Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *


Day 1 - Arrive Medjugorje
Check in at your airport, where our local representative will be on hand to assist you. On arrival, you will be met by our guides who will direct you towards your coach ready to start our transfer to this most Blessed village, Medjugorje. The guide on the transfer will inform us of what we can expect during our time here as we view the splendid scenery on route. As we drive into Medjugorje, with the steeple of St. James Church first greeting us, we will arrive at our house. With all rooms allotted on the bus, we are firstly introduced to our host family and we can then rest in our rooms before being called for a light snack, or dinner, which will be served depending on the time of arrival. Each evening, we will attend the parish evening programme. It begins with the rosary followed by Holy Mass and depending on the day, we finish with adoration.

Day 2 - Opening Meeting
Our day begins with breakfast before attending the 10:00 am Mass for English-speaking pilgrims at the Church of St. James, named for St. James the Apostle, the patron saint of pilgrims. After Mass, we gather nearby at the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace for our introductory meeting. Here, our guides will recount the rich history of Medjugorje, introduce the shrine, and offer insights into the messages and intentions of Our Lady, preparing us for the week ahead.

We break for lunch, where the local restaurants offer an array of choices, from savory steaks to authentic pizza. In the afternoon, we head to the Blue Cross, a sacred place of numerous apparitions of Our Lady, located at the base of Apparition Hill. This spot, where the children initially sought refuge from communist authorities, is now a serene and peaceful gathering place for pilgrims. From there, we walk to the former home of Vicka, one of the six visionaries of Medjugorje, where we pause to see and pray in the room where she experienced apparitions over many years. After dinner, we have the opportunity to join in the parish's evening prayer program.

Day 3 - Hill of Apparitions
After breakfast this morning, we gather at the statue of Our Lady and begin our walk through the vineyards toward the Hill of Apparitions, or Podbrdo. This is the traditional route taken by millions of pilgrims, but please be aware it is a challenging climb, with steep and uneven terrain. If you feel that this climb may be too strenuous, it's perfectly fine to sit this one out and spend time in prayer or reflection at the base. For those who choose to continue, we recommend comfortable, sturdy shoes and a steady pace, as the path can be difficult.

As we make our way up the hill, our guides will share the moving stories of the early days of the apparitions, especially the intense first seven days, recounting the visionaries' profound spiritual journey. In prayerful reflection, we ascend to the spot where Our Lady first appeared to six frightened children in June 1981. We pause at several points along the way to pray the Joyful Mysteries.

This afternoon, there is an optional visit to Cenacolo, a community dedicated to recovery from addiction. Here, we witness the strength and healing that comes from hard work, perseverance, and prayer, a powerful lesson shared by the residents themselves. After dinner, we will gather again for the parish's evening program.

Day 4 - Divine Mercy
Today, we may have the chance to meet one of the visionaries, though this depends on their availability, to hear a talk on the messages they receive. Our Lady, Queen of Peace, delivers a message on the 25th of each month through the visionary Marija, calling us to deepen our faith. These messages encourage us to attend Holy Mass, fast, read the Bible, go to confession, and pray the Holy Rosary. Our Lady assures us that we will receive abundant graces through praying the Rosary. Please be aware that the visionaries' availability is not guaranteed, as it can vary due to their schedules and other obligations.

In the afternoon, there is an optional trip to the Church of the Divine Mercy in Surmanci, a nearby village just a 15-minute drive from Medjugorje. This church holds special significance for pilgrims, as it is known for a miraculous healing associated with the Divine Mercy icon displayed in the chapel. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Faustina and St. John Paul II. Please note that this trip is optional and is not organized by Marian Pilgrimages, and there may be a small local fee for those who wish to join the excursion.

Day 5 - Cross Mountain
We start with breakfast and gather at the base of Cross Mountain (Krizevac) to begin our ascent. Please be aware that this is a challenging climb over rocky and steep terrain. If you have any concerns about the physical demands, you may prefer to join the Stations of the Cross held simultaneously at the Risen Lord Statue below. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential, and we recommend that only those in good health attempt the climb.

For those who join the ascent, we pray the Stations of the Cross together as we journey upward, pausing at each station to reflect on Jesus' path to Calvary. Upon reaching the summit, we take time for prayer and contemplation beside the large concrete cross, erected by the parish of St. James in 1933 to mark the 1900th anniversary of Christ's passion and death.

We descend in time to attend Holy Mass and, afterward, enjoy a peaceful afternoon with some free time to rest or explore.

Day 6 - Talk with Medjugorje Priest
Today we gather to hear from one of the priests. With Medjugorje as their base, they can shed light on issues we may be struggling with such as confession or sacrifice. In the afternoon we will visit a neighbouring Franciscan monastery and the Shrine of St. Anthony, which is located only 15 min from Medjugorje village. Please note that this trip is optional and is not organized by Marian Pilgrimages, and there may be a small local fee for those who wish to join the excursion.

In the evening after international holy mass, you may take part in the prayer of Mysteries of Light in the Via Domini and visit the grave of late Fr. Slavko, a Medjugorje priest who embodied the messages of Our Lady and who travelled the world spreading that message of peace and reconciliation. After almost 18 years spent in Medjugorje, Fr. Slavko suddenly died at the top of the Cross mountain on a Friday afternoon in 2000.

Day 7 - Mothers Village
We meet as a group to join in the closing meeting on the church grounds. Our guides will conclude the week with a prayer and a short follow up on the week. We finish the programme with a visit to the Mothers village. This is an orphanage founded by the late Fr. Slavko for children whose parents had died during the war. Now it's a home for orphaned children or children who come from dysfunctional and broken families. This village is a visible fruit of Medjugorje. Please note that this trip is optional and is not organized by Marian Pilgrimages, and there may be a small local fee for those who wish to join the excursion. After dinner, we can participate in the evening programme.

Day 8 - Depart Medjugorje
Our guide will collect us at our house for our transfer to the airport for our return flight.



Please Note: Certain days on this pilgrimage involve strenuous activities, including prolonged walking, climbing, and navigating uneven surfaces. We strongly advise all participants to assess their physical capabilities and refrain from attempting activities beyond their comfort or endurance level. For your safety and enjoyment, please wear comfortable, supportive footwear and consult our team in advance if you have any mobility concerns.