As I write these words, today is the 30th anniversary of the first Marian apparition in Medjugorje. The beginning of those world-famous visions is celebrated on the 25th of June, however, because that day marks the first time the visionaries spoke with the Blessed Mother.
Recently, I returned from my pilgrimage to that small, mountainous town in Bosnia Herzegovina, forever changed. Medjugorje is a memorable place, and my trip was filled with unforgettable experiences.
It was one of the great pleasures of my life to meet, talk and even joke with visionary Mirjana Soldo. She is 46, soft-spoken and thin from fasting. She radiates a seriousness and, perhaps, even sadness as she recounts the history of the apparitions and the messages that Blessed Mother has revealed to her through the decades. However, she quickly offers a loving smile and a quick wit whenever the opportunity presents itself. In fact, I found myself on the receiving end of her wit.