December 8-12 Annual Five Days of Prayer at Caritas of Birmingham
The Reconciling of Ourselves, Our Families and Our Nation Back to God
What’s on this Page
• History • Places You Will Pray • Schedule of Events • Hotel Listings • Directions & Map • Guidelines • Request Information •
History
The December 8-12, Five Days of Prayer for the Reconciling of Ourselves, Our Families and Our Nation Back to God began in 1993.
The event takes place at Caritas of Birmingham in Alabama.
The Five Days coincided with the dedication of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, the Caritas of Birmingham Operations Center, which a Friend of Medjugorje built for the purpose of the propagation and archiving of the Medjugorje apparitions and messages. The Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages is the largest building in the world, dedicated to the propagation of the Medjugorje messages.
Because the Five Days of Prayer in December was surrounding the dedication of the Tabernacle, the event is often referred to as, “The Dedication.”
The Five Days of Prayer which a Friend of Medjugorje started, was the first of the major prayer events in the United States which sought to Reconcile the Nation back to God. Many other prayer events in the decades since the Five Days of Prayer started have risen up in various forms and in other faiths.
On two occasions, in 1999 and 2001, Medjugorje visionary Marija was present for the Five Days of Prayer. Our Lady appeared to Marija during the event and blessed those present and their intentions. (See more about those events here: 1999 & 2001)
The Five Days of Prayer December 8-12, is preceded by a set of Seven Novenas, which a Friend of Medjugorje put together in preparation for the Reconciling of Ourselves, Our Families and Our Nation Back to God. The Seven Novenas (see here), are prayed all over the world and have been translated into other languages.
This event is one in which many look forward to each year, with many people making an annual pilgrimage to Caritas of Birmingham in Alabama.
Places You Will Pray
Visit the Bedroom of Apparitions
The Bedroom of Apparitions, where the Holy Virgin Mary has appeared 149 times from November 19, 1988, to October 28, 2019. No one who enters the Bedroom with an open heart, leaves without being touched by the kiss of grace from Our Lady. See here for more information.
Experience Christmas in the Field
A Christmas celebration that you will never forget. Our Lady has appeared in the Field of Apparitions 45 times since 1988. See more about the Field of Apparitions here.
Climb Penitentiary Mountain to the Cross
A concrete Cross stands on Penitentiary Mountain behind the Field of Apparitions. Our Lady appeared at this Cross to Medjugorje visionary, Marija Lunetti, on June 30, 2013, and September 14, 2014. See more about the Cross on the Mountain here.
Re-dedicate the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages
The Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages is the largest single structure built for the propagation of the Medjugorje messages. On December 8, we will re-dedicate the Tabernacle. See more about Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages here.
Climb to the Grotto la Pluie
Grotto La Pluie is also available to climb during your free time throughout the Five Days of Prayer or whenever you visit the grounds. See more about Grotto la Pluie here.
Schedule of Events
Exclusive to Each Day
(Times to be Announced at 8:00 am)
Dec. 8 The Rededication of The Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages
Dec. 9 Climb Penitentiary Mountain to the Cross
Dec. 10 Visit the Bedroom of the Apparitions
Dec. 11 Christmas in the Field
Dec. 12 Patriotic Rosary: Consecration of Our Nation.
• Talks by a Friend of Medjugorje will be scheduled throughout the five days, the times will also be announced after 8:00 am morning prayer.
Daily Prayer and Event Schedule
5:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
Silent prayer in the Field. Dress warmly and bring blankets and flashlights.
6:00 a.m. Angelus
8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
Announcements will be made at this time.
9:45 a.m. Rosary in the Field
Two mysteries prayed each day as well as the Novena for the Spiritual Healing of Our Nation.
12:00 p.m. Angelus
Wherever you are on the grounds.
3:00 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Wherever you are on the grounds.
Hotel Listings
Based on location, traffic, and proximity to Caritas of Birmingham, the hotels listed below on Hwy 280 are suggested. They are arranged from those closest to those farthest from Caritas.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is the official Caritas Hotel.
1. Hampton Inn & Suites, approx. 10 miles, 205-981-0024.
2. Candlewood Suites, approx. 13 miles, 205-991-0272.
3. Best Western Plus Birmingham Inn & Suites, approx. 15 miles, 205-995-8586.
Call the hotels directly for reservations and availability
and mention that you are coming to the Caritas prayer gathering.
Rental Cars
For discounted car rentals with Enterprise and National Car Rental
(use account number NAL55U5 when booking your rental car).
Airlines
For more information or to contact us for Airline and hotel information
call Caritas of Birmingham at:
205-672-2000 ext. 218 (24 hrs)
Or write:
Caritas of Birmingham
100 Our Lady Queen of Peace Drive
Sterrett, AL 35147 USA
Directions & Map
Caritas of Birmingham is located about 20 miles southeast of Birmingham, Alabama, in rural Shelby County, Alabama.
100 Our Lady Queen of Peace Drive, is a turn off of Country Road 43, also known as Bear Creek Road.
Guidelines
All those attending will need to provide their own transportation to and from Caritas.
Parking is available here on the grounds in our parking lot.
No chairs of any sort are permitted in the Field at any time. For the handicapped, please make arrangements for a wheelchair or a walker with a seat.
Smoking and pets are strictly prohibited.
No video cameras or cell phones allowed on the grounds.
Modesty code is enforced. Dress for a hike to the Grotto and Penitentiary Mountain. No sleeveless or low cut shirts, blouses, or sweaters. No short skirts or shorts. No see-through clothing or clothing that has inappropriate writing or pictures on it. Remember this is a Holy event.
