Ten of Thousands Attend Anniversary

by Jakob Marschner

The 32nd anniversary of the apparitions is celebrated by great crowds of believers, a local news portal reporting expectations of 100,000 people present. Cross appeared in the clouds during Mass on June 22. Public apparition to visionary Ivan Dragicevic on top of Apparition Hill tonight.

The statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking Medjugorje from atop Apparition Hill where Ivan Dragicevic will have a public apparition on June 24. Photo: Hrvoje Joe Topic

Medjugorje is flooded with pilgrims gathering to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparitions on June 24-25. Without citing sources, the local news portal Brotnjo Online reports that 100,000 people are expected.

Though this figure is likely too high, Medjugorje being unable to house this many pilgrims, many come from nearby areas which could serve to make the expected number more credible.

The Cross that appeared in the clouds during the evening Mass on June 22

“For several days, numerous columns of Catholics from home and abroad have traveled day and night to be present in “the oasis of peace”, once again experience true peace and reconciliation, gain spiritual strength, strengthen their faith, and give thanks to the Queen of Peace in Medjugorje for all the graces they have been endowed with” Brotnjo Online reports.

“From several directions, numerous pilgrims are on the march from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries. Many will hike dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, some even barefoot.”

During the evening Mass on June 22, many among the waiting pilgrims got a special treat when a Cross appeared in the clouds. This morning saw the 22nd traditional peace march from Humac to Medjugorje, starting at 6 pm. At 10 pm on Monday, visionary Ivan Dragicevic will have a public apparition on top of Apparition Hill.

The evening Mass on June 25, the formal anniversary day,  will be led by the new Franciscan Provincial, Fr Miljenko Steko, previously the director of Radio Mir Medjugorje.    Source   http://www.medjugorjetoday.tv/