20 Facts About Our Lady Of Medjugorje

The Apparitions Begin

In 1981, six children in Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. This event sparked worldwide interest and devotion.

1. The first apparition occurred on June 24, 1981. The children reported seeing a woman holding an infant, who identified herself as the "Queen of Peace."

2. The apparitions initially took place on a hill called Podbrdo. This location has since become a pilgrimage site for millions of believers.

3. The six visionaries are Ivanka Ivankovi?, Mirjana Dragi?evi?, Vicka Ivankovi?, Ivan Dragi?evi?, Marija Pavlovi?, and Jakov ?olo. They were between 10 and 16 years old at the time.

Messages from the Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary, referred to as "Gospa" by the locals, reportedly conveyed messages to the visionaries. These messages often focused on peace, prayer, and conversion.

4. One of the central messages is the call for peace. The Virgin Mary emphasized the importance of peace in the world and in individual hearts.

5. Prayer, especially the Rosary, is another key message. The Virgin Mary encouraged daily prayer to strengthen faith and bring about personal and global transformation.

6. The Virgin Mary also stressed the need for fasting. She recommended fasting on bread and water twice a week to purify the soul and bring about spiritual growth.

The Visionaries' Experiences

Each visionary had unique experiences and interactions with the Virgin Mary. Some continue to receive apparitions, while others have ceased.

7. Vicka Ivankovi?-Mijatovi? claims to have daily apparitions and has written extensively about her experiences. She often shares messages of hope and encouragement.

8. Mirjana Dragi?evi?-Soldo reported receiving monthly apparitions until 1982. Now, she claims to receive annual apparitions on March 18.

9. Ivanka Ivankovi?-Elez had daily apparitions until May 7, 1985. She now receives annual apparitions on June 25.

Pilgrimage and Devotion

Medjugorje has become a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors each year. People come seeking spiritual renewal and healing.

10. Over 40 million pilgrims have visited Medjugorje since the apparitions began. Many report experiencing profound spiritual experiences and miracles.

11. The village has numerous chapels, prayer areas, and stations of the cross. These sites provide spaces for reflection and worship.

12. Pilgrims often climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain. These climbs are acts of penance and devotion, symbolizing the journey of faith.

Church's Stance

The Catholic Church has taken a cautious approach to the apparitions, neither fully endorsing nor condemning them.

13. In 1991, the local bishop declared that the apparitions were not supernatural. However, this decision was not definitive and left room for further investigation.

14. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI established a commission to study the apparitions. The commission's findings were submitted to the Vatican in 2014.

15. In 2019, Pope Francis authorized official pilgrimages to Medjugorje. This move allowed dioceses and parishes to organize pilgrimages, though it did not constitute an official recognition of the apparitions.

Impact on the Local Community

The apparitions have significantly impacted Medjugorje, transforming it from a small village into a bustling pilgrimage destination.

16. The local economy has benefited from the influx of pilgrims. Many residents have opened hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to visitors.

17. The spiritual atmosphere of the village has deepened. Daily Masses, confessions, and prayer meetings are common, fostering a sense of community and devotion.

18. Medjugorje has inspired numerous religious vocations. Many priests, nuns, and laypeople attribute their calling to experiences in the village.

Controversies and Skepticism

Despite the widespread devotion, the apparitions have faced skepticism and controversy.

19. Some critics argue that the apparitions are a hoax. They question the consistency of the visionaries' accounts and the lack of concrete evidence.

20. Others point to the commercialism surrounding Medjugorje. They argue that the financial benefits may have influenced the promotion of the apparitions.

Final Thoughts on Our Lady of Medjugorje

Our Lady of Medjugorje has captivated millions with her messages of peace, prayer, and conversion. Since the first reported apparitions in 1981, this small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina has become a beacon for pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal. The six visionaries continue to share their experiences, drawing attention from both believers and skeptics. While the Vatican has yet to fully endorse the apparitions, the impact on the faithful is undeniable. Pilgrims report profound spiritual experiences, and many claim miraculous healings. Whether you believe in the supernatural aspects or not, the story of Medjugorje offers a fascinating glimpse into the power of faith and the human spirit. As we reflect on these 20 facts, it's clear that the messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje continue to inspire and challenge people around the world.