date: 01.01.2016.
Parishioners and thousands of pilgrims from all over the world were in Medjugorje for the celebration of New Year's Eve in prayer and in music. There were organised groups fro Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Ukraine, Korea, the United States, Czech Republic, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Slovakia. There were many young people from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fr.Dragan Ružić, with 42 priest concelebrating, was the main celebrant of the evening Holy Mass of Thanksgiving at 6 pm on December 31, 2015. That was opportunity to thank for all good that the Lord granted to this parish through the Queen of Peace. Fr. Dragan Bolčić led the prayer of Rosary at 5 pm, and the live nativity scene followed immediately after Holy Mass, performance given by the members of Cenacolo community. The prayer programme for the New Year's Eve started at 10 pm with vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, led by Fr. Stanko Ćosić. Fr. Vjeko Milićević was the main celebrant of the Midnight Holy Mass, with more than 80 priests concelebrating. The church of St. James, area around the church, White Dome and the Yellow Building were packed with many people who were joyfully praying and praising God. The whole programme was broadcast live on radio Mir Medjugorje. Late Fr. Slavko Barbarić was the one who initiated this celebration of New Year's Eve in this way, and ever since that time, the number of pilgrims who decide to be here on this special day, to have this celebration in a different way than ordinary, in prayer and in praising God. (photos)
