Queen of Peace<br/><br/>

On June 24, 1981, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the Virgin Mary appeared to several children in the small town of Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia for the first time and invited them to spread the message of peace. Until today, there are still three visionaries who can see Mary’s apparition on a daily basis.<br/><br/>

Why did Mary choose to begin her message of peace on St. John’s feast day? Perhaps like St. John the Baptist, it was to prepare the way of the Lord.<br/><br/>

Here are a few highlights in Mary’s message of peace:<br/><br/>

Prayer: ‘Everyone should spare time for prayer in order to find God. I do not wish that you only talk but also act to glorify God.’
Fasting: ‘Fasting is best with bread and water. Through fasting, wars can be stopped and natural laws can be maintained. The sick obviously do not need to fast, but can pray and perform works of love instead.’
Bible: ‘I ask that you read the Bible at home everyday, and that you put the Bible in a conspicuous spot to remind you to read it and pray.’
Reconciliation: ‘Do not just go for reconciliation regularly but neglect renewing yourselves, for this can be of no good. The sacrament of reconciliation should give your faith a thrust, encouraging and leading you closer to Jesus.’
Eucharist: ‘While you are going to church to attend mass, you should already be preparing your heart; receive the Eucharist with a pure heart, and remember to praise the Eucharist before leaving church.’<br/><br/>

I invite everyone to offer our prayers and good deeds to peace on earth.