For the 11/21 reflection, on the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stepha R. K. shares and writes movingly about her favorite “house of prayer” — St. James Catholic Church in Medjugorje:
Originally from a city (I.e. New Orleans) with a large and faithful Catholic community, I’m fortunate to frequent too many beautiful churches to list. With that said….My favorite House of Prayer is hands down Saint James Catholic Church in Medjugorje, the Marian apparition place of pilgrimage. Along with all of the visitors from around the world on pilgrimage visiting Medjugorje, as well as, the amazing locals, I’ve never seen Catholicism practiced as beautifully as I’ve witnessed and experienced in Medjugorje anywhere else in the world. The locals in Medjugorje truly embody this undeniable spirit of peace, joy, and holiness which is elusive to find in the U.S.
I’ve visited Medjugorje 3 times already, and I long to return again.
Walking through the village and the fields to/from St. James Catholic Church is the journey where there are no coincidences. Visiting Medjugorje is such a beautiful and mystical experience where Our Lady is undeniably appearing for many, many years now.
The Marian apparitions began in Medjugorje on Apparition Hill where Our Lady, Queen of Peace, first started appearing on June 25, 1981 to 6 children in what was formerly known as communist Yugoslavia. It’s a slice of Heaven on earth, One Body in Christ. You must visit to experience the beauty and conversion of heart. I hope everyone has a blessed and fruitful weekend with many more blessings ahead!
