton DriveChino Hills, CA. 91709-1610
Contact: Church(909) 465 – 5503
5 - 8:00 PM
Feb 20
St. Monica Church
701 California Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403
Contact: Church(310) 393 – 9287
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 21
St. Frances of Rome Church
501 EAST FOOTHILL BLVD.AZUSA, CA. 91702
Contact: Church(626) 969- 1829
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 22
St. Edward Church
33926 Calle La PrimaveraDana Point, CA. 92629-2018
Contact: Church(949) 496-1307
5:30-8:30 PM
Feb 23
ST. Patrick Church
3821 Adams StreetCarlsbad, CA. 92008
Contact: Church(760) 729- 2866
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 24
St. ST. Rose Lima Church
293 H STREETChula Vista, CA. 91910-4703
Contact: Church(619) 427-0230
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 25
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
At Neil Twitchell Elementary School
2060 Desert Shadow Trail(Near Green Valley/Paseo Verde)
Henderson, NV 89052
Contact: Perla Saenz702-458-5375or702-985-3144
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 26
St. Peter the Apostle
204 S. Boulder HighwayHenderson, NV 89015
Contact: Perla Saenz702-458-5375or702-985-3144
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 27
Holy Family Catholic Church
4490 Mountain VistaLas Vegas, NV 89121
Contact: Perla Saenz702-458-5375or702-985-3144
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 28
St. Peter and Paul Church
3560 West 3650 South Lancer WayWest Valley, Utah 84119
Contact: Church(801) 966-5111
Ivan: "The apparitions have 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."
2006 Schedule January
East Coast, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan
Jan 5
St Luke the Evangelist Church
70 West Main StWestborough, MA, 01581
Contact: Rectory508-366-5502
6 - 9:30 PM
Jan 7
St Michael's Church
543 Bridge StLowell, MA 01850
Contact: Glenn Olsen978-455-8325
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 13
St. Michael Church
9 Lincoln StExeter, NH, 03833
Contact: Rectory603-772-2494
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 14
Holy Family of Nazareth Church
750 Union StLeominster, MA 01453
Contact: Terry Leger978-466-6864cntleger@aol.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 16
St,Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church
444 Wilson StreetDowners Grove,Il 60515
Contact: Kathy ClemensTel: 630-810-1175
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 18
Holy Angels
Corner of Lancaster and HardinAurora, IL 60506
Contact: Michelle630-859-3162mddugan@core.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 19
St. Mary Immaculate
15629 S. Route 59Plainfield, IL 60544
Contact: LisaTel: 815-439-8458
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 20
Holy Family
2515 Palatine RoadInverness IL, 60067
Contact: Marie847-304-4846bobf@suncoastmc.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 21
St. Peter Damian Church
109 S. Crest Ave.Bartlett, IL 60103
Contact: Colleen630-289-6401
5:30 PM
Jan 22
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
4640 N. Ashland Ave.Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: Randy847-699-9640 orKelly: kellyjo12001@yahoo.com
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 23
St. Peter's Catholic Church
5001 North Sherman Ave.Madison Wi 53704
Contact: Betty Jo Lins608 846-5395
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 24
St Mary Parish
919 W. Main St.Palmyra Wi 53156
Contact: Betty Jo Lins Tel: 608 846-5395
6 - 9:00 PM
Jan 25
St. Isidore Catholic Church
628 Diamond Avenue NEGrand Rapids, MI 49503
Contact: Rectory(616) 459-4731
5 - 8:00 PM
February
Mass., Southern California, Nevada and Utah
Feb 4
St. Mary's of the Assumption
670 Washington StRevere, MA 02151
Contact: Kathy Magno781-289-0580
6 - 9:30 PM
Feb 12
St Mary's Catholic Church
94 Andover StGeorgetown, MA 01833
Contact: Annie Rhodes978-352-6540
6 - 9:30 PM
Feb 15
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
10321 Tujunga Canyon Blvd.Tujunga, CA. 91042
Contact: Church(818) 352-3218
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 16
St. Anastasia Church
7390 West Manchester Ave.Los Angeles, CA. 90045
Contact: Church(310) 670 - 2243
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 17
Annunciation Church
1307 East Longden Ave.(At Peck Road)Arcadia, CA. 91006
Contact: Church(626) 447-6202
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 18
Holy Cross Church
1740 Cliff DriveSanta Barbara, CA. 93109
Contact: Church(805) 962 - 0411
5 - 8:00 PM
Feb 19
St. Paul the Apostle Church
14085 Peyton DriveChino Hills, CA. 91709-1610
Contact: Church(909) 465 – 5503
5 - 8:00 PM
Feb 20
St. Monica Church
701 California Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403
Contact: Church(310) 393 – 9287
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 21
St. Frances of Rome Church
501 EAST FOOTHILL BLVD.AZUSA, CA. 91702
Contact: Church(626) 969- 1829
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 22
St. Edward Church
33926 Calle La PrimaveraDana Point, CA. 92629-2018
Contact: Church(949) 496-1307
5:30-8:30 PM
Feb 23
ST. Patrick Church
3821 Adams StreetCarlsbad, CA. 92008
Contact: Church(760) 729- 2866
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 24
St. ST. Rose Lima Church
293 H STREETChula Vista, CA. 91910-4703
Contact: Church(619) 427-0230
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 25
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
At Neil Twitchell Elementary School
2060 Desert Shadow Trail(Near Green Valley/Paseo Verde)
Henderson, NV 89052
Contact: Perla Saenz702-458-5375or702-985-3144
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 26
St. Peter the Apostle
204 S. Boulder HighwayHenderson, NV 89015
Contact: Perla Saenz702-458-5375or702-985-3144
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 27
Holy Family Catholic Church
4490 Mountain VistaLas Vegas, NV 89121
Contact: Perla Saenz702-458-5375or702-985-3144
6 - 9:00 PM
Feb 28
St. Peter and Paul Church
3560 West 3650 South Lancer WayWest Valley, Utah 84119
Contact: Church(801) 966-5111
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