Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 23 sometimes as many as 500 pilgrims at a time, explaining the essential message of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, in Medjugorje; the connection between the message and devotion of the Divine Mercy and the messages of Medjugorje; specific themes of the liturgical year or pertinent happenings related to the faith; or offering personal testimony to the fruits of Medjugorje. “We also assist the Franciscans with larger Masses and devotions conducted in the native Croatian language, especially distribution of Holy Communion during the evening International Mass at St. James and accompaniment of pilgrims while climbing Apparition Hill and Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain) for larger celebrations,” adds Fr. Jason. “As needed, I also hear many confessions in Spanish,” since there is no designated Spanishlanguage chaplaincy. Conversions of the heart The fruits of the work of the Marian Fathers and other clergy at Medjugorje are abundant. “Some of the most profound miracles and healings that I have witnessed in Medjugorje are from the confessional,” notes Fr. Jason. “It is said that ‘Medjugorje is the confessional of the world,’ and for good reason. Medjugorje is a place known for conversion of the heart. “God becomes very real and palpable to people in Medjugorje, and they desire to confess sins they may have carried for years and years,” he continues. “It is not uncommon to receive penitents who have not been to confession for 10, 20, 30, or even 40-plus years in Medjugorje. And the confessions are so sincere, deep, and honest. Medjugorje is a place where people find healing and peace in their lives.” Divine Mercy and Medjugorje Truly, the Marian Fathers have arrived in Medjugorje at a time of growing need. “More people are coming to Medjugorje, and many are attributing the increase in numbers to the Church’s highest level of approval, the Nihil obstat, according to the May 2024 norms for evaluation of alleged supernatural phenomena,” Fr. Jason explains. There is a deep connection between the phenomenon of Medjugorje and the message and devotion of the Divine Mercy, Fr. Jason notes. “In 2019, in a meeting with our beloved Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, Fr. Chris, and myself, the first apostolic visitor to Medjugorje, Archbishop Henryk Hoser, said, ‘There is an apocalyptic connection between the revelations of Fatima, Kibeho, Medjugorje, and the Message and Devotion of Divine Mercy for our day,’” he recalls. In fact, just seven months later, the former Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto, said in a homily, “How can Mary be the Queen of Peace without being, at the same time, Queen of Divine Mercy? We are here in the temple of the Queen of Peace raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mary is the Queen of Peace because she is the Queen of God’s Mercy, whose face is Jesus.” Our Lady’s message A recent alleged message from Our Lady drives home this point: “Dear children, never forget how great is the love of God. Through that love I am with you. Do not forget how great is His mercy. Through that mercy I am showing you the way to true happiness and perfect peace. That is the way to my Son” (March 18, 2026). “Mercy, trust in Jesus, and peace!” Fr. Jason observes. “Our Lady of Medjugorje seems to be highlighting the connection that Jesus emphasized to St. Faustina, ‘Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my Mercy’” (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 300). Marian Helpers, go! Father Jason and Fr. Matt now extend an invitation: Come to Medjugorje! “We are now conducting pilgrimages directly through and with the Marians. We still have openings for Oct. 11- 21 and have five pilgrimages planned for 2027, including Divine Mercy Sunday in Medjugorje (March 30-April 8). We would love to have our Marian Helpers join us in this very special place of grace!” Visit Marian.org/pilgrimage to learn more, and visit Marian.org/Medjugorje to support the Marian Fathers’ work in Medjugorje. Watch Masses celebrated at St. James Church by Fr. Jason Lewis, MIC (above), and Fr. Matt Lamoreaux, MIC (below), on MaryTV. Photos: video.marytv.tv
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