Our Lady of Medjugorje is the name given to the Virgin Mary in connection with apparitions reported since 1981 in the village of Medjugorje, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 1981 Apparitions
Starting on June 24, 1981, six children from Medjugorje claimed to have witnessed daily apparitions of the Virgin Mary, presenting herself under the title "Queen of Peace." These apparitions reportedly continued for some of the visionaries, accompanied by messages calling for prayer, conversion, and peace.
Recognition and Position of the Church
The Medjugorje apparitions sparked worldwide interest, leading to investigations by the Catholic Church. In 1991, the Conference of Bishops of Yugoslavia issued a judgment of "non constat de supernaturalitate," indicating that the supernatural character of the events was not confirmed. However, in May 2019, Pope Francis authorized the official organization of pilgrimages to Medjugorje, recognizing the "fruits of grace" observed, without authenticating the apparitions themselves.
The Medjugorje Sanctuary
Despite the lack of official recognition of the apparitions, Medjugorje has become a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of faithful each year. Pilgrims participate in spiritual activities such as prayer, fasting, and confession, in response to the messages attributed to the Virgin Mary.
Messages and Spirituality
The messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje emphasize five main points: daily prayer (especially the Rosary), fasting, reading the Bible, monthly confession, and the Eucharist. These practices aim to strengthen believers' faith and promote peace in the world.
