date: 26.06.2012.
This year’s Anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions was solemnly celebrated in Medjugorje on Monday, June 25, 2012. Besides numerous pilgrims from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, there were organised groups of pilgrims from England, the United States, Portugal, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Uganda, Slovakia, China, France, Slovenia and Korea. Many of them arrived by usual transport means, while huge number of pilgrims walked to Medjugorje to fulfil their vows to the Queen of Peace and to thank her for graces they have received. Priests were confessing pilgrims ever since 4 a.m., and total of 26 Holy Masses were celebrated during the day in the church of St. James, at the White Dome and in Adoration Chapel. Holy Masses in Croatian language were at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and central Holy Mass was at 7 p.m. Dr. Fr. Ivan Sesar, the Provincial of Herzegovinian Franciscan Province was the main celebrant and 162 priests concelebrated at that Mass. Parish choir of the Queen of Peace, conducted by Sr. Irena Azinovic sang during this main Eucharistic celebration. Dr. Fr. Miljenko Steko, Director of the Information Centre, gave a short speech and thanked everybody at the end of Holy Mass. Numerous foreign and national journalists were recording Holy Mass, and the whole programme was broadcasted on Internet as well.
The Vigil Holy Mass on the Feast of St. John the Baptist was celebrated by Dr. Fr. Ivan Dugandzic and 134 priests concelebrated at that Holy Mass. The traditional Peace Walk from shrine of St. Anthony in Humac to Medjugorje was held on that day as well. (photos)
