A first class relic of Pope John Paul II, released from the Vatican, was brought to Medjugorje by Polish priest, Monsignor Jarek Cielecki. Monsignor Jarek, who was present in the room when John Paul breathed his last, was named curator of one of only two official relics released from the Vatican of John Paul. One of the first places he desired to bring the relic was Medjugorje because of John Paul’s unfulfilled desire to come to Medjugorje during his life. Msgr. Jarek brought the relic of John Paul to the home of Marija where it was placed on the altar of her Chapel of the Two Hearts for private prayer and meditation during the day and then processed outside to be present in Marija’s apparition in the evening. Several hundred pilgrims were present and had the great grace of being able to venerate and kiss the relic. Those who were able to pray in the chapel earlier in the day felt John Paul’s presence very strongly. The following day, as one of the Community of Caritas members were leading a Caritas pilgrimage group up Cross Mountain, they came upon Msgr. Jarek who was carrying John Paul’s relic up to the Cross. It was a beautiful and moving surprise for everyone
