Christmas in Medjugorje

date: 29.12.2008.

In the time of Christmas, numerous faithful from the village and from the neighbourhood, as well as from distant parts of the world – even from Korea, Hong Kong and Macao - gathered together in Medjugorje.

Parishioners, together with the faithful from neighbouring parishes and pilgrims, prepared themselves for Christmas with a novena: instead of the usual evening prayer programme, there was a Rosary novena on Apparition Hill at 2 PM, and early morning masses daily at 6 AM. Priests were available every day for the sacrament of reconciliation.

The Christmas Vigil began at 10 PM with two hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the Midnight Mass, which ended about 1 am. Fr. Danko Perutina and Fr. Miljenko Šteko led the Adoration; the Midnight Mass was presided by Fr. Vjeko Milićević.

A group of young people played and sang during the Vigil. Adoration was translated into English, French, German, Italian, Czech, Russian, Korean, and Chinese. The Parish Choir of the Queen of Peace, under the direction of Sister Slavica Kožul sang during Mass. The entire night prayer programme was transmitted live by Radio "Mir" Medjugorje.

On Christmas day, the Mass in Croatian was presided over by the pastor, Fr. Petar Vlašić. The Parish Choir under the direction of Sister Slavica Kozul sang.

This year, “The Living Manger” is not behind the outside altar, but in front of the church. This year again, the “Cenacolo” community has built a whole “little Bethlehem” and performed the Living Manger on December 24, and again on The Holy Innocents, December 28. The performance lasted an hour. On that day at 3 pm, there was a special Holy Mass for children and a blessing of the children. It was presided over by Fr. Vjeko Milićević, and the Parish priest greeted children and parents.

On Fridays during Christmas time, there is prayer in front of the Manger instead of the usual Veneration of the Cross. This year, as the Living manger is in front of the church, so that the faithful practically have to “pass through Bethlehem” when they come for Mass, there is no manger in the church. In front of the altar, there is only the Child Jesus lying on the straw and blessing the faithful…