The feast of the Immaculate Conception

date: 08.12.2011.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was solemnly celebrated this year as well. Along with many local faithful, there were groups from Germany, Austria, Italy, Korea, Spain, France and the United States. Eight Holy Masses were celebrated, four in Croatian language at 6, 8, 11a.m. and at 6 p.m. There was a retreat of fasting, silence and prayer for pilgrims from Croatia prior to this feast. A little before this retreat there was Advent spiritual renewal in Domus Pacis for youth from Sarajevo. It was conducted by Fr. Danijel Rajic, spiritual assistant of Franciscan Youth from Sarajevo. He was a guest of Radio “Mir” Medjugorje along with two girls who participated in this retreat, Verica Kramer and Karolina Baresic. “Students who study in Sarajevo and come from other regions like Dalmatia, Vojvodina, etc. are all here as well as the members of Franciscan Youth from Sarajevo who are engaged in different activities in the church of St. Anthony in Sarajevo. Their wish was to have this retreat in Medjugorje. Verica, a student of Faculty for Traffic, said: “After Holy Mass, one feels relieved and renewed.” Karolina, a journalism student, said: “Young people who come to Bistrik are celebrating community and prayer, and this is opportunity for us to renew ourselves in spiritual way.” (photos)