| Peace be with you all,
In all of my 19 years in coming on pilgrimage to Medugorje, this
was the first time that I was present for the International Youth
Festival. This years events for youth coming from all over the
world began on August 1st ending on August 6th.
Each day began with opening praying and song, following with witnessing
by guests speakers for the morning or evening gatherings of pilgrimis
from all different countries and continents in the world. Such
as, Poland, Italy, Romania, Germany, Hungry, China, Japan, Austria,
Ireland, Croatia, America and many more.(see
photo with flags)
This year, as Divine Providence would have it, my daughter and
two of my grandchildren were invited to come to Medugorje as guests
of some friends here. Stevie and Abby were very exited as they
saw many people from various countries singing and praying in
their native tongue during Adoration of Our Lord.
(photo: singing 1,
singing 2)
On the eve of August 4th, we were stopped by Melinda, the violinist,
in our "children's' song" to say that Stevie and I were
invited to speak on the following day, August 5th, in the morning
about how this song was created and for what purposes it was recorded
in 9 languages. We were so excited and then I began to pray, "Oh
Lord, I am Concerned that we speak in the allotted time of 10
minutes all of what you want to be heard, please help us."
On August 5th at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Ljubo lead us all in prayer. He
then told us that we would be the first speakers for this morning.
This whole morning would be dovoted to the Unborn Child .
Suddenly, Little Stevie, was nervous but, I assured him that in
prayer, all things work out for the honor and glory of God, and
that I had prayed and He would guide both of us. I just instructed
Stevie to speak slowly and clearly as what he had to share would
be translated into many foreign languages. Fr. Lubo introduced
us as the guest speakers. Anka, was the Croatian translator for
us. Each pilgrim present was instructed to bring an FM Radio,
with headsets to listen in their own language. .
As we approached the outside altar of St. James Church, both Stevie
and I became aware of the massive crowds of youth present waving
their countries flag in the most beautiful colors. Each of us
were reminded by Anka to speak slowly and loudly in the microphone
as she translated into Croatian. Stevie began by saying, "Hi,
I am Steven and I am eleven years old. I have been working on
this song with my grandmother for 5 years now and I also named
this song for the children". At this point everyone applauded.
He was overwhelmed with great joy. I gave him a wink and touched
his shoulder to thank him for being present with me. He now moved
aside to allow me to give my testimony. Earlier when I was praying
I came to understand that I was just to present this witnessing
with three words, Ask, Seek and Knock. Everything I was to say
would follow these words.
"Dobro Jutro, Good Morning, and it is with great joy that
we stand here before you in this 15th years International Youth
Festival". And I began my testimony.
(see photo of audience
during speech)
As I was speaking I could see no one in front of me, just an arrangement
of beautiful colors. Like a rainbow.
I did not pay any attention to the amount of people present, as
I was just speaking from my heart. There on the outside Altar
was a statue of Our Lady, or Gospa, as we call her here, and it
is here by her side that Sr. Marina, and I prayed as she would
follow me in singing "I Was Sent Here To Love You",
in Croatian. We also prayed once again for me in my witnessing.
I felt peace and confidence and the following is what I can remember
to share with you.
I simply stated that each one of us is unique, and we are all
very special to God. That He is our Father, and has ordained us
to live our lives for His divine plans for each one of us. I spoke
a little about my personal life.
I remember that at this point in my sharing, I was made aware
of the many faces in the crowd. Hundreds and hundreds of pilgrims
and I suddenly realized that they were listening very intentively.
I made an announcement that they were all very beautiful, and
that they had responsibility for their lives. They must live their
life fully according to God's designs for them and that we had
a responsibility to help each other on this earth. That forgiveness
and loving unconditionally is what we are about. And that our
heavenly Father loves us in this way. They will never be without
His love in His heart for them. Then I saw that within these wonderful
young people, there is hope for them of a future that can be filled
with joy and love. All they could to do is Ask, Seek and Knock
and the doors will be opened for them. For all that is of God,
is truly possible with God because this is the way in which I
have learned to live my life.(see
photo of youth singing)
Several hours later Stevie and I were told that between the radio
broadcasting this years youth festival and the audience there
was 25,000 people who heard our testimonies.
Once again, we learn that what is ordained by God, no one can
stop from happening. All we are to continue to do is pray constantly
for His will in our lives
and be at peace with His love for us.
Stevie and I have prayed for all of you while we are here for
God's plan to unfold for you too. May Our Gospa and Jesus give
you their blessings and fill you with many graces.
In the Immaculate Heart of Mary
|
