Common Questions and Answers
• What is the daily schedule?
• Will there be Mass and where is the nearest church?
• What about bringing petitions with us in March?
• Will the visionary Marija or a Friend of Medjugorje be speaking?
• Will we be able to ask questions about It Ain’t Gonna Happen?
• Will the Bedroom of Apparitions be open?
• How far away is Caritas from the airport?
• What hotels are the closest?
• Is there camping available at Caritas, can we bring a tent?
• Are shuttles available from the hotels or airport?
• Where is the parking at Caritas?
• Do we bring our own meals or are there restaurants nearby?
• What is the weather like at Caritas in March?
• What time will the apparition be?
• Will we get to see Our Lady?
• Do we need to RSVP?
• Do you have to pay to come to Caritas for the March 19-23 apparitions?
• Is there a limit on how many people we can bring?
• Should we stay all 5 days?
• Is there a special dress code?
• Are there any other guidelines that we should know of?
Come to Caritas, Alabama for a momentous event and be in the presence of five apparitions of the Holy Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace when She appears to Medjugorje visionary Marija. Consecrate yourself, your family and entrust all to Our Lady. These five days will culminate in the consecration of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, and its work through you and the Community of Caritas, to help transmit Our Lady’s messages to the whole world.
The Holy Virgin Mary appeared today, {source} [[?php $montha = date(‘n’,time()); $daya = date(‘d’,time()); $yeara = date(‘Y’,time()); $month_word = array(1=>’January’,’February’,’March’,’April’,’May’,’June’,’July’,’August’,’September’,’October’,’November’,’December’); echo $month_word[$montha].” “.$daya.”, “.$yeara; ?]] {/source}, in a village called Medjugorje. Reader’s Digest, ABC News 20/20, Life Magazine, and literally thousands of other media sources worldwide have reported on and even investigated these daily events. Repeated scientific testing and studies, of the six who say they see the Virgin Mary, have come to the scientific conclusion they are seeing something not of this world. One scientist who was a nonbeliever, after performing many tests, became a Christian. The daily apparitions will have lasted for 29 years as of June 24, 2010. All six of the visionaries’ apparitions originally took place in a village in Bosnia called Medjugorje. Twenty to thirty million pilgrims have visited Medjugorje.
In 1988, Marija Lunetti, one of the six visionaries from Medjugorje, came to Birmingham, and stayed for 3 months in the home of the founder of Caritas. During the apparitions that took place for over 2 1/2 months that Marija was in his home, Our Lady gave many messages and did many things that brought tens of thousands of people to conversion.
Since 1988, Our Lady of Medjugorje has returned to the home of the founder of Caritas a number of times, through the visits of visionary Marija. She will be present again March 19-23, 2011 for five days.
Come to Caritas, Alabama March 19-23, 2011 for a momentous event, and be in the presence of five apparitions of the Holy Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace when She appears to Medjugorje visionary Marija. Consecrate yourself, your family and entrust all to Our Lady. These five days will culminate in the consecration of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, and its work through you and the Community of Caritas, to help transmit Our Lady’s messages to the whole world.
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What’s Further Down the Page
• 5 Things to Prepare for Our Lady’s Visit • 2011 Caritas Silver Jubilee • Candles and Roses – Charter a Bus – Volunteer to Help• 50 Hotel Listings • How You can Promote Our Lady’s Visit• Guidelines for Coming
The preparation for these five days at Caritas will be based in the following message:
October 25, 2000
This message, which was randomly picked during our morning prayer of December 16, after asking for the theme Our Lady would want for the Five Days to be based on. We were in wonder of how direct Our Lady was in telling us this theme of what Her desires were. Our Lady mentioned “fasting,” “renew,” “prayer,” “Jubilee,” (25th), and “new time.”
The March 19-23, 2011, apparitions falls in Caritas of Birmingham’s “Silver Jubilee” year, as it was birthed in 1986.1 Therefore, join thousands who will come to be in Our Lady’s presence—except, this time of Our Lady’s visitation, the thousands will prepare to be in Her presence in a new way for a new time to renew prayer with a fast, for the springtime of the spirit renewing the Church and renewing all the earth. All in the year of Jubilee. Join thousands of others who will come in preparation by:
Order the 54-Day Rosary Novena!
It is an old novena given by Our Lady in 1884. A Friend of Medjugorje wrote a new version connected to Medjugorje in March, 2000 but never completed it. It, therefore, was never released. He finished it on December 16, especially to release it for the March 19-23 apparitions. The 54-day novena will begin on January 23 with thousands praying it each day, united in prayer for Our Lady’s intentions, for her five apparitions. The intentions for the novena are for the renewing of all the earth for a new springtime, for the Holy Spirit’s renewal of the Church, for the consecration of the retooled and expanded Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, and for your own intentions for the Five Days. You can receive one free copy for the preparation of the Five Days with Our Lady, or order more for bulk pricing. Click Here to Order the 54-day rosary Novena Booklet.
1. Beginning a powerful 54-day Rosary Novena, beginning January 23, 2011, and ending March 17, 2011, two days before Marija comes. (The Rosary Novena booklet will be available Tuesday December 21)
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2. A 9-day bread and water fast beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 9, and ending the same day as the 54-day Rosary Novena, March 17, 2011, two days before Marija comes.
3. All the thousands who will participate in this powerful preparation, their prayers and sacrifices will be presented to Our Lady directly during the apparitions for Her intentions. She spoke in the randomly picked message of October 25, 2000:
4. During the five days, wherever on the grounds, everyone will kneel and pray three Hail Mary’s on the hour in a daily 9-hour novena for Our Lady’s intentions and their own personal intentions.
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5. Throughout the 54-day Rosary Novena going on during Lent, many extra sacrifices should be offered.
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Reflect. Thousands praying a 54-day Rosary Novena (You can download on mej.com or see order form.)
Contemplate. Thousands fasting for 9 days on bread and water
Recollect. Thousands praying 9-hour novenas for Our Lady’s intentions
Meditate. Thousands offering renunciations and sacrifices through the 54-days of preparation to change our hearts, receive graces, offer petitions, and the consecration of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages as a tool to transmit Our Lady’s messages to the world.
All these actions of the heart are for the purpose of giving Our Lady all that She needs during these five days to grant those attending Her greatest desires and hopes for each of us. It is our hope that Our Lady can repeat to us the words from Her message during the Five Days, March 19-23, 2011:
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A gift of a new time as springtime, a new and the final evangelization of the world. Our Lady’s visit during Lent, in spring, Resurrection time! Is it possible to comprehend the opportunity being given to us? To fast, to pray, to sacrifice is a privilege and to end it with the joy of the Queen of Heaven, in Her 156th visit here! And the first during Lent!
Let’s consider our circumstances…
The United States is very sick, as well as the whole world. The consecration of the United States July 1-5, 2008 and July 1-5, 2009 fostered large numbers of fruitful conversions in the Bedroom of Apparitions and the Field of Apparitions at Caritas. This is medicine for the nation and thereby, for the whole world, because as goes America, so goes the world. John Paul II said, in regards to Our Lady about America:
“She, whose intercession was responsible for strengthening the faith of the first disciples, will by Her intercession guide the Church in America, obtaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as She once did for the early Church, so that the New Evangelization may yield a splendid flowering of Christian life.” America “is called to extend their missionary efforts beyond the bounds of the continent. They cannot keep for themselves the immense riches of their Christian heritage. They must take their heritage to the whole world and share it with those who do not yet know it.” 1
John Paul PP II
The work through Caritas, from the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, is just such, for the purpose of transmitting Our Lady’s messages, evangelizing them to the whole world. Our Lady said:
February 25, 1995
Flashback Story 2009 with Marija
While some pilgrims and community members were standing on the front porch of the founder’s house, waiting for the Rosary time of the apparition, Marija came out and joined their conversation. Shortly after, the founder opened the door and said it was time to come in and begin the Rosary. Marija, smiling, said she had just stepped out to get a little fresh air. One of the community members said to Marija, “Well, Marija we will stick with you because wherever you are that’s where Our Lady will be.” But Marija responded in more of a serious way, even though it had been a joking remark, “No, we go to Bedroom. Our Lady chose Bedroom.” It was striking to hear Marija say this so clearly and it also confirmed to us in the community what Our Lady has done through the Bedroom for the rebirth of the family to renew our nation and to renew the world.
Your coming to Caritas, Alabama is part of another step of world history. To be in the presence of the Queen of Peace, March 19–23, 2011, when She appears to Marija Lunetti, visionary of Medjugorje, one must be with a heart that is open. You will receive graces, blessings and the healing of your hearts. Come to consecrate the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages with Our Lady which has for two years been undergoing a complete retooling in anticipation of the Great Moment for the New and Final Evangelization of the world. We are still in the process of trying to finish the retooling in order to “be ready” for when Our Lady can profoundly put it to use. Our Lady said:
April 2, 2010
Be ready for what? Our Lady said:
June 25, 2007
For those of you who come with your children, March 19-23, your children will one day tell your grandchildren, “I was there.” We live in a moment of man’s history, unique and like no other. Even if you must rearrange your schedule for March 19-23, do not let anything keep you from coming to be in Our Lady’s presence. Your children’s schooling, work, other obligations, etc., are not comparable to being in Our Lady’s presence. Let no obstacle block you. Make a decision that will not only change your life, but help change the world. You are called and chosen individually, to be a part of the preparation for a second Pentecost that will take place sometime in the future. Our Lady said on January 25, 1987:
Use you for what? Our Lady continues:
But you think, who am I? I can do very little. Our Lady continues:
Has God really chosen me for a great role? To use me in a great plan for the salvation of mankind? How am I suppose to know what role God has chosen me for? Our Lady continues in the same message of January 25, 1987:
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Our Lady will be here “with you,” March 19-23, not only to help you learn and know your role in God’s design, but to help you to fulfill it. Our Lady continues in the same message:
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Quake, o’ man, because of what opportunities God grants to you. Our Lady says:
May 16, 1987
You are chosen, individually. You have a great role, a part in a great plan. God gives you an opportunity, indeed, a privilege. You must plan, open your hearts and seize the opportunity to be lavished in the grace of these five glorious days, March 19-23, and pray that Our Lady will awake in you God’s design for you, for the salvation of the world. The consecration of the expanded Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages and the equipment installed to retool it is for you to use as your tool, to transmit the messages to the whole world. The Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages will produce every type of material and spiritual project support to evangelize Our Lady’s plans. You are the apostles who are the evangelizers. That is the purpose of the new Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, to equip you with the messages of Our Lady for the world’s conversion. Our Lady says:
August 25, 1992
Medjugorje comes to you!! Medjugorje visionary Marija has said Caritas is like Medjugorje in its beginning days. The Five Days of Prayer will give you a picture of Medjugorje’s beginning days. Simple, holy, profound, where one falls into conversion. Those who longed for and who could never afford to go to Medjugorje can have the grace now. This is a very exciting time for those who wish to be in the work of spreading conversion to the world! Yet, we are not finished with the retooling. Caritas of Birmingham’s Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, operated by the Community of Caritas, is not, at this point, finished and the retooling is still in need of funds. So, we have a lot of work still yet to achieve. We ask for your prayers and Masses to be offered for its successful completion, especially that we can meet the dates of March 19–23. We have yet a lot to accomplish.
Testimonies from July 2009, the last time Our Lady was with us for five days of prayer, are similar for the thousands who attended.
“Thank you so much for the awesome week once again! The Bedroom is like Heaven on earth! Many want to go with me next year—hope Mary comes in July again!”
B.P., Coppell, Texas
July 8, 2009
“I have just spent the best week of my life. Your community’s five days of prayer for our nation from July 1-5 was by far the most moving, faith building experience I have ever had.”
P.P., Orange, Texas
July 5, 2009
“I cannot help but thank you for the profound shift I feel in my whole being. Words cannot express the profound peace I feel and the opening to God present in my heart. It was very difficult to leave today, wanting, as my heart did to stay and savor the delicacy and love of the experience here. I cherish the years of day-to-day preparation and love and prayers that have gone into making this event even possible. I feel as if a whole new world has opened up for me. Thank you for bringing Mary into our hearts through your love and your extended hands.”
L.D., Nashville, Tennessee
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It can be no coincidence that the opening of the new expansion and re-equipping* of the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages fell in Caritas’ 25th year anniversary, our Silver Jubilee. Many signs accompany this Silver Jubilee, such as the introduction of the Miraculous Medal Medjugorje ‘Silver’ Round through the book, It Ain’t Gonna Happen. We are in joy at the opportunity to profoundly give to Our Lady the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, Caritas, and its work, with and through you, to help in the conversion of the world. To help Our Lady, to be with Our Lady, to be in the actual work of Our Lady in preparation for the coming of the Great New and Final Evangelization is incomprehensible in the grace and privilege afforded to both you and us as Her followers. What does it mean to be a part of this Great New and Final Evangelization?
The Great Evangelization
“The foundation for this spiritual revival is already being formed through the fire of tribulation for the Second Great Full and Final Evangelization of the world. Final because, led by Our Lady, it will be complete, a “full” Evangelization capable of enduring until the end of the world. Who will be its apostles? Those who withstand the trial; those who will lay their job on the line; those who will do small and great acts of charity, despite possible negative results; those who are willing to live martyrdom when death would be a relief, but live on day in and day out; cross-bearers voluntarily, when it would be easier to lay the cross down. Men, in this glorious time, this season of holiness, this time of joy, are beginning to recognize, who they are and Who is calling them for the second most glorious time in the history of the world.” 2
Spread this news everywhere. Many have come to Our Lady’s apparitions here at Caritas simply by finding a brochure at the back of a church, in an Adoration chapel, at a grocery store counter, or mailed to each person from your parish directory, etc. One look at a brochure and many make an immediate decision. “Be ready.” Be active in spreading news about the five apparitions, March 19-23. To order, free, as many brochures as you want, paying only the shipping cost, see the yellow order form below.
Remember—mark your calendars. Join the Community of Caritas and thousands of others who will prepare for Our Lady’s coming.
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On January 23, 2011 begin the 54-day Rosary novena. (Will be available Tuesday December 21, 2010)
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On Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011, begin 9-day bread and water fast.
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Both the 54-day Rosary novena and the 9-day fast will end on March 17, 2011, two days before Marija arrives and Our Lady’s apparitions.
In Preparation and in the Hope of All You Coming and Giving Your Prayers and Fasting Directly to Our Lady,
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*Retooling the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages began in 2008 in order to update and expand all the departments of the mission of Caritas of Birmingham, including the print shop (cutting, folding & book binding departments), shipping, pre-press, CD production and mail management, Caritas’ effort is for the purpose of making this mission ready for the time of the Great New and Final Evangelization that will come about through the release of the 3 admonitions. For more information contact Caritas of Birmingham at 205-672-2000.
1. Our founder began Caritas of Birmingham in 1986. Our Lady asked for a community to be established in an apparition in the Bedroom in 1988. He formed the Community of Caritas as Our Lady had formed him. The Community of Caritas’ formation came as a result of grace through a message Our Lady told our founder, through Medjugorje visionary, Marija. Our Lady relayed to him, through this message, that She would help him understand many things.
2. “Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation The Church in America”, John Paul II, Pauline Books & Media, Boston 1999, p.116.
3. “Quietism,” A Friend of Medjugorje, Caritas of Birmingham,2003.
A Rose For Our Lady & A Candle for Your Intentions
Do you have a special prayer request you would like brought to the Bedroom and/or the Field during the March 19–23 apparitions?
Have a Rose placed in the Bedroom of Apparitions
Have a seven-day Candle lit in The Field of Apparitions and placed before the statue of Our Lady
in your name or the name of a loved one’s intentions during the March 19–23, 2011, prayer gathering.
A special gift card will be sent to you for each candle or rose donation if you request it. Click Here to have a rose placed or a candle lit.
You Can Charter a Bus!
We encourage you, or you and a friend, to charter a bus for the March 19-23, 2011 visit. For many who cannot afford to fly, coming by bus is less expensive. It provides you with transportation from the hotel to Caritas each day, and coming with a group can bring you to a deeper pilgrimage experience, as you are journeying and praying together with many who are longing for a deeper relationship and experience with God. In a group setting, often the sharing of faith, hearing other people’s walk in conversion, is a powerful tool in the hand of God to bring forth stronger conversions in each other. If you need advice about how to go about chartering a bus and organizing a pilgrimage, call 205-672-2000, ext. 218.
Want to Help?
We need extra help in preparation for hosting the Mother of God for the thousands who will pilgrimage here. It will require a lot of preparation. If you have time or talent, we and Our Lady could use you here, even if just for a day or a week during the next three months of time of preparation. We immediately need helpers with minimal skills, those who can help in many different capacities. Consider volunteering for a Mission Day or week or more, whatever your talents. We have immediate needs for any skilled craftsman or trades. Call 205-672-2000 ext. 334.
What is the daily schedule?
The Caritas Community has a regular prayer schedule that we follow everyday and we ask that you join us for these special prayer times during your week with us. There will be extra events scheduled throughout the week of prayer that are explained further in the program booklet. Your free time should be spent praying and preparing yourself for the moment of being in the presence of Our Lady which is, of course, the primary event you will attend on our grounds during your week with us in community.
The apparitions of Our Lady will be announced at the time Our Lady tells Marija. In the past Our Lady has told us the day before each apparition what time and where She will appear.
5:00 am : Morning Prayer : Silent prayer in the Field. Bring blankets to sit on. Please remember to be quiet and turn off Âflashlights as you arrive at the statue so as not to disturb others in prayer.
6:00 am : Angelus.
6:30 am : Holy Mass at St. Mark’s Catholic Church
8:30 am : Morning Prayer : In front of The Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, special announcements and apparition times will be made at this time. .
9:00 am : Begin Hourly Novena of 3 Hail Mary’s*.
10:45 am : Rosary in the Field : Two mysteries prayed each day.
12:00 pm : Angelus : Wherever you may be on the grounds. .
3:00 pm : Chaplet of Divine of Mercy : Wherever you may be on the grounds.
Will there be Mass and where is the nearest church?
We are happy to announce that St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church will be offering a special Mass each morning at 6:30 a.m. for all priests and pilgrims attending the Five Days of Prayer. Pilgrims can attend 5:00 a.m. prayer in the Field, leaving a few minutes before 6:00 a.m. to arrive at St. Mark’s on time for Mass. The two area churches that are closest to Caritas where pilgrims can attend Holy Mass are as follows:
St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
Phone: 205-980-1810 DAILY MASS: 6:30 AM Saturday Night Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Mass: 7:45 AM & 10 AM Directions from Hwy 280. Going east on Hwy 280, turn left onto Hwy 119, also known as Cahaba Valley Road. This is at a major intersection-Shell Gas Station and a Wachovia Bank. Drive 1.2 miles. Turn left at Brook Highland Drive. St. Mark the Evangelist Church is up off the road on the left.
Our Lady of the Valley Church
Phone: 205-991-5488 Saturday Night Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Mass: 8:30, 11:00 AM Directions from Hwy 280: Going east on Hwy 280, turn right onto Hwy 119, also known as Cahaba Valley Road. This is at a major intersection-Shell Gas Station and a Wachovia Bank. Go several miles down Hwy 119. Our€ˆLady of the Valley Church is on the left. Address: 5514 Double Oak Lane.
What about bringing petitions with us in March?
We strongly encourage you that you bring your petitions to be placed in Our Lady’s presence.
Will the visionary Marija or a Friend of Medjugorje be speaking?
There will be scheduled talks with Marija and A Friend of Medjugorje throughout the week. It will be important to attend and listen for the times of these talks and other events such as the visit to the Bedroom of Apparitions, the behind the scenes walk through the mission, the climb to Grotto La Pluie, and the Patriotic Rosary, which will be announced at our morning prayer at 8:30 AM.
Back to Question
Will we be able to ask questions about It Ain’t Gonna Happen?
Generally when A Friend of Medjugorje speaks there will be a time for answering questions.
Will the Bedroom of Apparitions be open?
Only rarely, since Marija Lunetti, the visionary from Medjugorje, first visited here do pilgrims have the public opportunity to visit the room of the apparitions in the family home of our founder, his wife, and children. You will be able to spend at least a few minutes in prayer (depending on the amount of people also waiting to pray in the Bedroom) for your intentions. The actual days and times are to be announced.
How far away is Caritas from the airport?
Caritas is approximately 20 miles from the Birmingham airport. See Map Below or Click to visit this page to find directions
What hotels are the closest?
Hotel Listings
Our Lady’s return to the Bedroom and Field this coming March 19-23, 2011, will generate a great deal of excitement around the country. We encourage you to book your hotel rooms for the March 19–23, 2011 apparitions (book for March 18th to the 24th or later because 5 days are full days on the grounds) as soon as possible. Many hotels will fill all their rooms. We are expecting large numbers to attend, as always when Our Lady comes, which makes tighter availability for pilgrims desiring to attend the apparitions to find rooms. Even if you are not sure you can come, make reservations. You can always cancel. So, don’t delay in making your arrangements. For more information call Caritas of Birmingham 205-672-2000.
Based on location, traffic, and proximity to Caritas, hotels 1-16 listed below on Hwy 280 are suggested FIRST CHOICE hotels. They are arranged from those closest to those farthest from Caritas.
WARNING! You can check out hotels but do not book through the Internet, you will not get the discounted price. Ask for group reservations and call directly to the hotels for discounts under the name Caritas of Birmingham Group.
**Rates subject to change without notice.*
Closest Hotel: Hampton Inn and Suites, approx. 10 miles, $99.00 Standard, King or 2 Queen Rooms, 205-981-0024
1. Oak Mountain Lodge, approx. 11 miles, $39.95/Night or $189.95/Weekly, 2 Twin or 1 Full, 205-991-0100, www.oakmountainlodge.com Sold Out
2. Homewood Suites by Hilton, approx. 13 miles, – A favorite by the pilgrims
$99.00/night, 205-995-9823, www.homewoodsuites.com Sold Out
3. Residence Inn, approx. 13 miles, $109.00 Studio/Night, 205-991-8686, www.residenceinn.com Sold Out
4. Candlewood Suites, approx. 13 miles, with kitchens $59.95/Night 205-991-0272, www.candlewoodsuites.com Sold Out
5. Wingate Inn, approx. 13 miles, $59.00/Night
205-995-8586, www.wingatehotels.com Sold Out
6. Fairfield Inn, approx. 14 miles, $75.00/night
205-991-1055, www.fairfieldinn.com Sold Out
7. Days Inn Mountain Brook, approx. 14 miles, $79.00/night, Continental breakfast provided, 205-991-9977,
www.bestwestern.com
8. Hyatt Place Inverness, approx. 14 miles, $94.00/Night,
205-995-9242, www.hyattplace.com
9. Studio Plus, approx. 14 miles, 205-408-0107, Queen $49.99/Night, www.extendedstay.com Sold Out
10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Birmingham, approx. 14 miles, $94.00/night 205-776-6370,
www.ichotelsgroup.com
11. Comfort Inn and Suites Colonnade, approx. 15 miles,
$90.00/night, 205-968-3700, www.choicehotels.com
12. Courtyard by Marriott Colonnade, approx. 15 miles, $96.00/Night, 205-967-4466, www.courtyard.com
13. Hampton Inn Mountain Brook, approx. 20 miles, $94.00/night, 205-870-7822, www.birminghammountainbrook.hamptoninn.com
14. Courtyard by Marriott Homewood, approx. 19 miles, $109.00/night, 205-879-0400, www.marriott.com
15. Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Southeast, approx. 15 miles,
205-967-2450, $79.95/night, www.druryhotels.com
16. Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park Hwy 280/I-459, approx. 15 miles, $114.00/night, 205-967-2700 www.birminghamperimeterpark.hilton.com
17. La Quinta Inn – Hwy 280, approx. 15 miles, 205-995-9990 Sold Out
18. Spring Hill Suites, approx. 15 miles, King Suites $109.00/Night, 205-969-8099.
19. Birmingham Marriott, approx. 15 miles, $99.00/Night Full Service, 1 888 426 5171 or 205-968-3775.
Based on location, traffic, and proximity to Caritas, hotels 18–35 should be considered SECOND CHOICE hotels:
WARNING! You can check out hotels but do not book through the Internet, you will not get the discounted price. Ask for group reservations and call directly to the hotels for discounts under the name Caritas of Birmingham Group.
19. Fairfield Inn and Suites – Pelham, approx. 20 miles,
$89.00/Night, 205-987-9879, www.fairfieldinn.com
20. Best Western at Oak Mountain, approx. 18 miles, refrig. & micro. in rooms, 205-982-1113, www.bestwestern.com
21. Hilton Garden Inn Liberty Park, approx 20 miles, 205-314-0281 Sold Out
21. Days Inn South, approx. 22 miles, $52.00/Night,
205-822-6030, www.daysinn.com
22. Days Inn Galleria, approx. 22 miles, $65.00/night, 205-985-7500, www.daysinn.com
23. Quality Inn Vestavia, approx. 22 miles, $60.00/night 205-823-4300.
24. Baymont Inn & Suites Birmingham/Vestavia, approx. 22 miles, $55.00/night, 205-822-2224, www.baymontinns.com
25. Holiday Inn – Homewood, approx. 25 miles, $89.00/night, 205-942-6071
26. Travelodge, approx. 26 miles, $49.00/Night, 205-987-2233, www.travelodge.com Sold Out
27. Howard Johnson Homewood, approx. 26 miles, Single/Double Occupancy, Continental breakfast, 205-942-0919
28. LaQuinta Inn & Suites Birmingham/Homewood, approx.
26 miles, 205-290-0150, www.lq.com
29. Quality Inn Homewood, approx. 26 miles, $59.49/night,
205-945-9600. Sold Out
30. Comfort Inn Homewood, approx 26, $69.00/Night, 205-916-0464
31. Residence Inn Homewood, approx. 26 miles, $109.00/night, 205-991-8686, www.mariott.com Sold Out
32. Microtel Hotel Homewood, approx. 27 miles, $39.95/night,
205-945-5550, www.microtelinn.com
33. Roadway Inn & Suites – Homewood, approx. 27 miles, $69.99/night, 205-942-2041 Sold Out
34. Homewood Lodge, approx. 28 miles, $49.99/night, 205-942-1263.
35. StudioPLUS Wildwood, approx. 26 miles, 205-290-0102, www.extendedstays.com
Based on location, traffic, and proximity to Caritas, hotels
35–42 should be considered THIRD CHOICE hotels:
WARNING! You can check out hotels but do not book through the Internet, you will not get the discounted price. Ask for group reservations and call directly to the hotels for discounts under the name Caritas of Birmingham Group.
36. Econolodge, approx. 27 Miles, located off Hwy 65 Exit 256-A, 800-228-5150, $52.95/night, 205-941-0990, www.choicehotels.com
37. America’s Best Value Inn – East, approx. 29 miles, $38.00/night, 205-956-3650, www.americasbestvalueinn.com
38. America’s Best Value Inn – Leeds, approx. 17 miles, $59.99/night, 205-702-2700, www.americasbestvalueinn.com
39. Double Tree Hotel, approx. 22 Miles, Downtown Birmingham, Double room, $109.00/night, 205-933-9000
birmingham.doubletree.com
40. Quality Inn Irondale, approx. 24 miles, $69.99/night,
205-956-4100, www.qualityinnbirmingham.com
41. Rime Garden Inn & Suites, approx. 25 Miles, Located off I-20 in Irondale, $79.00/night, 205-951-1200, 888-828-1768 www.rimehotel.com
42. Americas Best Value Inn – Irondale, approx. 25 miles, 205-956-3650, www.americasbestvalueinn.com
Based on location, traffic, and proximity to Caritas, hotels
42–50 should be considered FOURTH CHOICE hotels:
WARNING! You can check out hotels but do not book through the Internet, you will not get the discounted price. Ask for group reservations and call directly to the hotels for discounts under the name Caritas of Birmingham Group.
43. Hampton Inn & Suites – Hoover approx. 23 miles, 205-380-3300
44. Fairfield Inn in Fultondale, Alabama, approx. 24 miles,
$89.00/Night, 205-849-8484 www.marriot.com/bhmbf
45. Best Western Carlton Suites Hotel, approx. 26 miles, starting at $95.00/night, 205-940-9990, www.bestwesternbirmingham.com
46. Courtyard by Marriott Hoover, approx. 23 miles, $89.00/night, 205-988-5000, www.marriott.com
47. Drury Inn & Suites Southwest, approx. 26 miles, $89.95/night, 205-940-9500, www.druryhotels.com
48. Park Inn Birmingham, approx. 30 miles, 205-951-0700
49. Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites – Birmingham East, approx. 25 miles, $75.00/night, 205-957-0555
50. America’s Best Inn & Suites–Airport, approx. 27 miles, near airport $50.00/night 205-592-6110. www.americasbestinnandsuites.com
51. Holiday Inn – Airport, approx. 27 miles, $85.00/night, 205-591-6900, www.holidayinn.com
Very Important, remember when you call the hotels, to mention that you are coming for the March 19–23 prayer gathering at Caritas. You should arrive on or before the 18th of March and leave on the 24th or later to be in the presence of all five of the apparitions.
Is there camping available at Caritas, can we bring a tent?
♥ Free primitive camping in a tent or self-contained camper is available for all who wish to come or who cannot afford to stay in a hotel. Primitive camping is no electricity or water. Port-o-lets will be available. Free firewood is also available, but bring your own grill. Caritas camping and parking is TV free, radio free, cell phone free, smoking free, and alcohol free. Violators will be asked to leave immediately. Some campgrounds and service stations are available for showers and septic dumping call 205-672-2000 ext 382 for locations and phone numbers along with other primitive camping information.
Are shuttles available from the hotels or airport?
You will need to contact the hotels directly for information about shuttles. For the listing of hotels, please click here.
Where is the parking at Caritas?
Parking: Parking will be on the sides of Hwy 43. When parking off the road, you must park off the white lines. If your tire is on or across the white line, your car will be towed by police. For safety of pedestrians, parking is not permitted on the road in front of the Field. For Buses dropping off pilgrims, look for signs that designate the bus drop-off. Pilgrims with wheelchairs or walkers can be dropped off at the top of the hill up at Caritas, by the blacktop. All other pilgrims traveling with them should return with the car to park on the side of the road. There is no parking up at Caritas. We suggest that you make every effort to arrive at Caritas as early as possible to avoid the traffic and back up of cars, etc.
Do we bring our own meals or are there restaurants nearby?
There will not be vendors available here during the March 19-23 prayer event. We strongly encourage you to bring your lunch and snacks so that you can spend the entire day on the grounds without being distracted by having to leave for lunch and then losing your parking place. It makes for a more peaceful and prayerful experience for you to plan to bring your lunch everyday. You may picnic in all areas except the circle and path around Our Lady’s statue in the Field.
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What is the weather like at Caritas in March?
Be prepared for everything from very cool and cold mornings and evenings, to very warm and even hot days. Be prepared for the possibility of rain. It is best to dress in layers, and to bring an extra pair of shoes in case your feet get wet from rain. Much of the time here will be spent outside.
Back to Question
What time will the apparition be?
The apparitions of Our Lady will be announced at the time Our Lady tells Marija. In the past Our Lady has told us the day before each apparition what time and where She will appear. This place is Hers and it has been a great joy for us in the way Our Lady has often done this for us, sometimes appearing in the morning, sometimes late at night and even sometimes during the day. We surrender this to Our Lady with the joy that She will do what’s best for Her children. In 1999, several times Marija relayed that when she asked Our Lady what time the apparition would be , Our Lady responded by saying “Same time, same place. It became something very endearing, a joy to Marija and everyone present. Two years later, in December 2001, when Our Lady returned to be with us once again, She made our hearts smile when these endearing words were repeated by Her lips; a Mother reminiscing with Her children of a beautiful time they had had together. Our Lady has continued this pattern through the years.
Will we get to see Our Lady?
The only visionary to be present will be Marija, from Medjugorje. During the time of the apparition, when Our Lady appears to Marija, only Marija will visibly see Our Lady. It is during this time we encourage you to give to Our Lady all your intentions from your heart.
Do we need to RSVP?
We would like to be aware of your coming, but there is no RSVP required.
Do you have to pay to come to Caritas for the March 19-23 apparitions?
There is no registration fees. The apparitions are open to everyone coming to pray in Our Lady’s presence.
Is there a limit on how many people we can bring?
No, there is no limit to how many people you can bring. We encourage you to bring as many of your family and friends so that all will receive the blessing of Our Lady while here.
Should we stay all 5 days?
Yes, we highly encourage you to stay all five days. It will make a difference to the amount of graces you will receive.
Is there a special dress code?
The following modesty rules will be strictly adhered to on the Caritas grounds, including parking areas. All violators will be turned away. No sleeveless or low cut dresses. No sleeveless or low cut shirts, blouses, or sweaters. Dresses and skirts must be below the knee. Only knee-length shorts will be allowed for both men and women. Capris may be worn. No gym shorts or other short clothing. No mid-drifts or clothing that exposes the back or stomach. No see-through clothing or clothing that has inappropriate writing or pictures on it. Casual dress, jeans, etc., is OK. We are speaking about modest dress. Please remember that you will not be going to the beach or out sunning. Dress appropriately for the day in preparation to go before the Holy Event of Our Lady’s apparition and other prayer times. Please save yourself the embarrassment of being turned away from the grounds of Caritas because of dress. It is important to inform all, so that no one will have to miss the apparitions. We do not want anyone to miss Our Lady’s apparitions to Marija, so repeatedly inform others and help make sure all are informed of this.
Back to Question
Are there any other guidelines that we should know of?
Please be advised of the following guidelines to visit Caritas for the March 10-23 Medjugorje apparitions:
1. No Immodest Dress 5. No Cameras
2. No Cell Phones 6. No Smoking
3. No Video Cameras 7. No Lounge Chairs/Other Chairs
4. No Gum Chewing 8. No Pets
Guidelines to be Allowed on the Grounds.
♥ The following modesty rules will be strictly adhered to on the Caritas grounds, including parking areas. All violators will be turned away. No sleeveless or low cut dresses. No sleeveless or low cut shirts, blouses, or sweaters. Dresses and skirts must be below the knee. Only knee-length shorts will be allowed for both men and women. Capris may be worn. No gym shorts or other short clothing. No mid-drifts or clothing that exposes the back or stomach. No see-through clothing or clothing that has inappropriate writing or pictures on it. Casual dress, jeans, etc., is OK. We are speaking about modest dress. Please remember that you will not be going to the beach or out sunning. Dress appropriately for the day in preparation to go before the Holy Event of Our Lady’s apparition and other prayer times. Please save yourself the embarrassment of being turned away from the grounds of Caritas because of dress. It is important to inform all, so that no one will have to miss the apparitions. We do not want anyone to miss Our Lady’s apparitions to Marija, so repeatedly inform others and help make sure all are informed of this.
♥ No video cameras; no cameras, and absolutely no cell phone cameras are allowed. Violations will result in confiscation. You are on the grounds by invitation. Please remember, do not violate other pilgrims and the spirit of what is happening here. This is a serious violation of the spirit and reverence of the event and the grounds here. As a one day exception, and not for the apparition, photos, not videos, and not cell phone cameras, will be allowed on Sunday, March 20, on the grounds. However, no cameras will be allowed at the time of the apparition even on this one day exception. Please remember this is allowed for your own personal mementos of the pilgrimage. Be discreet and respectful to others, when taking pictures, so as not to disrupt prayers.
♥ No lounge chairs, three-legged portable chairs, or similar chairs allowed in the Field. If one must sit, wheelchairs or electric motor chairs are to be used. It is your responsibility to make provisions for wheelchairs. This is a five-day offering of sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual growth for your soul, not your flesh. As many have testified from their past experiences of the apparitions, the Bedroom, Field, Grotto, and other sites at Caritas, they relay that they were some of the most spiritual, moving, holiest moments they have ever experienced. Cameras, cell phones, etc., are all a distraction which inhibits the grace; the convenience of lounge chairs, etc., blocks sacrifices, which results in a loss of grace one could have received. Prayer is spontaneous and often throughout the day. Gum chewing is extremely irreverent during prayer or in the midst of others who are praying. Gum chewing is not allowed on the grounds. If you see someone doing it, please inform them to stop.
♥ Our Lady answers any objections to these rules, to be allowed on the Caritas grounds, by appearing on a rock strewn mountain in Medjugorje which is difficult to walk up, much less sit down comfortably once you are at the apparition site. For a peace-filled five days, please be reminded that Caritas has these guidelines for your benefit. The world may allow these things, but you are entering a world and a life, here at Caritas, created by Our Lady and Her messages.
♥ Parking – Anyone parking on the road must be off the white line or police will tow away your car. For safety of pedestrians, there is no parking on the road in front of the Field.
♥ Priests – Invite your parish priest. There will be a need to hear Confessions in the Field throughout the event. If you are a priest, we make a special invitation for you to come. The event promises a great grace for priests who come and hear Confessions. Priests experience conversion just as you will.
♥ Home Schoolers – Notify all home schooling friends, we will open our school during the days of March 19 through March 23. This school, Our Lady of Victory’s School, is a community effort, evolved from home schooling, that has inspired other home schoolers with many ideas based on Our Lady’s messages. It is always one of the highlights for those who visit here to see Our Lady of Victory’s ‘One Room’ Schoolhouse. Already other schools have been inspired by it. Walkthroughs will be scheduled throughout the 5 days.
♥ Evangelize the Apparitions – This material you are reading can be spread by you to promote Our Lady’s coming. Spread it to your family, friends, parish, etc. Click Here to order FREE. Just help us with shipping and handling costs. Get your church directory and mail to everyone.
♥ For the Elderly – In the past, some elderly have paid the way for a friend to accompany and help them. It is a good way to come, and a good way to evangelize the one who is accompanying you, for Our Lady to convert them. “So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, (Matthew 10:16) to convert one who comes to help accompany you.
♥ Prayer Groups – Ivan once said that satan hates prayer groups. Come with your whole prayer group to be with Our Lady. With your group being in Our Lady’s presence, She not only will bless you during the apparitions, but strengthen your group as well. It is Her desire to foster your prayer group. Our Lady said on September 25, 2000: “…Renew prayer in your families and form prayer groups. In this way, you will experience joy in prayer and togetherness… Rent a van, bus, or meet up separately, whatever is necessary to answer Her call.
♥ The Gift Shop will be fully stocked with beautiful items to have blessed by Our Lady. the Gift Shop will be closed Sunday, March 20.
