2027-10-05 MJ1219 Our Lady of Medjugorje

Our pilgrimage begins with a flight from London Stansted to Sarajevo. On arrival, we will be met by our guide and driver, who will accompany us on our transfer to Medjugorje. The journey will take approximately two hours. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel, where we will be staying for the next seven nights, with evening dinner included. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Medjugorje is conveniently located just a short walk from the hotel. Depending on our arrival time, we may have the opportunity to take our first walk to the Sanctuary, familiarise ourselves with the surroundings and experience some of the evening prayer and worship activities. This will be a lovely introduction to Medjugorje and the spiritual journey ahead. We will then return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will meet our guide and walk to St. James Church, where we will celebrate a concelebrated Mass in English. Following Mass, we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the Sanctuary and its surrounding area, learning more about the history and spiritual significance of this special place. After lunch, we will travel to Mt. Podbrdo, also known as Apparition Hill. Here, our guide will share the story and significance of the apparitions of Our Blessed Mother and help bring this sacred place to life. Before beginning our climb, we will visit Vicka’s former family home, located at the foot of the hill. Vicka is one of the six visionaries and is closely connected with the history of the apparitions. As we make our way down from Apparition Hill, we will stop at the Blue Cross, a place of special significance where Our Lady appeared on several occasions. Return to our hotel and evening dinner here.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will attend concelebrated Mass in English at St James church at 10am. Free day at leisure for the rest of the day. Note: that there are many Spiritual activities in Medjugorje and around the Sanctuary you can attend daily. Confessions are conducted throughout the day in many languages (Medjugorje is well known for this). Talks from one of the visionaries could be arranged if they are available, Divine Mercy Prayer at 3pm will be in St James church, visit Risen Christ located at the back of the church and pray the Stations of the Cross here if you wish. We can also revisit the Apparition Hill and the Blue Cross where many of Our Lady’s apparitions and healings have taken place. Daily Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held at the open altar at the back of the church (we can attend this daily). There are many restaurants to choose from, all very reasonably priced as well as shops to browse through. Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. At 10.00am, we will attend Concelebrated Mass in English at St James’ Church. After Mass, our guide will walk with you to the base of the mountain then accompany you to the top of Mount Krizevac (approximately one kilometre from the church. Mount Krizevac stands approximately 520 metres above sea level. As we make our way up the mountain, we will pray the Stations of the Cross. The climb requires a reasonable level of fitness. The path is steep and uneven, with rough rocks and stones underfoot, so care should be taken and suitable footwear is strongly recommended. We recommend carrying only the essentials, such as water, a hat, sunscreen, and a mobile phone, to make the climb easier and more comfortable. At the summit stands the gigantic cross erected by local people in 1933 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of Jesus’ Crucifixion. Take time to enjoy the breathtaking views and relax before descending the mountain. Evening dinner will be served at the hotel. Special note: If you don’t wish to walk to the base of the mountain, taxi transfers to and from the base are available at £2 (approx.) per person each way, based on four people sharing.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a full day of exploration beyond Medjugorje, travelling to the historic Old Town of Mostar, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage destination steeped in culture and history. The highlight of our visit will be the iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), which spans the beautiful, azure-blue Neretva River. Originally completed in 1566, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. It was painstakingly reconstructed and reopened in July 2004. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, resilience and renewal. We will celebrate Mass at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Afterwards, there will be time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants and cafés, browse the charming shops and explore the picturesque, cobbled streets. You may also wish to cross the famous bridge and watch the traditional diving displays into the river. Return to Medjugorje and evening dinner here.

Breakfast at the hotel. At 10:00, we attend a concelebrated Mass in English at St James Church. Later, we then walk to the Cenacolo Community, founded in 1991 by Sister Elvira Petrozzi. The community supports young people recovering from addiction, helping them rebuild their lives through prayer, work, and a simple lifestyle rooted in faith and discipline. After the visit, we walk back to the sanctuary or take a taxi (cost not included; approximately £2 per person based on four people sharing). Following lunch, we walk to Castle Retreat House, owned by Nancy and Patrick. This unique castle in Medjugorje is peaceful and picturesque, featuring beautiful architecture and well-maintained gardens with religious sculptures. They warmly welcome priests, nuns, and seminarians here. We return to the Sanctuary for free time and shopping. Evening dinner at the hotel.

Today is your last day in Medjugorje, and it’s your free day, so make the most of it! Take the opportunity to explore, do as much as you can, or simply spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection. Most importantly, enjoy the day and let it be whatever you need it to be. Breakfast at the hotel. At 10am we attend concelebrated Mass in English at St James church. Evening dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, attend Mass at St James Church. Return to the hotel to check out before travelling to Sarajevo Airport for your return flight to the UK.