Rose Chu (June A 2018)
Pilgrimage to Medugorje – June 16 – 27, 2018 Group A
Pilgrimage to Medugorje June 16 Group A, some personal feelings to share, I have never joined any pilgrimage before, did not expect anything at all, on first day travel, transit at Turkey Istanbul , felt very congested in the airport, on arrival at Sarajevo, we boarded on to a coach, I was told the journey will take 3 hours to reach Medugorje, coach was up n down the mountain, the first instinct to me it was like a fairy land due to after rain , it was misty between mountains, we were lucky then, it was sunny, we also had a nice lunch break, fresh grilled fish n roasted lamb, felt so peaceful on coach, indeed with the help of Fr Leung led Rosary journey to Medugorje.
June 17, Three of us sharing one room, we were lucky to have air conditioner, I was told some rooms were steaming hot n unable to sleep.
First day evening was heavy rain, we had to rush into St James Church, all soaked wet, didn’t know what was going on, our group members were scattered around, then realized it’s Rosary time, then Mass, forgot about the dampness soaked through, enjoyed n felt so blessed that evening!
June 18, We had Chinese Mass in a small Chapel, then attended Fr Leon talk, but unfortunate most of the session was dozed off, good job can recap the talk through youtube!
June 19, morning 6am apparition hill was another experience to me, climb up the hill n had prayers on each stop, we didn’t finish go up the hill but stopped at the white status of Mother Mary, we all had our different spots to say our intentions! That evening we had confessions session, due to too long queue with Fr Leung, in order to catch up the adoration at 10-11pm, I had my confession with an Irish Father, precise n clean that he forgave my sins in the name of God!
June 20, Fr Leung run an English mass at St James Church, in order to sit on the front row, few of us had to stand very close to the front benches , that day we started our commitment for every Wednesday fasting, however, this doesn’t last, but my weekly Friday Prayer group also committed fasting habit!
We had sharing in the afternoon back in Panorama hotel attic , very touching n felt joyful with tears.Each of us basically introduced ourselves n why we wanted to join this pilgrimage.
June 21 went to blue cross mountain early morning, it wasn’t easy n glad I did the whole trip without much problem!
June 22, went to Tihalijna church, amazing beautiful Mother Statue, we presented flowers n Fr Leung run a Chinese Mass, we had sharing at Panorama that afternoon, again it was touching to know why some people joined so many times of pilgrimage!
June 23, Morstar visit , an old town. exit to Medugorje, back to our old self of touring n shopping n eating lovely meal.
June 24, sister Emmanuel’s talk was a bit repeating n dozed off! Mass at Mother’s village, it was a good experience to know how they support the orphanage !
June25, Chinese mass n met other group, Linda Siu/Ming sir (RIS ex-chairman) n their children, it’s their 2nd time visit, they claimed its phenomenon to see so many people this time!
June 26, met Roland at Panorama n was lucky to see him the next week after I got back at St Joseph church n had shared with many prayer group members with his CDs
June 27, leaving day n met group B that afternoon, 邵衛青執事 shared his experience in Medugorje, very touching n coincidence, I met this couple in Lourdes, France July 7 !
Overall, everyday Rosary, mass n adoration session had really shown me the power of group prayer, that is why prayer group should have to meet up at least weekly in order to pray for each other!
The church fountain is our water refill place, what we called holy water, brought some back for sick friends.
The open area altar is our daily 6pm putting our little chairs n mats for Rosary, holy blessings n mass!
**every day evening 6:40pm, bell rang, it means Mother Mary presence, very quiet n peaceful, every time, I looked up the sky, it’s so blue that it seems like a picture rather than a real sky, noticed the bright stars were moving very fast during adoration time between 10-11pm!
May I present my gratitude to
- Fr Leung, he is really God sent, pleasant, humorous, helpful person.
- Our group leader Irene Paul, undoubted very helpful n generous on all view volunteer
- Kevin n Glenda been supporting HK group so much, appreciate
- Our tour guide Marijan Drmic, she looks very much like Mother Mary leading us this trip, tks to her patience.
- Our group C leader Virginia, known her better
- My gratitude to Pat, non stop updating us with all news from Medugorje n strengthen our faith 🙏🙏🙏
Rose Chu
June A 2018