FROM A DISTANCE
“In Medjugorje pilgrims come from distant lands, from approximately 80 countries around the world. The distance represents the space measured in the kilometres travelled. To get past those miles, you need a firm and decisive motivation, as well as have the means of transport that are important to accomplish these journeys. But the word ‘distance’ means something else: the distance represents the existential situation of many who have departed from God, from Christ, from his Church and from the light that gives meaning to life, directs him and gives him a dignified life goal, which is the life that it is worth living. Now we can better understand why the Holy Father sent this Apostolic Visitor to Medjugorje. Pastoral care requires a stable and continuous escort to the parish community in Medjugorje and the people who come to pilgrimage. This mission equally takes care not only of those who are far away, but of those close to them. About them in a twofold sense: close to the fact that generations live in this place and in this area; close, because the parishioners of Medjugorje; close because they witnessed many events in this area for the last 37 years. In another sense, it is also close to all those who live a zealous and warm faith, who want to be in close contact with gratitude with the Risen and Merciful Lord.”
• Archbishop Henry Hoser, Apostolic Visitor to the parish of Medjugorje, from his homily, July 22, 2018