date: 09.04.2012.
This Easter gathered many pilgrims in Medjugorje who participated together with pilgrims in the Liturgical programme of Easter Triduum. In those days pilgrims from the following countries were present in Medjugorje: Korea, Brazil, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Ukraine, Slovakia, Lebanon, Japan, the United States, Ireland, Austria and Romania.
Holy Thursday liturgical service started with prayer of the Rosary at 5 and solemn Holy Mass was at 6 p.m. Fr. Petar Vlasic, parish priest of Medjugorje parish was the main celebrant and 50 other priests concelebrated as well. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed until midnight immediately after Holy Mass and all faithful had the opportunity for silent prayer.
On Good Friday, ever since the early morning hours, pilgrims were climbing Cross Mountain in smaller or in bigger groups and they were all praying the Way of the Cross. At 11 a.m. the prayer of the Way of the Cross started for Croatian pilgrims and parishioners and Fr. Miljenko Steko led the prayer. The Rosary was at 5 p.m. in the church of St. James and Good Friday Service started at 6 p.m. Fr. Danko Perutina led the Prayer while singing of Passion was led by Fr. Karlo Lovric, Fr. Tihomir Bazina, one deacon and Members of Medjugorje choir.
Holy Saturday was the day of silent prayer throughout the whole world and the same was in Medjugorje. Pilgrims prayed around the church, on Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain. As it was getting dark, we were preparing for Easter vigil prayer. The Rosary started at 8 p.m. and Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic led those prayers. Solemn and Holy night Vigil began at 9 p.m. Fr. Marinko Sakota was the main celebrant and 56 priests concelebrated at that Holy Mass.
On Easter Sunday there were many Holy Masses in various languages and four in Croatian language. There were many pilgrims who arrived to spend this Holy Week in Medjugorje and among them we noticed one group from Japan. They said that they travelled for 18 hours to come to Medjugorje and they all said that this pilgrimage is going to increase and strengthen their faith even more. (photos)
