Pilgrims find peace and renewal in Medjugorje
By Jeff McGovern, MD11/11/2025
From October 13-22, eighteen pilgrims from the Diocese of Erie as well as two from other states traveled to Bosnia-Herzegovina to the town of Medjugorje. Since 1981, six visionaries have reported apparitions from the Blessed Virgin. Although shrouded in mystery, the Vatican formally approved pilgrimages to the town, granting the spiritual event a “Nihil obstat” or no impediment under the authority of Pope Francis. While the Vatican maintains a reserved stance on the apparitions themselves, the approval is based on the “abundant and widespread fruits” observed, including a deepening of the Christian life and frequent returns to the sacraments. Beginning with the words “The Queen of Peace,” the Note about the Spiritual Experience connected with Medjugorje was signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez and Monsignor Amando Matteo, respectively Prefect and Secretary for the Doctrinal Section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Prior to their departure most of the pilgrims gathered in prayer with their leader, Father Dan Hoffman, pastor of St. Titus in Titusville and St. Joseph of Oil City, while preparing themselves for what would soon be revealed as a retreat in a pilgrimage. Enroute to Medjugorje, the pilgrims were treated to Mass in the Atlanta airport chapel. Snjezana Zovko, a truly inspirational individual, was our guide for our entire time in the country and provided insights on the devotion of the Croatian people, the history of the people challenged by numerous invaders over seven centuries and the history of the Medjugorje message. The Erie family was honored to sponsor the daily English language Mass on the day after their arrival. Father Dan preached to a standing-room only congregation. The pilgrims shared at least two meals together where they shared many experiences of the day. Snjezana showed the pilgrims many of the sites of Medjugorje including Apparition Hill, the formidably challenging Cross Mountain and local communities of Cenacola (where we heard the testimonies of lives changed by the organization started by Mother Elvira in 1983) and Oasis of Peace.
The days were not so much filled with activities, as they were frequented by personal reflection, daily rosary, confession (which was available in multiple languages and visited by multiple penitents), evening Mass in Croatian (language translations allowed a few thousand to attend nightly) and adoration. The pilgrims were privileged to participate in the sacramental rhythm of the townspeople and the international pilgrims. On the day before departure the group traveled to Mostar known for its medieval village and old bridge, but the real treat was Father Dan celebrating Mass at the Church of SS Peter and Paul followed by a tour of the monastery with Father Jazo its rector.
Flying back to the United States the next day the pilgrims recited another rosary together. While many of us are still unpacking our experiences, we all generally agree that our time in Medjugorje was marked by an almost supernatural peace. We experienced the exceptional spiritual care of Father Dan, the indomitable guidance of Snjezana and the pious lives of the beautiful Croatian people. We are all better because of this pilgrimage.
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