Pope Francis has sent an uplifting message to the young participants of ‘Mladifest’, an annual prayer meeting for young people which takes place from August 1-6 in the famous sanctuary of Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“With an open heart, go to [Dieu], take His yoke and learn from Him. Go to the Master to become his disciples and heirs to his promise of peace,” Pope Francis says in a message sent in Italian and Croatian on August 2, 2022 to participants of the ‘Mladifest‘, an annual prayer meeting for young people that takes place from August 1 to 6 in the famous sanctuary of Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The theme of the pilgrimage this year is ‘Learn from me and you will find peace’, taken from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 11, 28-30). Referring to this passage, Pope Francis assured young people that “the Lord does not reserve these words only for the apostles or for some of his friends, but he addresses them to all who are weary and oppressed”.
It is an invitation to move, not to remain motionless, frozen and afraid in the face of life, and to rely on Him.
“It is an invitation to move, not to remain motionless, frozen and afraid in the face of life, and to rely on Him”, continued François. “It’s not enough to get out of yourself, you also have to know where to go, because there are so many deceptive goals that promise a better future, but leave us in the solitude of before,” added the head of the Catholic Church, pointing out that Jesus asks them to walk towards him.
Pope Francis has pointed out that the “remedy for the wounds of humanity” is “fraternal love” based on the love of God. However, he warned that “to learn, one must first be humble and recognize one’s own ignorance and pride, which make us think that we can do everything by ourselves and with our own strength”.
“Beloved, do not be afraid, go to Him with all that you carry in your heart, He is the only Lord who offers true refreshment and true peace”, affirmed the Pope, calling on young people to follow the example of Mary and to entrust oneself to her. He signs the message, dated July 16, the solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome.
The Sanctuary of Medjugorje
Long viewed with suspicion by the Holy See, the Medjugorje sanctuary has enjoyed a better reputation since Pope Francis authorized pilgrimages there on May 12, 2019, recognizing the “spiritual and pastoral fact” that the place represents for many Catholics.
However, the Marian apparitions that make the place famous have so far never been recognized by the Church and many gray areas remain. According to a book, published in December 2021, no miracles have been officially recognized in Medjugorje. Ex-priest Tomislav Vlasic, accompanying seers, was also excommunicated on October 23, 2020.
Nevertheless, this high place of popular spirituality still attracts huge crowds from all over the world each year, especially from Italy and Eastern Europe. According to the ‘Mladifest’ website this year will be the 33rd Youth Festival – the first having taken place in 1989 – and is expected to bring together around 50,000 young people
