For those that asked what is the status of the construction!? The new extension to the sacristy is almost done. The outside work is almost done. The inside is also almost done, they are awaiting for the carpentry to arrive. Anyhow, a few photos of the outside area and it's new looks.

Hello all,

As I announced a few days ago, The Sacrament of the First Communion was received by the 3rd graders from the parish of Medjugorje. As far as I know there were 90 girls and boys present. Some of the children were from Mothers Village orphanage. The two girls on the shown photos are Ivana and Marija Vasilj, my friends daughters and the two boys on the third photo are my friends from Mothers Village, Sladjan and Ante.  The boy on the left is a bit ill so he could not be present with the rest of the children for the ceremony, he received his first communion on the choir alone but we went to join the others for a few minutes for a couple photos in front of the altar.

Dear friends,

I wrote about the significance of today's day  St. Joseph the Worker - May Day - Labor day section, but I also need to mention that there are a few different manifestations taking place in our parish as well as other parishes in the area. Today is the day when children's choirs present their work, youth quires from the area of Herzegovina and wider are coming to Medjugorje today to present their singing. The manifestation takes place at a different parish every year and it is called "Zlatna Harfa" (The Golden Harp).I will try to get a few photos during this event, I'll post them this afternoon.

 This following Sunday is the day when the Sacrament of the First Communion is received by the 3rd graders from the parish. This is a big day for them as they are to receive the most Holy Eucharist for the first. Two little girls in my neighborhood are 3rd graders, chatting with them made me remember how important and exciting day this is for them.

VATICAN CITY -  “Our Lady - I  would like to put aside any scholarly  theological  issue and focus on what my mother used to tell me, with great simplicity, when I was young before I went out: If  you pass in front of a statue of Our Lady, say hello to Her. She does love you”.
93 year old eminent Archbishop of  Ravenna – Cervia  Cardinal  Ersilio Tonini ( in the picture), one of the most authoritative members of the Holy College, who has always openly shown his great devotion to Our Lady , is overcome by emotion and his voice is starting to tremble. His pure and deep love for Our Lady, just like the love that a child has for his mother, started in the earliest years of his life.

Dear children,

By God's will I am here with you in this place. I desire for you to open your hearts to me and to accept me as a mother. With my love I will teach you simplicity of life and richness of mercy and I will lead you to my Son. The way to Him can be difficult and painful but do not be afraid, I will be with you. My hands will hold you to the very end, to the eternal joy; therefore do not be afraid to open yourselves to me. Thank you.

As you all know today is the "May Day" or the "Labor day", here is a little bit about what is it why it is celebrated "May Day occurs on May 1 and refers to any of several public holidays.[1] In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. As a day of celebration, however, the holiday has ancient origins and can relate to many customs that have survived into modern times. Many of these customs are due to May Day being a cross-quarter day, meaning that it falls approximately halfway between a solstice and an equinox." 

But we also know that the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker today so here is a little bit about who St. Joseph was: "Everything we know about the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus comes from Scripture and that has seemed too little for those who made up legends about him.

Granny Andja praying for you,

I just wanted to share this photo and a little explanation with all of you. This is a photo of my grandmother Andja, this is the pose and the expression I see every day. If there is a title for a person that prays as much as she does it would be “Perpetual Praying Granny” and she would deserve it. We chatted the other day about different things and among those things was my website and all of the good people that visit and read what I and others write. I asked her, would she be a part of this project and if YES would she pray for the intentions and needs for those that visit my website, she said YES and she got the job. So now you all have a “professional” praying for you and your intentions. If you ever desire to send her a note, you can write to me over the CONTACT US form and I will pass it on to her or you can send her a post card to this address: Andja Vasilj, Put Krizevca bb, 88266 Medjugorje, BiH.

Thank you.

There is this project that was started by Fr. Slavko Barbaric R.I.P. here in Medjugorje, it was called "Vise cvijeca, manje smeca" (More flowers, less garbage), he would get all of the children from the local school, the parishioners and whoever else wanted to help. This group was divided in to small groups and were assigned to different parts of the village (parish) and sent off to clean the hillsides, roads, fields and all of the places where garbage was to be found. I want to appeal to everyone’s conscience and help as pilgrims and friends of Medjugorje in keeping this little place clean. Not much effort is given when you climb the Cross mountain or the Apparition hill to bring a plastic bag with you and collect the garbage left behind by careless people. Thank you.
 

SPOKESMAN FOR CARDINAL CONFIRMS THAT MEDJUGORJE HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM COMMISSION INTO DIRECT HANDS OF VATICAN 

It came as a complete surprise and we have now confirmed it. It is nearly as if the hand of John Paul II himself is in it.

Or is it simply that Benedict XVI is a bit more mystical than many perceived?

In Europe, the press has reported that the matter of Medjugorje -- the famed apparition site in Bosnia-Hercegovina that was so dear to John Paul -- has shifted directly into the hands of the Vatican.

The apparitions will not be accepted or rejected by local or regional Church officials until they are directed how and when to do so by Rome, officials now report -- in one  of the larger development in this case since onset of the apparitions.

"I can confirm it," states Monsignor Mato Zovkic, vicar general of the Sarajevo archdiocese.

1) Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive special graces.
2) I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
3) The Rosary shall be a powerful weapon against evil; it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
4) The Rosary will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to desire for eternal things.
5) The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.