By Nicolás de Cárdenas
Madrid, Spain, Feb 11, 2025 / 06:00 am
Father Zvonimir Pavicic, OFM, the pastor of the parish church at the Marian shrine of Medjugorje, welcomed the recent Vatican recognition of the spiritual phenomenon there as a call to make this recognition more widely known. To skeptics, he says: “We never argue about Medjugorje, but I tell everyone: Come and see.”
The Franciscan was in Spain last week for the 15th Ibero-American Congress on the Queen of Peace organized by the Medjugorje Center Foundation with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope Guided by the Queen of Peace.”
During a brief break from the event’s busy schedule, the priest took some time to speak to ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.
ACI Prensa: What does it mean to be a priest and pastor of Medjugorje and what is the particular grace that you have found there?
Pavicic: Being a parish priest at Medjugorje is very demanding, because you are at the same time the pastor, the rector, and the guardian. Because the three duties are not yet separated and the pastor is the one who does everything.
As a pastor, I take care of the parishioners and everything that parish life entails. But the pastor is also responsible for all the pilgrims who come. Although it is a very difficult and demanding task, at the same time it is very beautiful, because you meet people who come to encounter God and who want to live with Mary, and that makes your work easier. And I have to emphasize that I am not alone there, but the Franciscan brothers are there and they make all my work easier.
The grace that I discovered in Medjugorje is precisely the grace of the priestly vocation. What the priest means to the Church, how much people need priests, how much they seek him and, in reality through him, they seek the grace of God.
Discovering the Extraordinary Grace of Medjugorje
Every day, I discover more and more about the extraordinary grace present in Medjugorje.
What Does Rome’s Recognition of Medjugorje Mean for the Church?
Before the “nihil obstat” was granted, Medjugorje was already bringing countless blessings to the Church. It led people to conversion, inspiring faith in the hearts of many. These individuals, in turn, prayed for others, spreading the message of Medjugorje and igniting a flame of prayer across cities. Medjugorje is truly a gift to the Church, and this has been officially recognized.
The “nihil obstat” has opened doors for all who wish to visit Medjugorje, acknowledging its sound spirituality that can aid the Church in the modern world. This declaration emphasizes the importance of sharing Medjugorje’s spirituality within the Church, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible and leading them towards conversion. Medjugorje has been, is, and will continue to be a precious gift for the Church.
Reflecting on the Fruits of Medjugorje for the Church’s Restoration
As a Franciscan, I see parallels between St. Francis’ mission to renew the Church in Porziuncola and the impact of Medjugorje over the past 44 years. Just like St. Francis, Medjugorje emphasizes holy living, prayer, and a deep love for the Church. Rather than criticizing Church leaders, the focus is on living out one’s faith and serving humbly within the Church. This is the true essence of Church reform, and Medjugorje continues to embody this spirit of renewal and edification.
The Profound Impact of Medjugorje on Priests
The experience of priests in Medjugorje goes beyond words – it is a divine grace that cannot be fully described. God’s presence is palpable in Medjugorje, touching the hearts of every priest and faithful member who visits. The renewal experienced by priests in Medjugorje is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace in this sacred place.
