A Frenchman by the name of Cyril Auboyneau came to Medjugorje in June, 1984, as a pilgrim. He remained in Medjugorje for seven years. He knew several languages, including Croatian, and became a translator for the visionaries and Fr. Jozo. He also joined Ivan’s prayer group and dedicated himself to studying and learning how to live Our Lady’s messages. He wrote several books on Medjugorje and Our Lady’s messages in France. After leaving Medjugorje, he traveled throughout France, the United States, and other countries spreading the news of Medjugorje. Around the same time, a woman by the name of Genevieve Bastard, also from France, made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Genevieve also became an apostle for Our Lady in France, helping to establish the infrastructure of bringing groups of pilgrims to Medjugorje and hosting events to expose people to the apparitions and encourage them to go to Medjugorje and experience the grace of conversion.
