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THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
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EDITOR EMERITUS: JOAN WIESZCZYK
EDITOR: JUNE KLINS
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
PHONE: (814) 898-2143
FR. WILLIAM KIEL
E-MAIL: [email protected]
VOL. 28, NO. 1
PUBLISHED MONTHLY
January 2015
CURRENT MONThLY MESSAGE OF DECEMBER 25, 2014
ON ThE 25Th DAY OF EACh MONTh, ThE BLESSED VIRGIN GIVES A MESSAGE TO ThE VISIONARY,
MARIJA, ThAT IS TO BE GIVEN TO ThE WORLD.
“Dear children! Also today,
in my arms I am carrying
my Son Jesus to you and I
am asking from Him peace
for you and peace among
you. Pray to and adore my
Son for His peace and joy to
enter into your hearts. I am
praying for you to be all the
January is Sanctity of Life Month. We thank Jeff Tiner for the
artwork shown above, which is a stipple (dotwork) allegorical piece
called “Tree of Life.” Our Lady sits under a tree whose fruit is babies
in the womb, protecting them at night. Jeff is an inmate on death
row. Since his conversion (story in our October, 2010 issue), he
has become a Lay Canossian Brother. We also thank Jeff’s spiritual
director, Deacon Allen Vandecoevering, for sending us Jeff’s artwork.
more open to prayer. Thank
you for having responded
to my call.”
Change My Heart, O God
By Fr. Bill Kiel
In our daily life, January may be
Am I a person of hope, or do I become discouraged when
considered the month of hope – my prayers are not answered as I expected? Am I not patient
the month when many of us make and persevering in my prayer life? As I pray, am I open to
resolutions to improve our lives. God’s will and God’s desire to lead me to eternal life? Or
Resolutions made in January are lived do I think more of what I want in this world now? Do I find
out until…….? How
myself praying in a selfish or selfsincere are we when
centered way?
making resolutions?
Am I aware of the unloved
Why do we make
around me? Do I reach out to
them? Do we think
them in a Christ-like and loving
we can keep them?
way? God gives an abundance of
Fr. Bill Kiel
Are they only for the emotional or physical
love, if I am open to God’s love.
aspects of our life?
Receive God’s love and give it to
On November 25, 2014, we were given the
the unloved.
words: “Pray, little children, so that you may
As I am called to prayer by
comprehend who you are and where you need
Our Blessed Mother, do I pray
to go. Be carriers of good news and be people
from the heart? Do I pray for
of hope. Be love for all those who are without
changes within my spiritual life,
love… You will be everything and will achieve
to deepen my relationship with
everything only if you pray and are open to
God the Father, Son and Holy
God’s will – to God who desires to lead you
Spirit? Do I pray to know the will
towards eternal life.”
of God and for the graces to live
If I look at myself in the spiritual realm,
God’s will? When I am open to
my New Year’s resolution will probably be Heart-shaped stone on Cross Mountain God’s will, my life will be filled
more beneficial. I need to reflect on where
with much joy and peace.
I am in my spiritual life. In what direction should I be
The beginning of a new calendar year, and the words from
moving? When was my most recent self-evaluation of my November 25th, encourage us to reflect on the questions
spiritual life? What do I use as the norm for a spiritual above. If I am to change, I must question where I am and
life? Is it attending Mass more than only on the week-end, where I need to go, and pray, pray, pray. Change my heart,
sacrament of Penance within the month, praying or reading O God.
Scripture on a daily basis or fasting?
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
December 2, 2014 Message to Mirjana
“Dear children, Remember – for I am telling you – that love will win.
I know that many of you are losing hope because around you, you
see suffering, pain, jealousy, envy... but, I am your mother. I am in the
Kingdom but am also here with you. My Son is sending me anew to help
you. Therefore, do not lose hope; instead, follow me – because the victory
of my heart is in the name of God. My beloved Son is thinking of you as
he has always thought of you. Believe him and live him. He is the life of
the world. My children, to live my Son means to live the Gospel. This
is not easy. This means love, forgiveness and sacrifice. This purifies and
it opens the Kingdom. Sincere prayer, which is not only words but is a
prayer which the heart speaks, will help you. Likewise fasting (will help
you), because it is still more of love, forgiveness and sacrifice. Therefore,
do not lose hope but follow me. I am imploring you anew to pray for
your shepherds so that they may always look to my Son who was the first
Shepherd of the world and whose family was the entire world.”
Our thanks to Sue Taccone, Irene and Dan Zuba,
Cindy Bielanin, Joanne Warren, Sue Kirby, Vickie DeCoursey,
Kathy Luschini, Celeste Migneault, Dianne Yochim,
Mary Tirak, Anne O’Leary, Diane Niebauer, Louise Lotze, and
Marge Spase for help with the November mailing. We thank
Johannes Dittrich for his photo. And as always, we thank
Pat Berrier, our proofreader, and Jason Klins, our webmaster.
January 2015
In this December 2, 2014 message,
Our Lady asks us once again to pray
for priests. In last month’s issue, we
featured an article about praying for
priests. To order the Crusade for Priests
packet mentioned in the December
issue, you can visit the website,
www.opusangelorum.org,
or call 313-527-1739 or write to:
Opus Sanctorum Angelorum
Crusade for Priests
13800 Gratiot Ave.
Detroit, MI 48205
Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis for January
Peace: That those from diverse religious traditions and all
people of good will may work together for peace.
Consecrated life: That in this year dedicated to consecrated
life, religious men and women may rediscover the joy of
following Christ and strive to serve the poor with zeal.
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THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
Questions and Answers with Jakov
“Let us not ask questions about what Paradise
looks like. Let us ask ourselves questions – are
we ready to go to Paradise? Do we do enough to
get to Paradise?”
In March of 2014, Visionary Jakov Colo gave a talk
at the Meeting for Organizers of Pilgrimages, Leaders
of Peace Centers, and Medjugorje Prayer and Charity
Groups. After the talk, there was time for Jakov to
answer a few questions.
Q: A pilgrim asked about the possibility of
organizing meetings with the visionaries while on
Q: A pilgrim asked about Jakov’s and Vicka’s
pilgrimage to Medjugorje.
experience with Heaven, Hell and Purgatory.
J: I really don’t know what to say to you.
J: First of all, I never speak about Hell or
I believe that in Medjugorje, there are many
Purgatory – Hell, especially. I believe that all
pilgrims who come, and they want to meet us
these years that Our Lady has been coming to
Jakov
visionaries for one period of time. I did not give
Medjugorje, that Our Lady desires to show us the
way to Jesus and the way to Heaven. So I would always say, talks to pilgrims [for a while] because I really took that time
“Let’s not think about Hell, but let us think about Paradise – for myself. You also have to understand that we visionaries
Heaven – and how to get there.” I was 11 years old when are not like a radio that you turn on, and that radio starts
I had that experience, and as every kid ... I never thought playing – singing or talking. I myself need to feel good to
about death in our country. I was thinking about how to talk, and now I have to say that the time has come for me to
be here, how to live, how to play with my friends and live meet pilgrims again. I spoke to the parish priest already, and
my life. Then, when Vicka and I had that apparition, when I can say that twice a week I will have my testimony given in
Our Lady said to us, “Now you’ll come with me,” I thought the yellow hall here. But there are many pilgrims who come.
at that moment, that was my end, and I was not ready to die! Some pilgrims come at the beginning of the week; some
And then I said to Our Lady (and it’s always said that the come at the end of the week. We can’t really always please
advantage is given to women), but I was the one who said, everyone. But I would like to invite you all and every group
“Our Lady, take Vicka. She has seven brothers and sisters. that you group leaders bring here.
I would say that you waste a lot of time hearing different
I am the only kid my parents have. Even if Vicka was not
there, she has so many brothers and sisters.” But Our Lady testimonies and witnessing. You go to different places to
smiled and said, “Be not afraid. I am with you.”
hear different testimonies. I would say that you don’t need
I will now share with you how I experienced Heaven in too many of them. I’m saying that you need – and that your
that moment. I was a kid at that time. We found ourselves pilgrims need – to spend time with Our Lady, and I believe
in an endless space in the most beautiful light that I never, that’s the most important. And the pilgrims who stay with
ever saw or experienced here on the Earth... And we could us in our house, I always advise them, “Go up Apparition
see people – people were praying. The most beautiful thing Hill; find time for yourself. Spend one day on your own
I experienced in that place was joy and peace. And I was because after so many experiences, after so many witnessing,
able to see that on the face of the people, which at the same testimonies, many times it happens that you don’t have time
time were transferring that peace and joy to me. I remember to understand everything.” But I always – because of this –
when that experience was over, we remained in prayer and I will say, “Do not go around too much to certain places to
then I was asking myself, “What was that place I found so hear witnesses. Give your pilgrims time to spend some time
good, where I felt that peace, where I felt that joy?“ And on their own. And please don’t you ever promise to your
truly, through Our Lady’s advice, through prayer, we will pilgrims that you will meet one of us visionaries.” And
be given all answers. I understood that Paradise is not what pilgrims come and say, “We were promised that we would
we see with our eyes – Paradise is in our hearts. And I meet one of the visionaries.” Because we do not – I do not –
believe that each one of us can experience Paradise in our give a promise to anyone. If I can – if I feel good – I will be able
heart. If we put God in the first place, if we live with God, to meet pilgrims, and as I said already, praise God – this season
then we all really have Paradise. So I always say to pilgrims, twice a week I will have my testimony given in the hall.
Message to Jakov on December 25, 2014
At the last daily apparition to Jakov Colo on September 12th, 1998, Our Lady told him that henceforth he would have one
apparition a year, every December 25th, on Christmas Day. This is also how it was this year. The apparition began at 2:40 P.M.
and lasted 8 minutes. Afterwards Jakov transmitted the message:
“Dear children! Today, on this day of grace, I desire for each of your hearts to become a little stable of Bethlehem in
which the Savior of the world was born. I am your mother who loves you immeasurably and is concerned for each of
you. Therefore, my children, abandon yourselves to the mother, so that she may place each of your hearts and lives
before little Jesus; because only in this way, my children, your hearts will be witnesses of God’s daily birth in you.
Permit God to illuminate your lives with light and your hearts with joy, so that you may daily illuminate the way
and be an example of true joy to others who live in darkness and are not open to God and His graces. Thank you for
having responded to my call.”
THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
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January 2015
The Hidden Treasures of Medjugorje
By Anita B. Cugini
During the war in 1991-1992, each pilgrim’s passport
was carefully checked. Soldiers with machine guns, in
abundance in the airport, provided a grim welcome.
Aid teams came from Italy to do what they could for the
townspeople, but didn’t stay very long. Miraculously,
despite being heavily shelled, no human lives were lost –
only livestock. Incredibly, a cluster bomb that was dropped
on the main street didn’t detonate! During this horrific
period, the visionaries were separated so that they couldn’t
be targeted by the Communists.
View from Mama’s balcony with Cross Mountain in the background
Life in Medjugorje, especially during the early years, was
Nestled in the heart of Medjugorje’s fragrant vineyards never easy. Mama recounts that as a young woman, she
is a pansion that has welcomed pilgrims from around the worked stringing tobacco leaves. Since there was no work
world over for the last 33 years. Its humble walls reverberate in Medjugorje, her husband was compelled to leave his
with memories of Medjugorje from the beginning of the wife and family to find work in Germany. He did this for
apparitions. It was my pleasure to stay with Mama Sivric 55 years, and was able to see his wife and children only a
in June of 2014, for the 33rd Anniversary of the apparitions.
few times a year. Mama told us she travelled to Stuttgart,
Mama Sivric, although nearing 90, is a vibrant, feisty Germany more than 10 times over those years.
woman who proudly recalls the early days – what life was
After the Communist regime ended, Mama met the
like for the people from the village, and how she and others Communist officer from another town, who had threatened
of her generation stood toe-to-toe with the Communist her with jail in the early days. Defiantly, she told him off –
regime that tried to disrupt the religious life of this quiet and he ran away! In her own words, Mama says, “I was
little hamlet. With flashing eyes and animated gestures, always a strong woman – even today, I would talk about
Mama will tell you, through Franjo, her interpreter, what it God. Pray for us that we will all heal. I will always pray for
was like in Medjugorje in the first days of the apparitions.
people. Pray for peace!”
When news of the apparitions first broke, Mama was at
Franjo, who interpreted for Mama, was one of the
a wedding feast with a friend. Mama indicated that she members of the original prayer group that Our Lady asked
believed in the apparitions from the beginning, while her the visionaries to start. According to Franjo, he was asked by
companion said, “How could you believe such a thing?”
Our Lady to put his life on hold for three years, to fast, pray,
Mama related that all were crying and watching the sky. and do what he could to help the throng of pilgrims flooding
As the villagers watched, golden letters “MIR” [Croatian for into Medjugorje. A gentle soul, whose demeanor radiates
“peace”] appeared in the sky and the words “I am the Queen the love of God and the Gospa, he patiently answered every
of Peace” stretched across the sky from Apparition Hill to question posed to him, with grace and humility.
Cross Mountain. One man who could not stand was brought
I have never seen such unbridled joy in living, as I
to Apparition Hill by his daughter-in-law, and he was cured. witnessed in the people I met in Medjugorje. People who
The man’s wife, however, didn’t like this, and started telling have so little, in comparison to what all of us take for
people that it didn’t happen.
granted….their graciousness and warmth is something I
Mama was no stranger to the local police who came, trying will never forget. It’s hard to describe the joy that radiates
to diffuse the situation and order the villagers to leave. She from them, borne of doing God’s work, in sharing their faith
knew the Chief of Police personally and proceeded to tell and love of God with all who come in thanksgiving for the
him off. The following day, the village was deluged with Gospa’s presence in their little village.
people, news, and TV cameras, and the police who forbade
No sooner did I get home from this pilgrimage, than I was
people to climb the mountain. They asked, “Who is lighting planning my next one! My next pilgrimage to Medjugorje
the fire up to heaven?”
will be from July 27 to August 7, 2015 to experience the Youth
The children were strictly forbidden to climb the hill Festival, with all its exuberance. Although we will stay at
and the President of Police, who was in the next village, a modern pansion 100 meters from St. James Church, we
announced they were going to board up the church so people will step back in time and meet with Mama Sivric and her
could not enter to pray – which they promptly did. When family, and see her quaint pansion – a loving home, where
Mama heard of this, she ran to the church with other women she has served over 25,000 meals to pilgrims. We will listen
and pulled the boards off of the church doors. The police as Franjo, our guide, interprets for Mama. They will recreate
told her, “We are taking you to jail.” Mama responded, their wonderment as the Gospa appeared to ordinary
“Then take me to jail!”
village children, and share, in their incredible pride, that the
Pilgrims started to arrive in Medjugorje from all over Gospa is with them still. I promise that whoever joins me
the world, and had to register with the police. Each family on this pilgrimage will come away with a renewed sense of
took in one or two pilgrims and shared their daily lives and faith and love for Our Lady. Their joy in living our faith is
devotion to the Gospa with these total strangers who could infectious!
not communicate in their native tongue. Until 1986, there
Editor’s note: Anita lives in North Wales, PA. She can be
was no indoor plumbing or running water – only outhouses! reached at [email protected] or 267-217-7344.
January 2015
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THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
Life Lesson Learned in Medjugorje
By Margaret Flynn
In the fall of 1987, I traveled to Medjugorje with my older dilemma of not being able to reach the top of Mt. Krizevac.
Her green eyes were piercing and her voice steady and
son. After settling in with our host family, my son and I
made our way to Apparition Hill for a prayerful visit before strong – “Then, my dear, you must climb the mountain at
evening church services and the apparition at St. James. night.” I felt dumbfounded at that advice – if I couldn’t climb
Coping with a chronic vascular condition in my left leg, I the mountain during the daytime, how would I be able to
carefully trod the rocky path up the hill and was relieved climb the mountain at night?!!! I almost dismissed the advice,
but it nagged me all afternoon – and then the light bulb went
that I had no problem ascending or descending.
The next day, after the English morning Mass, we headed off –literally!!! At dinner that very night, I leaned over to my
to Mt. Krizevac. Without any trepidation, I began to climb son and said, “We’re climbing Mt. Krizevac tonight.” One
hundred adjectives could not describe
the rocky ascent – each layer of
the look of surprise on his face – “Are
rock becoming larger and each step
you sure, Mom?” “Yes!!!”
becoming steeper. As I looked up to
In the dark of the night, with my
the crest of the mountain, my rockflashlight in hand, I was only able to
climbing confidence began to wane. I
see the challenge immediately before
also had become short of breath. I did
me – what was in the circumference
not think that I could possibly manage
of the light, and not the intimidating
the giant step-ups required to reach
steep wall of rocks I had perched
the summit. Losing all confidence
on earlier. I knew I could do it,
and feeling dejected, I insisted my
concentrating only on what the
son continue up and I would rest and
flashlight showed me, one step at a
wait for him at the halfway point.
time. In what seemed like minutes
Seated on a rock, enjoying the
(I know it was longer), I was atop
beautiful vista of such a blessed
Rocks on Cross Mountain
Mt. Krizevac. Praise God!!! What a
locale, I greeted and was greeted by
the many pilgrims of various nationalities ascending and thrill!!! And my left leg was not a problem!!!
Many times in my mind, I have thanked this dear Irish
descending. My attention was drawn to a very elderly whitehaired couple (I presumed husband and wife) – both were lady for her words of wisdom. No matter how big or
slim and tall and were handling their descent extremely intimidating the challenge before you, don’t give up – deal
well. The gentleman had a wooden staff in his left hand and with it in small steps and you will overcome. This is one of
his right hand held onto his wife. When they reached me, life’s lessons.
Thank you again, dear Irish lady.
they stopped; and in a heavy Irish brogue, she inquired if I
The Medjugorje Star, Vol. 28, No. 4
was alright. I thanked her for her concern and explained my
Fasting as a Joyful Encounter
The following is an excerpt from a talk given by Fr. Stanko Cosic
to pilgrims. The entire talk can be seen in the Marytv.tv archives,
Fruit of Medjugorje, Episode 101. Cathy Nolan of MaryTV
transcribed the talk for her reflection on 2/6/14.
Fasting...it is difficult for people to understand fasting
as a joyful encounter. I have to say for myself, I really love
chocolate. I was just recently at a seminar where we had
fasting and silence. And there was one elderly lady and
she told me that it is impossible for her to fast on bread
and water unless she has a little piece of chocolate at the
end of the day. And I said to her, “I will join you.” (Smiles)
Just so she is not alone in the situation! This is the spirit of
St. Francis, guys!
Real fasting is something that leads us towards the
fulfillment of the aim of our life. There was a doctor who
recently said, “People just don’t have the time to enjoy
the taste of Belgian Chocolate.” That’s really sad. We are
actually invited to enjoy our lives. Don’t forget that the first
stop Jesus made on His way was the Wedding Feast at Cana.
He stopped there with His mother and His disciples. It was
an invitation to have fun! That is why we are all invited to
glorify life.
When we fast, the sense returns to us of the taste of bread
THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
and water. There is a Jewish proverb that says, “You can
taste water when you are in the desert, not before that.”
That is why it is very important for us to give up something
or renounce something. It is very important. Then we can
experience the benefit of the thing we are missing on certain
occasions.
There was a priest for a long time who lived at the Holy
Sepulcher for many years. And he said to his fellow priests,
“I have to go back to my homeland.” They asked him why.
He said, “This Holy Sepulcher has become like an everyday
thing to me. It is nothing really special – like any other place.
Therefore he wanted to separate himself from that place, in
order to feel the importance of that place again. That is why
we always emphasize fasting as a part of our fulfillment in
our life. It is the way, we learn how to renounce things, how
to give up something. In this way we learn how to give up
bigger things in our search for happiness. If we talk about
all the simple things in everyday life, as for the married
couples, there are always things you have to give up so that
you can gain more at the end of the day. And at the end, not
only prayer, but fasting causes us that feeling of joy.
www.marytv.tv
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January 2015
Patron Saint for 2015
By June Klins
For a number of years now, we have been randomly choosing the name of
a saint to be our “holy protector” for the year. St. Faustina’s community used
to do this every year on New Year’s Day. This can be a fun and educational
thing to do with your family, friends, prayer group, or parish. Almost
always, there is a connection between the saint and the person or group who
randomly picked it. What is especially heartening is the fact that the saint
does not leave you at the end of the year. So, if you do this every year, you
will eventually have a whole army of holy helpers protecting you!
Although any list of saints can be used, there is a good one on this
site: www.marytv.tv/saints-list. You can also use the saint generator on
jenniferfulwiler.com/saints/. However you choose, it is important to pray
to the Holy Spirit first! The tradition goes that it is the saint who chooses you,
not the other way around. The saint wishes to help you. As we pray with the
saint every day, that saint will pray for us and help us.
On August 25, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI recommended choosing a special
saint as a model. Speaking in his General Audience, the Pope encouraged
everyone to have a devotion to a particular saint, so that the saint can
intercede but also be a model to imitate. On October 25, 2010, Our Lady said,
“Pray and seek the intercession of all the saints. May they be for you an
example, an incentive and a joy towards eternal life.”
My grandson, Oliver, picked the saint for “The Spirit of Medjugorje” this
year – St. Rita of Cascia. I was puzzled at first as to why St. Rita chose us until
three days later, when I found some time to do research on St. Rita. I actually
came up with not one reason – but TWELVE reasons – why I think St. Rita
picked us – one for each month of the year. Hopefully, each month, there will
be a little space where I can share what I found.
One of Our Lady’s main messages in Medjugorje is for peace. In fact,
Our Lady told the visionaries that She is the “Queen of Peace.” In my research,
I found that St. Rita was known as a peacemaker! In fact, the newsletter for
her shrine in Philadelphia is called The Peacemaker!
Rita, influenced by the example of her parents, who were known as
“peacemakers” in their little village, pledged to forgive the men of the
feuding family who murdered her husband. She also took it one step further,
Medal of St. Rita of Cascia
when, after the death of her husband and
sons, Rita set out to make peace between
the feuding families. She went to her
husband’s family and urged them to put
aside their hostility and stubbornness, and
they agreed. The rival family, astounded by
this proposition of peace, also agreed. The
two families exchanged a peace embrace
and signed a written agreement, putting the
vendetta to rest forever. A fresco depicting
the peace embrace was placed in the Church
of St. Francis in Cascia.
When Our Lady appeared to Marija for
a second time on June 26, 1981, She said,
“Peace, Peace, Peace! Be reconciled! Only
Peace. Make your peace with God and
among yourselves.”
May St. Rita be an example of peace for us.
Editor’s note: After I wrote this article, I was
amazed that Our Lady spoke about peace in Her
message to Marija and that one of the Pope’s
monthly intentions is for peace!
Peace from the Heart
The following is an excerpt from a talk by Fr. Slavko Barbaric on
December 25, 1985.
Praying for peace, fasting for peace, and being reconciled
with all those one lives with – that is how peace will come.
Peace does not come from treaties; it does not come from
paper. Peace comes from the heart of the man who lives
peace and spreads peace, not just with words. This kind of
peace has justice, truth, and love as its content. Where do
wars come from? Why? Because many commit injustices
and others do not forgive them – this is how conflicts in
families, amongst people, in the Church, and all over the
world happen. In other words – all those who start to live
love for their neighbor and for God, all those who try and be
righteous by also helping the poor, the needy, by so doing,
pave the way for peace…
Our Lady wants this – that we start living our vocation
radically. We are all, and must be, apostles; we must spread
peace; we are all equally invited to love. I wish you to really
feel, during these days, the Lord’s hand over you and also
Our Lady’s love and, thus blessed, may you go into the new
year abandoned in prayer, living your lives in the love of
your neighbor and God above all things.
A Prayer Answered in St. James Church
By Rev. Charles J. Davis
In 2002, I traveled to Medjugorje with a pilgrimage group.
The Priest-Sacristan [of St. James Church] asked me to be the
celebrant of the English Mass the following day. Among those
receiving Holy Communion was an elderly nun who was
stooped over; obviously a serious medical problem. When I
gave her the Host, I had to reach under to place the Host on
her tongue. Slowly, she moved away.
It was my custom to return to the church in the afternoon
January 2015
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for quiet prayer. I noticed this same nun, who entered from
the left side and began to walk across the center. I prayed,
“Lord, please help her.” When she reached the center, in
front of the sanctuary, she stopped and turned toward the
tabernacle, then stood straight up and remained erect.
I never saw her again.
Editor’s note: Fr. Davis is from Bath, NH.
THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
Why Medjugorje is Great
By Louise Lotze
In the book by Sabrina Covic Radojicic, Meetings with
Fra Jozo, Fr. Jozo humbly answers many questions which
were presented to him. I will summarize some of his
responses to show why Medjugorje is great.
Fr. Jozo was asked: “Do you experience Medjugorje today
as a center of a large world’s prayer movement?” His reply
states that it is not a man-made movement, but a direct
intervention of Our Lady through small people. He went
on to say that Our Lady chose a small parish in a Croatian
nation to conquer the whole world. If you look at the
history of the Church, it would be hard to find an equal to
Medjugorje. Since the time of the apostles, this movement
cannot be compared with any other.
There was a question concerning the many years the
apparitions have lasted. Fr. Jozo responded that if we look
at this generation, we see a lot of anxiety with
much trouble weighing heavily upon us. This
is occurring at the global level. Globally, one
sees the dignity of life and its gift being denied.
There are abortions, divorce, and legalized
euthanasia. More exactly, we see premeditated
murder being legalized. This is why Our Lady
is stirring up this wasteland. We find nullity
of theories, money, false idols and many false
values prevailing today. Our Lady – being
so wise – starts with the smallest ones. She
has great plans and ideas which have been
implemented in small, fragile hands. Her ideas
are so great and Her missions are placed in many
small hearts. Because of this plan, it shows that
Medjugorje comes from God, and not from people. This
is shown and manifested with divine gifts and projects in
very fragile people. The people have indeed responded to
Our Lady’s call. Millions have responded through the years.
It is obvious that God counts on them and Our Lady very
powerfully starts working with them.
Another question was: “Why, in your opinion has
Medjugorje been attacked so much and why are you being
attacked?” Fr. Jozo answered by saying that those who want
to destroy Medjugorje and are attacking it, first must attack
persons who are closely related to Medjugorje. In the very
beginning, it was the Communists who used intimidation
and persecution. Unfortunately, it was the adults who
tended to give in, whether among the laymen or from the
Church. However, it was the visionaries who remained
persistent. They remained strong with their testimony...
Medjugorje is, therefore, great because it was not built on
the skills of human speech, nor on the skill and power of
human evidence. It wasn’t due to human culture and
knowledge either. It is exclusively related to the humble and
to the obedient as well as to the lowly. God thus shows His
presence in this way, and His omnipotence.
Then Fr. Jozo explained why he is under attack. It is because
he was present at the very beginning as the parish priest.
Regrettably, there are people who do not accept Medjugorje.
In their hearts, they think they do not need it. They say and
argue that God has already said everything through official
revelation, and it is now completed. Fortunately, our God
can speak beyond such limits. He can thus meet man again
and call him to conversion. Then there are others who attack
Medjugorje out of jealousy and envy. These exclusive enemies
of Medjugorje serve Satan and work for the destruction of
the Church...but we can see that Medjugorje goes on (for the
past 33 years now). Fr. Jozo states that Medjugorje is calling
all of us – to unite us, attract and embrace all of us... Fr. Jozo
feels that Medjugorje must have its enemies because it is a
spiritual movement which Our Lady initiated.
This makes it powerful, mighty, and fruitful –
which, of course, attracts many enemies. Satan
does not rest, as we are aware. Because we are
really all called, it gives us a chance to respond.
Fr. Jozo then called upon all of us, and especially
all priests and bishops, to respond in a humble
manner and with a sincere heart. We all must
unite and “not oppose or dispute this great and
gracious call to conversion, to love.”
Still another question: “Why do you think
it is important for all those who come [to
Medjugorje], to understand Our Lady’s
message and to take it home?” Father Jozo’s
reply was inspiring and thought-provoking.
He called what is happening in Medjugorje our “Pentecost,
the Whitsuntide [the name used in the UK and Ireland for
Pentecost] of our times.” He feels this is a time when the
power of the Holy Spirit has filled millions of hearts to thus
take the message out into the world. It is true that pilgrims
come from all quarters of the world, and some even come
from Moscow. Fr. Jozo sees their eagerness to absorb every
word of Our Lady, to base their lives upon it. It is their
responsibility then to respond to Our Lady’s call. Fr. Jozo is
also inspired to keep coming back permanently to Our Lady
and to Her messages. He feels that Our Lady’s messages are
the answer to all of our problems – both global and personal.
Thank you, Fr. Jozo, for your guidance in understanding
the significance of Medjugorje, Our Lady’s messages, and
the world and humanity as well. May we all strive to live
the messages and share them enthusiastically. Thank you
for your love for Our Lady and Her plans in progress in
Medjugorje.
Editor’s note: Louise is from Ashtabula, OH, and is a member
of our mailing staff.
Bits and "Peaces"
• 11,953 Masses for Our Lady’s intentions have been reported as of December 25, 2014.
• A big thank you to all who responded to our request for sponsors of overseas subscriptions. All were renewed!
• There is a rumor circulating the internet that Ivan got an urgent message from Our Lady regarding war in the Middle East.
Ivan has asked to let everyone know this is not true.
THE SPIRIT OF MEDJUGORJE
-7-
January 2015
The Spirit of Medjugorje
Information Center
P.O. Box 6614
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MARY IS CALLING YOU
On June 24, 1981 in Medjugorje, Our Lady appeared to six
children. She identified Herself as the Blessed Virgin, Queen of
Peace, and has continued to appear daily. Her message is PEACE,
peace with God and man. Her words to the visionaries, “I have
come to tell the world that God exists. He is the fullness of life, and
to enjoy this fullness and obtain peace, you must return to God.”
Today, all but three of the visionaries have daily apparitions of
the Blessed Mother. During the apparitions, the visionaries do not
react to light, don’t hear any sound or react to being touched. They
feel that they are outside of time and space. All the visionaries
declare to see the Blessed Virgin as they see other people - in three
dimension. They pray and speak with Her.
The Blessed Mother is confiding ten secrets to each visionary
(some are chastisements for the world) and promises to leave a
visible sign at the place of the apparitions in Medjugorje for all
humanity. This time, this period of grace, is for CONVERSION
and a DEEPENING OF FAITH. After the visible sign, those still
living will have little time for conversion.
The Blessed Mother invites us to PRAYER and FASTING and
PEACE. “You have forgotten that with prayer and fasting you can
stop a war from happening. You can suspend natural laws.”
The publisher recognizes and accepts that the final authority
regarding the apparitions at Medjugorje rest with the Holy See in
Rome.
To borrow an original prayer cloth from Medjugorje for a
week, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address
below. You must include your phone number. If you want a
prayer cloth we made to keep, send a self-addressed stamped
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Permission is given to spread the text of any original works and may be used with the following conditions:
1) No words are changed; 2) “Spirit of Medjugorje” is cited. For articles by other sources, permission must be
obtained from the original source.
If you want to receive “The Spirit of Medjugorje,” please fill out the form below and return to:
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VOL. 28, NO. 1