My Journey to Medjugorje

What Is Medjugorje?

Medjugorje is a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina well-known as a Catholic pilgrimage destination since the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to six visionaries on Apparition Hill in 1981 and continues to this day to appear to some of them daily. She has come to tell the world God exists, and to enjoy His fullness and peace, we must return to our faith. It makes sense how numerous conversions and miracles have occurred here because, for me, the love I felt from Mother Mary was so abundant that it filled my soul with peace. Heaven is felt here!

I recommend reading the two books listed below to learn more about Medjugorje. Both are available for purchase on Amazon.

1. Medjugorje: The Message by Wayne Weible

2. Queen of the Cosmos: Interviews with the Visionaries of Medjugorje

"Jesus said to him, 'Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.'" - John 20:29

How It Started

August 6, 2023, I purchased an indoor 19.5-inch-tall casted marble powder statue of Our Lady of Grace. This was to be a gift for my mother’s birthday on August 8^th. The statue was delivered on August 11^th, and I vividly recall being completely taken aback when I saw the words "Bosnia-Herzegovina" printed on the outside of the package. When I bought this statue off ETSY, I had no idea that it would travel all the way from Medjugorje! My mother and I experienced a sense of holiness when we opened the delivered package. There she was—our dear Mother Mary, gazing up at us with such beauty! 

As you walk through the front door of my parent’s home, this Our Lady of Grace statue greets you in the foyer. Since her arrival, she has heard many of our prayers.  

My Journey Begins

Fast forward to 5 months later in January 2024, I had a strong calling in my heart to hop onto “Google” and start searching for a 2024 pilgrimage to Medjugorje. I was led to click on a particular church site in Idaho who goes yearly. After hearing their testimony, within days I ended up booking my first holy pilgrimage with the travel agency they used. Together, my close catholic friend in Christ, traveled across the world with me to the small town of Medjugorje.

“A Faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure.”– Sirach 6:14.

On Route 

From the International New Orleans Airport, we departed at approximately 5:30 a.m. It took nearly two days to reach the Magnificat Center Hotel in Medjugorje, as a result of layovers, a two-hour bus ride, and a brief stop at Restaurant Zdrava Voda in Jablanica, which is renowned for its traditional specialty lamb that is cooked slowly on an open fire. The lamb was extraordinary.

The Magnificat Center Hotel is unique, I must say, because it belongs to Marija, one of the visionaries of Medjugorje. Her goal was to establish a place where the Queen of Peace's messages could be seen and shared. Till this day, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to stay here.

I was exhausted from my travels but as soon as we arrived at the hotel, I was rushed to drop my luggage in my room and run downstairs to the basement to witness Marija have an apparition of our Blessed Mother Mary. The room was intimate but filled with people from all over the world. Standing in the back of the room, I dropped to my knees. Everyone was kneeling because Mother Mary was about to appear to Marija. A flood of tears began running down my face. I felt a heaviness of peace pushing down on me. It felt as if a piece of heaven was in front of us. We could not physically see her, but our Blessed Mother Mary was alive in the room with all of us, and you knew it!

In front of the spot where Mother Mary appears to Marija, everyone in the room has the opportunity to lay prayer intentions (which I had from others back home) and any objects, such as a rosary or pilgrimage purchases. In this way, our Blessed Mother Mary can intercede for us by presenting our intentions to her son. She also blesses everything that is set in front of her, including everyone in the room who has come to visit.

Tour Guide Recommendation

I do have to give a shout-out to our amazing tour guide, Julie, who is a cousin to one of the visionaries (Vicka). I would highly recommend booking her! I do not want to give too much away but she is the one that made our tour in Medjugorje so special. If you are interested in booking Julie, you can message her on Instagram @julie_stojic_medjugorje_guide.

Highlights

Confession 

In Medjugorje, confessionals are found along the outside of St. James Church filled with priests who speak a variety of languages. As you wait for your turn, take this time to reflect in silence. Begin by praying to the Holy Spirit for assistance in conducting a thorough analysis of your sins. Confession is beautiful because you are witnessing God’s mercy and love. A good confession brings you closer to God.

Blue Cross

It was in this very spot where I felt a deep connection to Mother Mary. So much, I went back on my own for a second visit to have one on one prayer time with her. Conveniently, it was located just down the street from my hotel. 

Blue Cross was the inspiration for my Blank Card Design. 

       

 

Apparition Hill

Pilgrims recite the rosary as they climb Apparition Hill. When you reach the top, you are greeted by a white marble statue of Mother Mary. 

 

 

Cross Mountain

Pilgrims reflect on the Stations of the Cross as they climb Cross Mountain. Whatever burden or struggle you are holding onto, take it up the mountain and place it at the foot of Jesus’ cross for him to handle. This climb is an opportunity to fully surrender to Jesus. It is also common to see pilgrims climb barefoot as an act of penance.

Traveling from Southeast Louisiana, this was a big mountain for me to climb. To aid in the ascent, many use walking sticks. Although I didn't have one, it helped that there were plenty of pomegranate trees for me to cling to.

After Cross Mountain with our shoes full of mud due to the rain from the night before, we jumped in a cab and told the driver to take us to a nice breakfast spot. Let me tell you, this spot was perfect. We ordered the European Breakfast and it hit the spot!

Restoran Krempi 
Address: Franjevačkih mučenika 7, Međugorje, Bosnia & Herzegovina

European Breakfast – Cappuccino, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a chocolate croissant. 

Daily Mass

Daily masses are said in various languages at scheduled times for Croation, English, German, Italian, and French speakers. After one of our English masses, we had the privilege of hearing Father Leon Pereira speak to all those who attended. I learned so much from him, but the number one thing he emphasized was in this present day with how the world is, we must believe in Jesus and cling to our Catholic faith.  

For mass inside St. James Church, I recommend arriving early to get a promised seat. The masses are back-to-back, so when we arrived early, it was during the German mass.

Where To Shop

If you are ever on a holy pilgrimage in Medjugorje, ask around for directions to the Medjugorje Jewelry Shop – located on a street that brings you into a neighborhood. I believe when we were there, some called it Marijana’s Jewelry Shop. It is in this shop where you can find the handmade rosaries made from mini rocks at Apparition Hill. In my opinion, this is the one and only shop to go to!

*It was here that I learned the Our Lady of Grace statue I bought on ETSY originated from this store! The owner was very kind and welcoming. I enjoyed speaking with everyone who ran the store. This shop is a special little gem in Medjugorje!

Medjugorje Jewelry / Boyan D.O.O.
Address: Podbrdo 19, 88260, Bosnia & Herzegovina

 

My Return Home

But first, a little bit on my background…

Having worked in film, television, as a dance instructor and choreographer, a fitness instructor, and in live entertainment as a dancer and magician assistant with The Magic of Rob Lake, I have no background in business. At this point in my journey, I didn't know how to start a business, let alone run one!

As I have gotten older, my career has evolved and so has my heart, especially after I consecrated myself to Mother Mary in 2021 with the book “Mary’s Mantle Consecration: A Spiritual Retreat for Heaven’s Help” by Christine Watkins. I felt a small calling in my heart to open a Catholic store, but this seemed unachievable and would be an extremely difficult undertaking for me to complete.

How Marie Madeleine came about…

When I returned home from Medjugorje, that is when Mother Mary gave me the courage and the grace to start my business. I named my shop Marie Madeleine – the French spelling of Mary Magdalene. I put my trust in God’s timing on when my business would be ready to launch, and it just happened to launch on Easter Sunday in 2025. 

I am trying my best for Marie Madeleine to bring all glory to God. I pray the presence of my online shop will encourage others to return to their faith, assist in deepening their prayer life, keep their eyes on Jesus, and most importantly, plant the seed of faith in their children’s little hands and hearts. This is why I made sure Marie Madeleine is for both children and adults.

Conclusion...

Are you in need of healing in your heart or a physical healing? Are you looking to let go of resentments, addictions, find forgiveness or do you feel lost? Do you need help in letting go of something that no longer serves goodness in your soul? I promise you; God wants you to let go and lean on Him. Let go and let God. 

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you". – Matthew 7:7

This bible verse highlights the promise of God's accessibility through prayer. Be persistent in your faith and prayers. Lean on Him and not your own understanding. Peace from within ONLY comes from God.

If you have a calling in your heart to visit Medjugorje, it is often attributed to Mother Mary inviting you to visit her. Remember, she is your mother too. You cannot get closer to heaven than Medjugorje!

“If you knew how much I love you you'd cry of joy.” – Mother Mary (21 Jun 1984 – Medjugorje)