Going on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje is such a wonderful, life-changing event. I was able to go in March 2006 (some of the photos are posted on Fr. Pat's web site). Though there are many groups who arrange tours, when I went in 2006 we used 206 Tours. They did a fantastic job of arranging everything for our group and we had a wonderful local tour guide while we were there who was able to direct/lead us towards the main pilgrimade sites in Medjugorje, yet wasn't overbearing. If you go on the 206 Tours web site, www.206tours.com, they list the trips that are going to Medjugorje and who the coordinator and spiritual directors are. Note that since the Church is still considering the apparitions as they are on-going, priests do not lead the tours; they simply accompany groups to privide spiritual direction to the pilgrims. Lay persons typically organize the dates, etc.

There is a trip that is being coordinated by a woman from Wilmington, NC, that departs early November, so if you are interested in being with fellow North Carolinians, it would be an option. Just know that no matter with whom you travel, you will be blessed for placing your faith in Our Lady's hands to make this journey that will draw you closer to the Sacred Heart of Christ.

Wayne Weible is an author on Medjugorje whose books are an excellent starting point for finding out more about the apparitions.

I pray that God will bless you as you discern whether or not to make your pilgrimage!

Since considering this trip, I have been advised to reconsider. I have been told that Medjugorje is not accepted by the church and I should choose another destination of holiness. This site could be a place of division- where people can not agree and that is not where the Holy Mother would be. I plan to also talk to another couple that has been there and had a wonderful experience. I did not realize there was so much controversy and even in parishoners in the same parish!

It is my understanding that the Church does not decide on the validity of apparitions until they have ceased. As Our Lady, I believe, continues to appear and bring her messages of peace, reconciliation and conversion through her Son, the Church will not decide one way or another. I have read, however, that Pope John Paul II expressed that one of the places he longed to go was to Medjugorje. And just this past summer, in fact, it was reported on Relevant Radio that Pope Benedict XVI spent quite some time in prayer in front of a statue of Our Lady of Medjugorje. Yes, there is some controversy (though I am not sure that is the right word to use) regarding Medjugorje because no definitive answer has been given from the Holy See, but that doesn't mean it's not a place of great holiness where many conversions occur. I had many roadblocks placed in front of me before my trip, but I felt truly called to go and somehow everything fell into place; I think it was by the grace of God.

Pray for discernment regarding where you should make your pilgrimage. Do not fear, for Christ is always where His mother is.

Medjugorje has recently been recognized by the Catholic Church as an official Marian Shrine in which people are allowed to go to, but also encouraged. People who have never been to Medjugorje just don't get it, but there have been 40 million people who have traveled there since 1981.

I believe we have been given a huge gift from God that Our Lady comes to Medjugorje. I just think that if I had been alive during the Fatima apparitions, or the Lourdes apparitions, I would have been so grateful to God for allowing me to journey to those holy places, while she was there. Even though the church had not yet approved them, thousands of people flocked there. It's a choice you make but if Our Lady is calling you, you will go. Pray on it and then pray some more. I have gone 4 times and long to go back so bad. And someday, I know I will. God bless you! Tricia, Massachusetts

I too am a Medjugorje fan and have been there five times. Even in the times we live in, we have a wonderful grace bestowed onto us. In the 20th century, Mary is with us proclaiming the Jesus message and her love for mankind.

What I do not undertand it why the whole world does not take note. I feel we are duty bound to make it known that her presence is very real and even tough it was 2000 years ago since her son walked upon us, she still comes and visits to ensure us that God does exsist! It doen't get better than this!!

Praise Mary as we Iove her dearly

Carol
Dublin - Ireland

I will be leading a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje November 5-13, 2009 through 206 TOURS. The cost of the trip is $1,919 per person leaving through RDU (price will vary if leaving from another city) and it includes airfare, lodging and two meals a day. For additional information visit: www.206tours.com/tour1