Fr. Jozo, who was the pastor of St. James Church when the apparitions first began, said in June, 1990:
“We have now a war going on against the cross. People refuse any suffering. They refuse to accept that suffering has a meaning. They refuse their cross. But we shouldn’t be afraid of the cross. The cross is healing for us. The cross of Christ can bring us peace and joy. The cross of Christ is a protection for us.”
Many today cannot bear their problems and sufferings. They no longer know how. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, or even suicide. Others have no peace, just depression. Everyone has some problem and when one goes before a Crucifix and prays and places all the pains and difficulties upon the Crucifix, suddenly everything changes. Depression leaves, burdens become lighter, and a real desire comes to carry our crosses.
February 29, 1988
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ever since the Cross on Cross Mountain was erected by the villagers of Medjugorje in 1933, Mass has been offered at the foot of the Cross on the first Sunday following September 8th in celebration of the Triumph of the Cross. It is one of the largest feast days for the Croatian people, many traveling for miles to climb Cross Mountain and participate in the celebration of the Holy Mass.
When praying before the Crucifix, suffering changes. What appears worthless becomes a great treasure to help save yourself and others, and inner peace can come. The violence of the Crucifixion is no longer there, only love and peace.
September 6, 1984
The adage to lift one’s spirit when depressed, “Go out and do something for someone,” can be applied to the Crucifix and because when contemplate the passion, all your difficulties start to seem insignificant. Jesus, bearing His cross, makes ours easier to carry. Our Lady asks us to contemplate the wounds of Jesus. She tells us He wants to give us special gifts from the cross, perhaps gifts to carry our burdens.
March 20, 1989
February 20, 1986
A Friend of Medjugorje
Excerpts from “In front of the Crucifix With Our Lady”
