date: 26.07.2016.
Medjugorje parish celebrated on Monday, July 25, the feast of St. James, the Apostle, patron saint of this parish. Holy Masses in Croatian language were celebrated at 7, 8 am and 7 pm, while the main Holy Mass was celebrated at 11 am in the Garden opposite to the ruins of the old church. Fr. Ljubo Planinic, parish priest in Krusevo, was the main celebrant and the traditional procession with the statue of St. James began at 1045 am, at the church of St. James. Members and volunteers of the Association Mary’s Hands had privilege of carrying the statue this year, while the parish choir led by Sr. Irena Azinovic, made celebration more solemn and sang litanies all the way during the procession.
Fr. Marinko Sakota, parish priest, greeted all present at the end and thanked all parishioners who prepared for this celebration with Novena, along with many pilgrims who were there.
Parish of Medjugorje was founded in 1892, and immediately placed under the protection of St. James, the Apostle, and that is quite interesting as he is the patron saint of pilgrims. Life in this parish was pretty ordinary, not much different than any other parish in Herzegovina, all until June 1981, when Medjugorje and church of St. James became central point of gathering of millions of pilgrims. (photos)
