By Teresa Makowecki

While in Medjugorje I was constantly immersed in peacefulness, continually feeling the evident power of prayer in the village. Seeing people walking with rosaries any place at any time was beautiful. My heart was warmed and you truly felt welcomed when walking into the busiest restaurant on fasting days (every Wednesday and Friday) and being welcomed with glowing smiles even though many of us only had coffee or tea and their fresh homemade fasting bread; no cover charge for not ordering a meal.

It’s inspiring and eye opening to see a thousand people at the 9,10, and 11 a.m. Divine Liturgies every day. Similar to the prayerful masses, the rosary at 7 p.m. outside had around two thousand people on Saturday. We were blessed to attend, reminding us how to strengthen our connection with God, a gift we too often forget.

I never understood how people go back to this village time and time again. Now I do, because it’s spiritually magical. While not only growing your faith significantly, being surrounded with such a strong spiritual connection, you also find yourself constantly reflecting, finding who God calls you to be as an individual.

Bishop David reminded us we were going as pilgrims not as tourists. Taking the once in a lifetime trip to Medjugorje allowed me to understand the meaning behind his wise words.

When we carried on to Rome, it was beautiful although the faithful atmosphere is left behind and you become a tourist. 

Teresa Makowecki is president of the Vegreville branch of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC). In October 2016 she joined a Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton group accompanied by Bishop David Motiuk on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed to be appearing. (More information: http://www.medjugorje.org).