WHERE IS MEDJUGORJE?

The parish of Medjugorje is situated among the hills of the southwestern region of Herzegovina, about 600 ft above sea level, and is populated by Croatian Catholics, as the region was historically part of Croatia. The parish of St. James has been led by the Croatian Franciscan Friars for centuries.

HOW IS THE WEATHER?

Spring and Fall weather is typically warm and sunny during the day, with cooler temperatures in the evenings. Summer weather is typically hot, with low humidity and little rain. It is good to pack lightweight, comfortable clothing including warmer layers for evening and rain gear.

WHAT IS THE VILLAGE LIKE?

Medjugorje was once a very simple farming village, and has grown to accommodate a great number of pilgrims. However, the heart of the parish— St. James Church and the faith of the people— has not changed. There are many stores and religious gift shops in Medjugorje, as well as cafes and restaurants.

CURRENCY / EXPENSES?

In Medjugorje, you may use US dollars, Euros, or local Bosnian Marks, and in some cases credit cards. Bring your cash in smaller bills. Cash machines offer local currency. If using a credit or debit card internationally, it is important to notify your bank or card company. Expected expenses include: evening meals in Medjugorje ( + meals for final day in Croatia), extra snacks and drinks, taxis, tips, donations, and personal shopping… about $50-$100 per day.
Please note: **In Croatia (final day) only Euros & or cards are accepted.**

CLOTHING?

The general dress in Medjugorje is casual. It is not necessary to dress up in church, although you may do so if you wish. Comfortable, casual clothing and shoes are best. The local Franciscans have asked that all pilgrims dress respectfully, especially on Church grounds- with clothing that covers shoulders, upper leg and midriff (you’d be surprised!).

LAUNDRY?

There are no laundry services available. If necessary, pilgrims can hand wash items in their bathroom. You can bring a small container of laundry soap if you plan to do so. There is an outdoor clothesline at our guest home for drying clothes.

LUGGAGE?

The airline allows one check-in suitcase, weighing no more than 50lbs AND one carry-on bag per-person, small enough to fit under the seat, weighing no more than 17.5lbs PLUS a personal item (like handbag or camera bag). Clearly mark bags with your name, address, and phone number. Your unmarked luggage, if lost, may be difficult to locate. All valuables, including electronics, jewelry, medicine, money, and documents, should be carried on to plane with you. Your carry-on bag cannot contain any sharp objects. Any liquids in carry-on must be in containers no larger than 3.4 oz, gathered in a clear plastic resealable quart size bag. Larger liquids are OK in big suitcase.

TRAVELER‘S INSURANCE?

Purchase of travelers insurance is optional yet recommended, and can be done through your local AAA, the airline, or any travel agency. Options and costs vary depending on personal needs and preferences.

WHAT WILL THE GUEST HOME BE LIKE?

The guest homes in Medjugorje are clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Guest rooms have private bathrooms and showers. Our guest home is a pleasant walk to St. James Church and the town center. Daily van and taxi rides can be arranged as needed.

IS THERE A POSSIBILITY OF ENCOUNTERING DANGER?

Medjugorje is a peaceful and safe village. However, there is always an unpredictable possibility of danger when in unfamiliar surroundings. For this reason, and for your own safety, it is recommended to stay with the group and avoid wandering alone. If separating from the group, please inform your group guide.

MEALS?

We will have, on most of the days, our breakfast and lunch together at our guest home. We will have our evening meals in a restaurant near the church.

Breakfast is served buffet style- with breads, cheeses, cold cuts, jams, eggs, cereals, fruit, coffee, tea & juice. 

The main midday meal is offered family style. Soup is usually served first, followed by large platters of meat or fish, potatoes or rice, cooked vegetables, and fresh salads.

The foods are all local and organic, much of it from the backyard garden. 

FASTING?

Our Lady invites us to return to the age-old practice of fasting regularly on Wednesdays and Fridays. She calls us to strive for a perfect fast of bread and water on these days. The purpose of fasting is a strengthening and purifying sacrifice. 

When paired with prayer, fasting is especially powerful. Our Lady tells us: “with prayer and fasting, wars can be stopped, and the laws of nature suspended.”

It is not easy to do the perfect fast, nor is it meant to be easy. Pilgrims are not required to do so, and our host family will not expect it of you. On Wednesdays and Fridays they will avoid serving any meat, as is the custom there, but plenty of other food will be available since pilgrims need their strength. However, if a pilgrim desires to fast on bread & water, that is certainly fine and we will inform the host so that the amount of food being prepared can be adjusted to avoid waste.

SAFE LOCKBOXES?

The guestrooms are not equipped with safe lockboxes. However, every room has a key and rooms can be locked. The guest house is constantly monitored by our host family during our stay. Only the host family has access to the rooms for replenishing towels, emptying trash, etc. Thankfully, there have never been any problems with missing items. 

RADIOS FOR TRANSLATION?

As mentioned in our packing suggestion list, it is very helpful to have a small FM radio with earpieces to be able to tune in to the English translation of the evening Croatian Mass and prayer program, on 94.3 FM. These types of radios can also be purchased in the local shops or rented from a kiosk near the church. Often times, pilgrims leave radios behind, so there might be some extras at our guest home. It is also possible to use an FM radio app on your smart phones for those with international data plans.

COMMUNICATION WHILE IN MEDJUGORJE?

While it’s good to “unplug” as much as possible from the distractions of technology while on pilgrimage, it may be necessary for you to be in touch at times with family, friends or work. 

Our guest home has free wifi/internet connection available, as do most of the restaurants and cafés. This enables you to communicate via email or messaging services. You can also call and text at no cost with your cellphone by using an app like WhatsApp, when connected to wifi.

Otherwise, there is an added fee to use your cellphone overseas, depending on which cellular carrier you use. For example, some carriers offer unlimited cellphone use overseas for about $10 a day. You can check with your carrier for policies and details. 

MEETING PLACES?

To be sure we are all on track and connected during our time in Medjugorje, there will be certain times and places that we will all meet up daily, like anchors in the day, where we can communicate changes in our schedule or important developments.

Breakfast time: We’ll begin each day with breakfast and prayer together at our guest home.

After English Mass: Each day after English Mass, we will meet outside… just look for the MirPeace sign:)

After Evening Mass: I will show you the spot outside where I can be found during the evening prayer program and Mass. You can either join me in that area, or sit wherever you like and come after the evening Mass. From there, we can head together to the restaurant for our evening meal. 

EVENING MEALS?

When we gather in the restaurant for our evening meals, we typically sit together at large tables. To make it easier for the waiter, we try not to request individual checks, but everyone chips in for the approximate cost of their meal (about $10-$20 per person), so it is good to be prepared with cash. It’s really nice to gather in the evenings to share experiences and get updates for our plans, especially the first few evenings – but you can certainly opt to try different places if you prefer.
 

GETTING AROUND?

You will have the option of walking or riding to and from church. There are many taxis available for a small fee, to ride anywhere within the village. Most of the village is flat and easily walkable. It is best to use sidewalks and field paths rather than walking along the road, which could be dangerous with traffic.

CLIMBING THE HILLS?

There are two main hills that “hug” the village:

Apparition Hill (where Our Lady first appeared) and Cross Mountain (where the villagers erected a Cross in 1933).

Both climbs are rugged and rocky.  Walking sticks are helpful. Though we plan to climb both hills as a group, it is not required that you do so. It is fine and very powerful to pray even at the base of the hills. If you feel confident to try to climb, but find it challenging, we will help one another as a family to make it to the top.

MIRPEACE BAGS?

Each of you will receive a lightweight MirPeace knapsack that can be used to carry your essentials, and to be recognized as a true pilgrim who has come to pray.

In the knapsacks you’ll find some helpful information papers, and an English-Croatian booklet of prayers and useful phrases. 

I’ll either mail your bags, or hand deliver when I see you.