A Friend of Medjugorje’s Works
Our Lady of Medjugorje June 2, 2016
“You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works.”
James 2:22
In an article published by Forbes.com entitled, “What Is The Definition of An Entrepreneur?” Jim Blasingame states that an entrepreneur must have ownership, courage, curiosity, vision, risk, and redemption. He ends the article claiming, “The 21st century needs ‘all kinds’ of entrepreneurs.”
Those who have come in contact with all that a Friend of Medjugorje has accomplished for Our Lady understand clearly that God has invested a great plan in the hands of one of the greatest spiritual entrepreneurs of the 21st century. This spiritual entrepreneur, a Friend of Medjugorje, has run Caritas of Birmingham, from its beginnings, as an organization seeking to gain the greatest spiritual profit for Heaven, namely, countless conversions born through the plan of Our Lady of Medjugorje. He takes his calling seriously knowing the risk is not in failing financially, as is the concern of business entrepreneurs, but in failing to help the Mother of God institute Her plans for the
world through Medjugorje. A Friend of Medjugorje has laid everything on the line for Our Lady, and has put all the many aspects and outreaches of Caritas of Birmingham and the Community of Caritas at The Mother’s disposal. His works speak louder than his words. What he accomplishes will never be enough for him. He relates to Our Lady when She said in 1984-1985:
Those surrounding him daily see him always “pressed.” If another project is not continuously “on the table” then things are not normal. Those who persecute a Friend of Medjugorje definitely cannot persecute him for “not doing enough.” Looking at all of the “works” he has initiated through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and guided to success, one can see that he has a great faith in the apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje. He has always been willing to put his reputation on the line in order to fulfill what he feels God is showing him. His faith in and love for Our Lady give him his strength.
“So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead…For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.”
James 2:17, 26
The works of a Friend of Medjugorje presented below are by no means an exhaustive compilation. Our archives are so large and so full that it was impossible to cover every work initiated by a Friend of Medjugorje in the amount of time we had to prepare this section for Mej v3.0, the new Medjugorje.com, released in August 2017. We have made our best effort to include below as many of his major works as possible. We will continue to add to this compilation as time permits us to accurately present more of his works from the past and as all that a Friend of Medjugorje is undertaking now and will undertake in the future is manifested.
The founder of Caritas of Birmingham, through trials and prayers, discovered he did not want to be part of the already established “systems” this world had to offer. God and Our Lady were inspiring him to depart from worldy ways and to start out on a “new way” that would be a window for the future. Caritas of Birmingham was initially started to have an independent voice promoting the Catholic faith and reporting on different events taking place in the Catholic Church. The content of the original Caritas Newsletters slowly began to change as Medjugorje began having a great impact on all aspects of his and his family’s life. While some Medjugorje centers were spreading and covering more than just Medjugorje, Caritas became solely focused on Medjugorje. Within six months, Caritas of Birmingham was nationwide and by the end of its first year, it was an international organization. For more Information about the history of Caritas of birmingham visit Caritas History.
“Pray and by your life witness...”
Caritas’ founder, strongly impacted by the powerful graces present in the apparitions in Medjugorje, desired to bring this grace back to the United States. This prompted him to write a question to Our Lady asking that the same conversion taking place in Medjugorje to be allowed to take place in Alabama, and be Divinely spread throughout the region. He took the question to Medjugorje. Through Divine Providence, he was allowed in an apparition and Marija presented the question directly to Our Lady. She responded through Marija to him, the answer with these words:
October 6, 1986
“Pray and by your life witness. Not with words but rather through prayer will you attain what your desire is. Therefore, pray more and live in humility.”
For a more detailed account of the founder of Caritas' question to Our Lady and response He received read The Petition.”
October 6, 1986
“Pray and by your life witness. Not with words but rather through prayer will you attain what your desire is. Therefore, pray more and live in humility.”
For a more detailed account of the founder of Caritas' question to Our Lady and response He received read The Petition.”
BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages
Standing outside the rectory of St. James Church in Medjugorje, the founder of Caritas of Birmingham was reflecting on the many pilgrimages he had made to this village in just the year and a half after he had first come there. He had neglected his landscape/excavation business and had heard different priests express that Medjugorje was just another Lourdes, just another Fatima. It was time to get back to his life in Alabama. He began to walk through the fields of Medjugorje towards Apparition Mountain. He grabbed hold of a few stalks of wheat that were ready for harvest, rubbed them between his hands, blew off the chaff and ate the wheat. It struck him that this was something the apostles had done with Jesus 2000 years ago. He then arrived at the house of one of the visionaries, Vicka, as she was speaking to several different language groups outside her house. He watched as she spoke something in Croatian and then heard the translators relay what she said to their groups in their various languages; from Croatian to Italian, Croatian to French, Croatian to English, and to other languages. Suddenly he saw a parallel of what was taking place before his eyes and Pentecost 2000 years ago when all heard Peter in their native tongues. The thought began to form in his heart that no, this was not just another Lourdes or Fatima. It was at that point he was moved towards the messages of Our Lady and discovered that She spoke about a plan that She desired to be fulfilled through Medjugorje. He waited month after month for Our Lady to reveal this plan, and finally, on January 25, 1987, the first monthly message to the world, Our Lady revealed Her plan.
“...Dear children, I want you to comprehend that God has chosen each one of you in order to use you in a great plan for the salvation of mankind...”
There was no returning back to the life “before” Medjugorje. Caritas' founder had already begun to take pilgrims with him on his return to this little village just four months after his first pilgrimage there. He then founded BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary) Pilgrimages, feeling a very strong responsibility and desire to bring people to the experience of the apparitions. The first official pilgrimage for BVM Pilgrimages for Caritas was in November 1986. Since its founding, BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages has brought pilgrims to Medjugorje consecutively year after year, not even stopping during the war in Bosnia. Pilgrims consistently state that BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages leads the #1 pilgrimage in the world and the only way to go to Medjugorje. Visit the BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages site for more information on pilgrimages to Medjugorje.
“...Dear children, I want you to comprehend that God has chosen each one of you in order to use you in a great plan for the salvation of mankind...”
There was no returning back to the life “before” Medjugorje. Caritas' founder had already begun to take pilgrims with him on his return to this little village just four months after his first pilgrimage there. He then founded BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary) Pilgrimages, feeling a very strong responsibility and desire to bring people to the experience of the apparitions. The first official pilgrimage for BVM Pilgrimages for Caritas was in November 1986. Since its founding, BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages has brought pilgrims to Medjugorje consecutively year after year, not even stopping during the war in Bosnia. Pilgrims consistently state that BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages leads the #1 pilgrimage in the world and the only way to go to Medjugorje. Visit the BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimages site for more information on pilgrimages to Medjugorje.
ABC 20/20 Accompanies BVM Caritas Medjugorje Pilgrimage
In the latter part of the 1980s, when Americans started going to Medjugorje by the thousands, the news media, in all its various forms, began to take notice and run stories. ABC News Program 20/20, with anchors Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters, began searching for someone who could help them understand the event. The producer for 20/20, Rob Wallace, was given the name of Caritas' founder and wanted to do a story on him. The founder replied that he would take them to Medjugorje and assist them in every way he could, but only if they did the story on Medjugorje, not on him, but on Our Lady. He didn’t want to be in it. The sincerity of his desire is what forged a friendship and trust between Caritas' founder and Wallace. The team from 20/20 accompanied a Caritas Pilgrimage to Medjugorje and told the story of the apparitions through the eyes of the pilgrims.
At the time, in the 1980s, the usual viewing audience for 20/20 was approximately 22,000,000 people. With the amount of publicity that this segment received, it was expected that this story would be viewed by many more people. The founder of Caritas placed an ad for the 20/20 “Special Report” in one of the Caritas Newletters and encouraged others to pick up this ad and put it in their local newspapers, Catholic papers, Church bulletins, etc., to encourage people to watch the 20/20 Medjugorje story. Caritas had to add six more phone lines to the three existing phone lines to accept the hundreds of calls from people wanting to place the ad in their local papers. The story ended up drawing one of the largest viewing audiences 20/20 had seen to that point.
At the time, in the 1980s, the usual viewing audience for 20/20 was approximately 22,000,000 people. With the amount of publicity that this segment received, it was expected that this story would be viewed by many more people. The founder of Caritas placed an ad for the 20/20 “Special Report” in one of the Caritas Newletters and encouraged others to pick up this ad and put it in their local newspapers, Catholic papers, Church bulletins, etc., to encourage people to watch the 20/20 Medjugorje story. Caritas had to add six more phone lines to the three existing phone lines to accept the hundreds of calls from people wanting to place the ad in their local papers. The story ended up drawing one of the largest viewing audiences 20/20 had seen to that point.
Marija’s First Visit to the Founder's Home
In 1988 Medjugorje visionary, Marija, came to the home of the founder of Caritas and his wife near Birmingham, Alabama, in order to have the surgery by which she would give her kidney to her brother, Andrija. Just as Joseph was called to Bethlehem for the census so that the Scripture could be fulfilled, we now believe the kidney transplant was the “census,” the worldly reason, to bring Our Lady here. Our Lady appeared to Marija every day from November 1988 through January 1989 and gave many powerful messages. The first message here, during Our Lady’s second apparition, was for Caritas' founder and his family, with whom Marija was living during her stay. The message held future significance. Our Lady commissioned his work. He, his family and now the community believe that Our Lady commissioned them to do everything possible with their lives, their evolving community, their special projects and Caritas’ mission to bring everyone to Her through God’s grace. In this first message, Our Lady said from the Bedroom in which She appeared.
November 20, 1988
“May your life be prayer. May your work be offered as a prayer and may everything that you do bring you toward me. Let everything that you do and everybody that you meet be an encounter with God.”
It was a year after Our Lady left before the understanding was gained as to how prophetic and powerful this message was, and it is still unfolding. God has aided the founder and the Mission of Caritas greatly in bringing many souls toward Our Lady and helping everything to be used for Our Lady’s purposes.
November 20, 1988
“May your life be prayer. May your work be offered as a prayer and may everything that you do bring you toward me. Let everything that you do and everybody that you meet be an encounter with God.”
It was a year after Our Lady left before the understanding was gained as to how prophetic and powerful this message was, and it is still unfolding. God has aided the founder and the Mission of Caritas greatly in bringing many souls toward Our Lady and helping everything to be used for Our Lady’s purposes.
“Medjugorje: The Lasting Sign”
Impressed by the events of Medjugorje, the producer of 20/20, Rob Wallace, wanted to do a full-length production piece to thoroughly tell the story. He worked closely with the founder of Caritas, who arranged all the encounters with the visionaries, helped choreograph the scenes and approached Martin Sheen to perform the part of the narrator, which he did, volunteering his services for the piece. The end result was one of the most professional and impressive films ever made on Medjugorje. The name of the film was “Medjugorje: The Lasting Sign.” In a radio interview on April 12, 1988, the interviewer asked Wallace this question:
“You’re a journalist, not a babe in the woods. You couldn’t be, doing your job, you can’t be naive. What is your reaction to their claims? Do you believe that they actually see something?” Wallace answered: “Well to tell you the truth, yes, I do believe they actually see something. I have made it a point, since my return (from Medjugorje) to find as much information as I can about the scientific tests that have been done there. Because, as a journalist, I believe that information will help people be convinced, one way or the other. And fortunately it probably will help. Although, I guess having faith is the most important thing. I believe they are seeing something. I believe that there’s no way these children could be lying. That they are seeing something, that they are not crazy, and it’s beyond our capabilities to know, absolutely, if we’re not going to take their word for it, that they’re seeing the Virgin Mary, but they are seeing something. And that ‘Something’ is giving them a message that sounds very much like the messages a Virgin Mary would be giving. So, taking their word for it, I would say yes, I believe in it.”
It was said by many that “Medjugorje: The Lasting Sign,” was the most important documentary on Medjugorje.
“You’re a journalist, not a babe in the woods. You couldn’t be, doing your job, you can’t be naive. What is your reaction to their claims? Do you believe that they actually see something?” Wallace answered: “Well to tell you the truth, yes, I do believe they actually see something. I have made it a point, since my return (from Medjugorje) to find as much information as I can about the scientific tests that have been done there. Because, as a journalist, I believe that information will help people be convinced, one way or the other. And fortunately it probably will help. Although, I guess having faith is the most important thing. I believe they are seeing something. I believe that there’s no way these children could be lying. That they are seeing something, that they are not crazy, and it’s beyond our capabilities to know, absolutely, if we’re not going to take their word for it, that they’re seeing the Virgin Mary, but they are seeing something. And that ‘Something’ is giving them a message that sounds very much like the messages a Virgin Mary would be giving. So, taking their word for it, I would say yes, I believe in it.”
It was said by many that “Medjugorje: The Lasting Sign,” was the most important documentary on Medjugorje.
Our Lady Asks for a Community to be Established
On December 13, 1988, when Our Lady appeared in the Bedroom in the home of a Caritas' founder and his family, She conveyed to Marija, the Medjugorje visionary, Her desire to start a Community at the site. Marija turned to him and said to him immediately after the apparition, “Our Lady wants to start a Community here.” The founder and his wife were deeply struck by these words.
Father Robert Faricy, a Jesuit priest who wrote several books on Medjugorje, was present during the apparitions on December 13 and 14, 1988. He was amazed and said:
“I visited Marija in Birmingham and prayed with her and the others when Our Lady came to her in the Bedroom. Not even in Medjugorje did I feel so strongly Mary’s presence as I did during Her apparition to Marija in Birmingham.”
Father Robert Faricy, a Jesuit priest who wrote several books on Medjugorje, was present during the apparitions on December 13 and 14, 1988. He was amazed and said:
“I visited Marija in Birmingham and prayed with her and the others when Our Lady came to her in the Bedroom. Not even in Medjugorje did I feel so strongly Mary’s presence as I did during Her apparition to Marija in Birmingham.”
Billboard Program Launched
One of the highly effective projects the founder instituted through Caritas of Birmingham was placing billboards of Our Lady of Medjugorje around the country. The founder was approached by a couple who wanted to help spread Medjugorje. The couple offered to fund the cost of printing billboards. They wanted Caritas to be the contact on the billboard for those wanting more information about Medjugorje. The people on the Caritas mailing list were contacted to find those interested in renting billboard space. The response was tremendous, and as billboards began popping up everywhere around the country, Caritas of Birmingham began receiving many phone calls from those who had seen the billboards. One man was so touched when he saw the billboard he had to pull off the side of the road as he was overcome with emotion. His story is one of many like it. Each person that called would receive a free packet of information about the apparitions, and many people were introduced to Medjugorje through this project.
Words From Heaven 1st Edition
This compilation of the messages of Medjugorje is the most comprehensive and complete message book available in the Medjugorje phenomenon, world-wide. It was among the very first works of a Friend of Medjugorje*, and one that continues to be in great demand, currently in its 17th edition, as of 2017. Our Lady said we must read Her messages every day.
Looking at the event, as much from the perspective of one living 100 years from now as one in the present, it has always been a concern of a Friend of Medjugorje* that nothing be lost from these apparitions, neither words, nor gestures of Our Lady. Human nature tends to grow dulled to events that happen daily, but the result of this dullness will be much regretted in the future, after the apparitions have ended. It is the responsibility of the “witnesses” of the events to do all they can to record the events, however insignificant they may appear at the time. It is the testimony of the witnesses of Our Lady that the Church will eventually go to, to understand the apparitions of Medjugorje. Words from Heaven holds great importance not only for our present spiritual growth, but for the spiritual growth of generations upon generations that will come after us.
*The title a Friend of Medjugorje" did not exist prior to the publishing of the First edition of Words From Heaven. For more information about how this title came about, read "Founder to Friend." To order your copy of Words from Heaven today on Mejmart
Looking at the event, as much from the perspective of one living 100 years from now as one in the present, it has always been a concern of a Friend of Medjugorje* that nothing be lost from these apparitions, neither words, nor gestures of Our Lady. Human nature tends to grow dulled to events that happen daily, but the result of this dullness will be much regretted in the future, after the apparitions have ended. It is the responsibility of the “witnesses” of the events to do all they can to record the events, however insignificant they may appear at the time. It is the testimony of the witnesses of Our Lady that the Church will eventually go to, to understand the apparitions of Medjugorje. Words from Heaven holds great importance not only for our present spiritual growth, but for the spiritual growth of generations upon generations that will come after us.
*The title a Friend of Medjugorje" did not exist prior to the publishing of the First edition of Words From Heaven. For more information about how this title came about, read "Founder to Friend." To order your copy of Words from Heaven today on Mejmart
“Between Heaven and Earth” Produced on Cassettes
The production and reproduction of this tape, which tells the story of Medjugorje, was paid for by Caritas and produced in conjunction with the producer of ABC 20/20 News in New York City in 1990. Over a quarter of a million of these tapes have been produced by Caritas and made available to the public, often free, or for a minimal donation to make it possible for the message of Medjugorje to be spread throughout the world. This story, now available on CD or as a free download on Medjugorje.com, never grows old and continues to be a strong evangelization tool in introducing people to Medjugorje.
The philosophy of giving away materials for free was always very strong in a Friend of Medjugorje, but it took a strong faith that God would provide the necessary funds to do this and to combat those opposed to this way of thinking. A Friend of Medjugorje, despite those who constantly battled him in this way of thinking, has held fast, and literally millions of people have heard, directly or indirectly, of the apparitions in Medjugorje related to his strong faith in God’s providence.“Between Heaven and Earth” is now produced on CD in English and Spanish and continues to be spread throughout the world. To order or download your copy of “Between Heaven and Earth”
The philosophy of giving away materials for free was always very strong in a Friend of Medjugorje, but it took a strong faith that God would provide the necessary funds to do this and to combat those opposed to this way of thinking. A Friend of Medjugorje, despite those who constantly battled him in this way of thinking, has held fast, and literally millions of people have heard, directly or indirectly, of the apparitions in Medjugorje related to his strong faith in God’s providence.“Between Heaven and Earth” is now produced on CD in English and Spanish and continues to be spread throughout the world. To order or download your copy of “Between Heaven and Earth”
OIM – Operation Introducing Medjugorje
When Saddam Hussein’s face became known as the newest threat to peace in the world and the United States responded with Operation Desert Storm, those who were following the events of Medjugorje knew that the threat of world peace was real, and we were fighting a potentially volatile war. Knowing that thousands of soldiers would be putting their lives on the line, a Friend of Medjugorje had the community put together packets of materials for “Any Service Member” and began sending them out by the thousands. The packets included a Rosary, Scapular, Miraculous Medal, a tape of contemporary Christian music and information about Medjugorje. We were surprised to hear back from so many officers, soldiers, chaplains, and family members of servicemen. Never before or since have we received such touching letters as those who were thanking us for thinking about them and to read about how many of them really opened themselves to the grace of God. One such letter follows:
Dear Caritas of Birmingham, February 24, 1991
Many thanks for your packet, sent 1/17/91 to “Any Service Member.” Several of these have been directed to me and after noting the excellent contents of the mailing, I assure you that all reaching the United States Carrier USS-America will be distributed to our sailors and officers.
The war rages here - it began in its land portion at 0300 this morning. Having been recently with the Marine Corps from August to early October, 1990, in the Gulf, I can well guess the great trial that our troops are now enduring. Your prayer and fasting has no doubt been heard and is answered by God on High, and our military deeply appreciates the sacrifices and devotion to bring this blessing. May God richly bless your work and the message of hope that Caritas carries.
Sincerely, Lt. G.G.W. Office of Chaplain
Dear Caritas of Birmingham, February 24, 1991
Many thanks for your packet, sent 1/17/91 to “Any Service Member.” Several of these have been directed to me and after noting the excellent contents of the mailing, I assure you that all reaching the United States Carrier USS-America will be distributed to our sailors and officers.
The war rages here - it began in its land portion at 0300 this morning. Having been recently with the Marine Corps from August to early October, 1990, in the Gulf, I can well guess the great trial that our troops are now enduring. Your prayer and fasting has no doubt been heard and is answered by God on High, and our military deeply appreciates the sacrifices and devotion to bring this blessing. May God richly bless your work and the message of hope that Caritas carries.
Sincerely, Lt. G.G.W. Office of Chaplain
PRM: Project Refugee Medjugorje
By 1992, ten years after the apparitions began, pilgrims from all over the world had come to the village of Medjugorje. There could be no doubt that Medjugorje was satan’s number one target to destroy in the Bosnian War. A Friend of Medjugorje felt the responsibility to help the villagers who had opened their homes to thousands of strangers over the years. He immediately put Caritas of Birmingham into action getting much needed medical and surgical supplies, medicine, food, etc., for the areas in and around Medjugorje. Caritas community members, staff, and volunteers from the Birmingham area came together in a military hanger at the Birmingham Airport to pack and load the much needed supplies to be sent to the war-torn areas in Bosnia. The supplies, donated by people from all over the United States, were flown by jet to the needy in Medjugorje and surrounding areas. Led by a Friend of Medjugorje, Caritas of Birmingham was the first to respond to their specific needs and was actively bringing over tons of supplies donated by pharmaceutical companies in the United States. It was more than a year and a half before other groups were able to organize enough to help in this endeavor. By the time the project stopped, 15 successful flights or shipments were sent over, totaling over 10 million dollars in medicines, food and medical supplies, which were all used to set up an active pharmacy with free distribution in the village of Ljubuski, five miles outside of Medjugorje, an hour’s drive from the front line of the war in Mostar. In addition, we totaled the same amount or more through the managing or helping of other rescue efforts.
The Poem of the Man-God Controversy
Maria Valtorta is an Italian mystic responsible for the work, The Poem of the Man-God. When asked by two Franciscan seminarians if we could read these books, Our Lady responded positively. A huge attack arose around these books and anyone who supported them. Because, he, himself, had been so impacted by these books and in response to these attacks, a Friend of Medjugorje wrote directly to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican in Rome, to ask for a more recent decision about the books. Cardinal Ratzinger’s office called upon the Italian Bishops to review the request who sent it back through the Holy See and on to our Bishop. The response was dated May 11, 1993, and it relayed the judgment to a Friend of Medjugorje. It stated that Catholics were allowed to read them without fear of condemnation which caused, shortly after, the storm to subside. Marija went before Our Lady in 1982-1983, on behalf of a seminarian and asked the question, “Was it okay to read the book The Poem of the Man-God?” Marija relayed that Our Lady affirmed yes very strongly.
“One must read them.”
When other followers of Medjugorje found out that a Friend of Medjugorje wrote the cardinal, they were upset and feared he would endanger the status of Medjugorje with his question. He simply saw them as non-believers, because his faith in the apparitions was so strong that if Our Lady said it, God allowed it. And if He (God) allowed it, all would work out for His Glory. Visit here to read the full story
“One must read them.”
When other followers of Medjugorje found out that a Friend of Medjugorje wrote the cardinal, they were upset and feared he would endanger the status of Medjugorje with his question. He simply saw them as non-believers, because his faith in the apparitions was so strong that if Our Lady said it, God allowed it. And if He (God) allowed it, all would work out for His Glory. Visit here to read the full story
Field Angel Program Established
The late 80s and early 90s marked the peak of American pilgrims going to Medjugorje up until the war came to Bosnia. During these years, Medjugorje centers across the world began to blossom, and the demand to learn about the apparitions was unquenchable. A Friend of Medjugorje's concern was not only how to meet that demand, but also how to bring the message of Medjugorje to those who had not yet heard of the happenings there. In order to fulfill both of these objectives, Caritas of Birmingham would have to have a stronger financial base.
In September of 1991, a Friend of Medjugorje with the first Caritas Community members, did a nine-day novena, walking on their knees from his home to the Tree in the Field of Apparitions, circling the Tree nine times also on their knees, praying Rosary after Rosary in petition to Our Lady to inspire a direction in this matter. The result of that novena was Caritas of Birmingham’s Field Angel program.
The concept came to a Friend of Medjugorje in morning prayer during the days of the novena, of having people pledge a certain amount each month, creating a budget from which we could plan future projects, as well as for the reprinting and reproduction of Caritas' materials, but he was at a loss as to how to structure and name the concept. He climbed the mountain behind Caritas one morning, to clear his mind and to pray again to Our Lady for guidance. In figuring how much we needed each month to carry on the operations of the mission, keep the materials in print, and be able to implement new ideas in spreading the message, he figured we needed at least 5,000 people to commit to a monthly donation. A prayer he had prayed almost daily before Marija, the Medjugorje visionary, came to Alabama and had the apparitions here, suddenly came to him on this mountain climb. The prayer was a petition in which he begged God to send 5,000 angels to the valley, assigning 1,000 angels each for specific tasks, such as 1,000 angels for protection, 1,000 angels to help bring about the conversion of the people who would come here, 1,000 angels to help acquire the land, etc. As he remembered that prayer, the understanding of “Field Angels” came into his heart.
The community knew that this was from Our Lady at the time, but understand it even more so now to see what the Field Angel Program has become...literally a physical extension of the Caritas community, hands and instruments of Our Lady that reach around the world bringing the message of Our Lady, first by their lives lived as witnesses, then through the materials produced here in the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages. When the Field Angel program was born, a community of believers was born who live the spirit of Medjugorje in their own individual homes, towns and cities, but who are united under the mantle of Our Lady through the mission of Caritas. Field Angels are prayed for everyday by the Community of Caritas and are considered as family for all they do for Our Lady through the mission.
In September of 1991, a Friend of Medjugorje with the first Caritas Community members, did a nine-day novena, walking on their knees from his home to the Tree in the Field of Apparitions, circling the Tree nine times also on their knees, praying Rosary after Rosary in petition to Our Lady to inspire a direction in this matter. The result of that novena was Caritas of Birmingham’s Field Angel program.
The concept came to a Friend of Medjugorje in morning prayer during the days of the novena, of having people pledge a certain amount each month, creating a budget from which we could plan future projects, as well as for the reprinting and reproduction of Caritas' materials, but he was at a loss as to how to structure and name the concept. He climbed the mountain behind Caritas one morning, to clear his mind and to pray again to Our Lady for guidance. In figuring how much we needed each month to carry on the operations of the mission, keep the materials in print, and be able to implement new ideas in spreading the message, he figured we needed at least 5,000 people to commit to a monthly donation. A prayer he had prayed almost daily before Marija, the Medjugorje visionary, came to Alabama and had the apparitions here, suddenly came to him on this mountain climb. The prayer was a petition in which he begged God to send 5,000 angels to the valley, assigning 1,000 angels each for specific tasks, such as 1,000 angels for protection, 1,000 angels to help bring about the conversion of the people who would come here, 1,000 angels to help acquire the land, etc. As he remembered that prayer, the understanding of “Field Angels” came into his heart.
The community knew that this was from Our Lady at the time, but understand it even more so now to see what the Field Angel Program has become...literally a physical extension of the Caritas community, hands and instruments of Our Lady that reach around the world bringing the message of Our Lady, first by their lives lived as witnesses, then through the materials produced here in the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages. When the Field Angel program was born, a community of believers was born who live the spirit of Medjugorje in their own individual homes, towns and cities, but who are united under the mantle of Our Lady through the mission of Caritas. Field Angels are prayed for everyday by the Community of Caritas and are considered as family for all they do for Our Lady through the mission.
OLPG – Our Lady’s Prayer Groups
Our Lady was very strong in establishing prayer groups, especially with the youth, in Medjugorje. She actually gave “rules” for the group, and they were established to pray specifically for Her intentions. Many pilgrims, upon returning home from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, desire to continue to grow in the life of the spirit, and to gather with people with whom they can share their faith. Medjugorje prayer groups began to bloom all over the country.
We were hearing from many people who did not know anyone in their area who knew of Medjugorje. Our Lady gave a Friend of Medjugorje an inspiration to respond to their need, and Our Lady’s Prayer Groups, or O.L.P.G., was born. A computer program was created that, using the mailing list as the base, helped match people together in their area so they could form or join an already existing prayer group. We put together a packet of information for those who wanted to start their own group based on the dictations of Our Lady’s prayer group in Medjugorje. Our Lady’s Prayer Groups, registered with Caritas of Birmingham, began receiving regular mailings from us to keep them informed of the events and messages of Medjugorje. Whenever Our Lady expressed specific needs for prayer, or whenever there were prayer projects we sponsored, we had an immense group of people ready to respond with prayers and sacrifices. As many people have told us through the years, just knowing they are a part of so many other people praying for the same intention gives them the feeling that their prayers can really make a difference in helping Our Lady and Her plans in changing the world. A Friend of Medjugorje has future plans to revamp and restructure OLPG to make the program stronger for the future.
We were hearing from many people who did not know anyone in their area who knew of Medjugorje. Our Lady gave a Friend of Medjugorje an inspiration to respond to their need, and Our Lady’s Prayer Groups, or O.L.P.G., was born. A computer program was created that, using the mailing list as the base, helped match people together in their area so they could form or join an already existing prayer group. We put together a packet of information for those who wanted to start their own group based on the dictations of Our Lady’s prayer group in Medjugorje. Our Lady’s Prayer Groups, registered with Caritas of Birmingham, began receiving regular mailings from us to keep them informed of the events and messages of Medjugorje. Whenever Our Lady expressed specific needs for prayer, or whenever there were prayer projects we sponsored, we had an immense group of people ready to respond with prayers and sacrifices. As many people have told us through the years, just knowing they are a part of so many other people praying for the same intention gives them the feeling that their prayers can really make a difference in helping Our Lady and Her plans in changing the world. A Friend of Medjugorje has future plans to revamp and restructure OLPG to make the program stronger for the future.
The Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages
The construction of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, the “message factory,” the Mother House of Caritas of Birmingham, took three years to complete. Its beauty is such that pilgrims walking up to it for the first time are in awe of its hidden uniqueness. With a Friend of Medjugorje overseeing even the minutest details, and architectural design only seen in Europe, the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages allows others to see Our Lady’s beauty through its beauty. The decision by a Friend of Medjugorje to build the Tabernacle came through a long period of prayer, and its construction gave the growing mission of Caritas the much needed space that the Caritas house, formerly located adjacent to the Tabernacle, could not provide. Even the construction workers were touched when working on these grounds made sacred by Our Lady. The structure of steel, wood and stone became the home to pilgrims from all over the world who have walked up her steps to become closer to Our Lady. The square footage available for the propagation of Our Lady's messages in the Tabernacle totaled more than 35,000 square feet.
“Children of America, Save Medjugorje!”
These coloring books were produced by Caritas of Birmingham to encourage children to offer prayers and sacrifices in order to bring about an end to the Bosnian War. For every prayer or sacrifice they offered, they were to color one item on a page for the ending of the war. The books were then to be sent to Vicka, the visionary, in Medjugorje to be placed in the apparitions of Our Lady.
On this anniversary of June 25, 1992, of Our Lady’s apparitions in Medjugorje, Vicka made a special presentation to Our Lady of the first completed coloring books from “Children of America, Save Medjugorje.” Four children from Caritas had colored their pages, offering up their prayers and sacrifices to Our Lady for peace. Their coloring books were carried to Medjugorje for the June 25th anniversary by the Caritas crew who accompanied the most recent Project Refugee Medjugorje (P.R.M.) flight to Medjugorje and the surrounding areas. Two refugees from a nearby village also had drawings to present to Our Lady. The following was conveyed:
“On the 25th during the course of the apparition, Vicka gave Her the first drawings from the children as a gift for the Anniversary. The Virgin showed Her great joy and blessed the coloring books as well as the children who did them. Vicka is waiting impatiently for the others.”
On this anniversary of June 25, 1992, of Our Lady’s apparitions in Medjugorje, Vicka made a special presentation to Our Lady of the first completed coloring books from “Children of America, Save Medjugorje.” Four children from Caritas had colored their pages, offering up their prayers and sacrifices to Our Lady for peace. Their coloring books were carried to Medjugorje for the June 25th anniversary by the Caritas crew who accompanied the most recent Project Refugee Medjugorje (P.R.M.) flight to Medjugorje and the surrounding areas. Two refugees from a nearby village also had drawings to present to Our Lady. The following was conveyed:
“On the 25th during the course of the apparition, Vicka gave Her the first drawings from the children as a gift for the Anniversary. The Virgin showed Her great joy and blessed the coloring books as well as the children who did them. Vicka is waiting impatiently for the others.”
The Seven Novenas Begin
A consistent prayer theme of a Friend of Medjugorje is the reconciling of ourselves, our families and our nation (the United States of America) back to God. This is the theme of Caritas of Birmingham’s annual five-day prayer gathering in December and the intention of the “Seven Novenas” he wrote in 1993 to be prayed beginning on the 25th of each month, from June to November, with the seventh novena starting December 4th, and ending the last day of the five-day prayer gathering, December 12th.
These powerful and moving novenas spread rapidly, and have led to the accumulation of prayers numbered into the millions, said for the conversion and healing of ourselves, our families and our nation. It is a momentum of prayer that grows every year, with over 1,000,000 copies in circulation. To Order a copy of the Novena on Mej-mart, Click Here!
These powerful and moving novenas spread rapidly, and have led to the accumulation of prayers numbered into the millions, said for the conversion and healing of ourselves, our families and our nation. It is a momentum of prayer that grows every year, with over 1,000,000 copies in circulation. To Order a copy of the Novena on Mej-mart, Click Here!
December 8-12 Annual Five Days of Prayer Begin
The final novena of the “Seven Novenas” culminated in a five-day prayer gathering held at Caritas of Birmingham annually, that began in December of 1993. During these five days, the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages is rededicated to Our Lady, praying for all those who helped see it built. It is a week of sacrifice and prayer offered for the conversion of ourselves, our families and our nation. The week builds towards a beautiful celebration of "Christmas in the Field", and ends with the “Patriotic Rosary,” prayed for our nation. The week is remembered fondly by all those who have attended it over the years. The experience pierces the heart, and many lives have been changed, even unexpectedly. A Friend of Medjugorje has spiritually choreographed the Five Days of Prayer to bring each soul as deeply as possible into prayer. All who have attended say that the event is the perfect preparation for Christmas, and for many, it is Christmas. Our greatest joy was having Marija, the Medjugorje visionary, attend this event on two occasions, in 1999 and 2001. The beauty of these days, inspired by a Friend of Medjugorje, is difficult to describe in how profoundly hearts are touched. For more information on Events at Caritas of Birmingham.
“The Lamb” Television Commercial
Having developed not only a working relationship with one of the producers of ABC 20/20, but also a close friendship, Caritas of Birmingham moved towards other projects with the television media, including a short video describing the Caritas mission for pilgrims who would come to visit it here in Alabama. The film footage turned out beautifully, and one scene in particular made a beautiful commercial on the Eucharist, which a Friend of Medjugorje produced and sent to all of Caritas of Birmingham’s Field Angels and Our Lady’s Prayer Group (O.L.P.G.) members who had it aired on television stations in their area. All of this was to draw people toward our mission in order to draw them toward Medjugorje. It was soon after this, however, that Our Lady led a Friend of Medjugorje and the Community of Caritas in a totally different direction, away from television forever.
Marija’s Second Visit to a Friend of Medjugorje’s Home
Medjugorje visionary, Marija’s, second visit to a Friend of Medjugorje’s home was in February 1994. Marija was accompanied by her husband, Paolo, and this visit served as a retreat for the couple from the busy life that surrounds a visionary’s family. It was during this visit that Our Lady gave the following message, “I am happy to be here,” on February 1st, in the Bedroom. A Friend of Medjugorje, his family, and Marija and her husband were the only ones present in the Bedroom for the apparition, while the rest of the community gathered in the Field. These words, along with Our Lady giving two blessings in the Field, on the third day of her visit, February 3rd, made all the hard work and suffering worth it and gave the community the strength to go forward with and for Our Lady. Those present in the Field that day on the 3rd felt peace fill the whole valley. Our Lady looked out from over the people, Her hands outstretched in a blessing. It is our belief that some kind of special blessing or seal was extended to the whole valley. Also during this visit, the construction of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages was going on, so this blessing was also a welcomed reassurance to keep going forward in the mission’s much needed expansion.