Peaceful Retreat with Our Lady: A Catholic Pilgrimage through Medjugorje

Nestled between the hills of Bosnia-Herzegovina lies a small village that has quietly drawn millions of peace-seeking Catholics—and it might be just the pilgrimage destination you've been searching for.

Medjugorje literally means “between the hills.” So why have millions flocked to this humble farmland since 1981? Our Lady began appearing to six children that year, and it is reported that she continues to appear to three of them daily. The visionaries of Medjugorje are now grown with families of their own, but pilgrims come not to see apparitions or even to meet the visionaries; they come to encounter the peace of Christ. The Vatican affirms the beautiful fruit that has poured forth from this place, from thousands of conversions to countless individuals who credit their vocational discernment to their time in Medjugorje.

Medjugorje has been nicknamed the “confessional of the world” due to the countless confessions heard every year in multiple languages. There are about 150 confessors present each day to hear the confessions of locals and pilgrims. In the main church, there are about seven Masses each day, offered in different languages to accommodate pilgrims from all over the world, not to mention additional private Masses celebrated in various chapels.

Many have reported miraculous healings, such as couples struggling with infertility conceiving, cancer disappearing, broken backs being restored, the deaf regaining hearing, and freedom from depression—the list goes on.

Any local from Medjugorje will urge you not to pilgrimage for the sake of miracles, visions, or signs, but to come solely to draw near to Christ.

Those who have made the pilgrimage to Medjugorje consistently describe an overwhelming sense of peace during their visit. Peace is in the very air of Medjugorje because the entire village prays. Each evening, crowds gather for the Rosary, Mass, and Adoration—so it is no wonder peace fills the village.

The messages of Our Lady of Peace to the visionaries of Medjugorje are consistent with the themes of the Lourdes and Fatima apparitions: to pray, fast, repent, and respond to the Gospel so that the world may know the peace of Christ.

The priests of Medjugorje encourage everyone to live out the “Five Stones of Medjugorje,” which are based on Our Lady’s messages:

1. Pray the Rosary with your heart every day (with love for Jesus through Mary)

2. Fast twice each week (Wednesday and Friday are encouraged)

3. Go to Holy Confession every month

4. Receive the Eucharist every Sunday

5. Read the Bible every day (so that we may become familiar with the voice of God)

They are called “stones” to reflect how David defeated Goliath with his sling and five smooth stones (1 Sam 17:40). The Goliath we face today is sin in its many forms. You do not have to wait to go to Medjugorje to live out the Five Stones and to steward Christ’s peace in your life.

We invite you to pilgrimage with Corporate Travel to Medjugorje for a time of healing, peace, and retreat in the heart of Mary!