This past week I had the opportunity to visit for the third time a magical town in Bosnia-Herzegovina called Medjugorje. This small town welcomes around 1 million visitors every year that come from all over the world and with for different reasons but to witness for themselves the magic that this place brings.

The reason why this small town is so important to many and has become popular is because in the 1980’s six teenagers had visions of the Virgin Mary that appeared to them on Brdou ukazanju (apparition hill) and since then there have been apparitions to visionaries for over 40 years.

Now that might be the reason why many faith goers come to this town to try and experience the closeness to to Mary, Jesus and God so in this beautiful town.

And every time tell someone that I am going back to Medjugorje , I get asked:

Why go there again?

Well if you are a believer like me or non believer you will experience the peace and love that this town brings.

And you would ask what to do in a small town in the middle of nowhere?

I can give you many reasons why.

Like our first day flying into Dubrovnik and either taking a bus or hiring a car that takes you into this small town. Then there you can find very inexpensive apartments or hotels, like in our case we found a place where you can stay for 15 euros per person per day. As many activities revolve around the catholic faith there is quite a bit to do. However the variety of activities are numerous. In our case we do the following:

• First day, like any other day, we woke up. and took a 1/2 mile walk to downtown to have breakfast in one of many restaurants around the square.

• Depending on the day we chose to go to apparition hill and take a short hike up the hill which is made up of rocks and boulders that have seen 40 years of pilgrims erode them smoothed rocks. Although the hike can be done relatively fast depending on your fitness level you will witness so many things during that hike. So many people trying to get to that point where she first appeared over 40 years ago. As you reach the place where the statue of the virgin Mary sits. Some people do the hike because of their faith and some maybe out of curiosity , but when you get to that spot of peace it’s something out of this world. Even though there are hundreds or thousands of people there, the silence is incredible. You can really take the time to be still and pray or just contemplate the sight of the town and many believers putting their hearts in front of our lady. The place is a contradiction of time because time flies when you are on the hill , but at the same time seems to not move because you get so much done. Difficult to explain but next thing you know it is time to descend.

• As we head back to the square through beautiful paths filled with grape vines, fig and pomegranate trees that catch your eye. The peace of being on that hill and walking through nature is a feeling that you rarely can get anywhere else. As we head back to town which is only one mile away you also see so many people from all over the world walking these dirt paths witnessing the energy in this magical place.

• Once back into town there are many things to visit and do. like attend the daily praying of the Rosary, Mass and adoration and witness thousands of people confessing in front of priests from all languages. I have never seen so many people trying to confess and be at peace with themselves.
• Next thing you know you are having a very delicious dinner and talking about the day and the marvelous experience.
• That is only one day and you still have many other places that you can visit form the Monte Krizevac (White Cross Hill) to the Cenaculo and Patrick and Nancy”s Castle. The Kravica Waterfall to Mostar to see the bridge.

The Vatican just granted approval for Medjugorje devotion:

“which recognize the spiritual fruits linked to Medjugorje since many positive fruits have been noted in the midst of a spiritual experience, while negative and dangerous effects have not spread among the people of God”.

This place has become a destination for many pilgrims from all walks of life to visit and witness first hand the peace and love this place brings. The reason to visit is not to meet with the alleged visionaries but to have an encounter with Mary the Queen of Peace, Jesus and God. The more I visit the more I fall in love with this place and want to share with as many people I can. If you have never been there I would recommend that you go visit. In addition to the spiritual fruits no matter your religion, the area has plenty to offer in all senses of life. Maybe this is your invitation from Mary Queen of Peace to visit her at this marvelous place.

E.Luna