Wonderful Article: Medjugorje Visions still bring joy for my mum decades later

In Medjugorje for the 30th anniversary of the claimed apparitions, Louise Hall reflects on its effect on her family

I would imagine there are very few places in the world that effortlessly possess a more revered and venerable ambiance than that of the village of Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. As our coach pulls into this sacred village, I am pleasantly surprised to see the incomparable authenticity, which can sometimes be ruined by commercialism, still intact. This place has invoked in me a familiar and comforting sense of peace, one I experienced 20 years ago when I came here as a naive but curious 15 year old.

I feel privileged and fortunate to be here for the 30th anniversary of the apparitions, as my family and I have long-standing connections with the place. Looking over at my mother, who is with me on this trip, pure joy evident in her face, I think back to what spurred her to come to Medjugorje more than 25 years ago.

When six young children claimed to have seen an apparition of Our Lady on a small hill called Podbrodo on June 24, 1981, it naturally sparked interest around the world. My mother had five young children at the time and was instantly curious about the alleged visions. My youngest sister, Nicky, was born with Down syndrome and it had a huge impact on my mother as she struggled to accept her daughter's disability. Although she loved her dearly, she wanted her to be "normal", just like her other four siblings...
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