Medjugorje Pilgrimage March 2025

Itinerary: March 20-30, 2025

• Day 1, Thu. Mar. 20….Departure From Newark International Airport. We will depart from Newark International Airport to Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, via Frankfurt, Germany. We have confirmed seats, economy class on Lufthansa Airlines. Dinner and a light breakfast will be served during the flight.
• Day 2, Fri. Mar. 21… Arrival at Sarajevo International Airport. After you have obtained your bags and passed through customs at the Sarajevo International Airport, you will be greeted by our local, English speaking tour guide, Mirela Cigic. We will continue our spiritual journey to Medjugorje, a two and half hour to three hour drive, via an air-conditioned motor coach. Enroute to Medjugorje, a rest break will be scheduled and you will be able to purchase lunch, drinks, etc. Bottle water will be available on the bus, courtesy of St. Benedict Tours. Prior to our arrival in Medjugorje, we will visit the Shrine of St. Anthony at Humac. Here, Fr. Ignatius Mary Shin, CFR, will celebrate Holy Mass for us. After Mass, we will continue our journey to Medjugorje.Arrival in Medjugorje…..Hotel Jana. In Medjugorje, we will spend 9 nights at Hotel Jana, a beautiful, modern, 4 star plus hotel, owned and operated by a local family in Medjugorje. Conveniently located near St. James Church, Hotel Jana is referred to a “hidden gem”. Every room has a balcony with a view of Apparition Hill or Cross Mountain. In a private dining room, we will enjoy breakfast and dinner daily .Homemade red wine will be served with dinner. A conference room will be available to us, where Fr. Ignatius will begin and end the day with prayer, and give lenten spiritual reflections.
• Day 3, Sat….Mar.22….Walking Tour of St. James Grounds. After breakfast, our day will begin with Mass at St. James Church (English Mass at 10:00am). Our guide, Mirela will give an informative history of the Croatian people, the village of Medjugorje and the Apparitions. Mirela will conclude her talk with a short walking tour of St. James Grounds. Following the walking tour, you will be free to enjoy the many restaurants located very close to the grounds of St. James Church.
• Day 4 – 10….Sun. – Sun.. Mar.23 – 29..Medjugorje. During our pilgrimage in Medjugorje, Fr. Ignatius Shin, CFR, our spiritual director, will be offering a lenten retreat to our pilgrims The retreat will include praying together, conferences and private Masses. As part of the retreat, the pilgrims will be able to participate in all of the spiritual activities offered in Medjugorje. This includes the opportunity to attend Mass at St. James Church, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and pray in the Chapel of Adoration. Fr.Ignatius will also be available for our pilgrims for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pilgrims that are physically capable will have the opportunity to climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain. Pending availability, we will meet with visionaries and local priests. And, time permitting, visits to local points of interest, e.g., Cenacolo and Mother’s Village, will be scheduled.

Highlights Includes …Three One-Day Excursions: During our stay in Medjugorje, we will visit three local shrines. At the shrines, Fr. Ignatius will offer private Mass. After visiting the shrines, St. Benedict Tours will provide lunch for the pilgrims at specially, selected restaurants. The three one -day excursions are:

1) Church of Divine Mercy, Surmanci
2) Church of Tihaljina, Medjugorje
3) Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Mostar. And, Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar

• Day 11. Mon. Mar. 30…..Departure for Home. We will depart early morning from Hotel Jana for our return flight from Sarajevo International Airport, via Frankfurt, to Newark International Airport. We have confirmed seats, economy class on Lufthansa .Airlines..Lunch and a light snack will be served during the flight.

Price Includes:

• Lenten Retreat Conferences given by Fr Ignatius Shin, CFR

• Certified local, English speaking tour guide throughout the pilgrimage

• Nine nights at Hotel Jana, a 4-star plus hotel, located near St. James Church

• Daily breakfast & dinner, served in a private dining room at Hotel Jana

• Red wine included at dinner, Hotel Jana

• Daily Mass, spiritual activities St.James Church

• Sacrament of Reconciliation available

• Three 1-Day excursions to local Shrines

• Private Mass celebrated by Fr. Ignatius Shin, CFR, at the shrines

• Lunch provided during the three 1-day excursions

• Opportunity to climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain

• Optional visits to local sites, e.g. Cenacolo Community, Mother’s Village

• Pending availability, meetings with visionaries and local priests

• Round trip from Newark International Airport

• Confirmed seats on Lufthansa Airlines, economy class

• All airport & fuel charges

• One checked luggage up to 50 lbs.

• Transportation via air-conditioned, private motor coach

• Bottles of water provided on the motor coach

• Backpack, luggage tags, and other gift items

Not Included:

• Gratuities

• Extras at hotels, any expenses of a personal nature

• Any items not specifically mentioned in the inclusion above

• Optional travel insurance

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