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February 23, 2000

"Dear children! I call you, little children, to pray without ceasing. If you pray, you are closer to God and He will lead you on the way of peace and salvation. That is why I call you today to give peace to others. Only in God is there true peace. Open your hearts and become those who give a gift of peace and others will discover peace in you and through you and in this way you will witness God's peace and love which He gives you. Thank you for having responded to my call." January 25, 2000

JUBILEE 2000 - A YEAR OF SOLIDARITY

Conversion, penance, making pilgrimage, and reconciliation are not acts that are only done inside the human person. The fruit of such a life becomes recognizable also in life and relationship toward others. Many years ago one heard about the idea of writing off the large debts of poor countries. The economic dependency of poor countries on highly developed and wealthy countries is becoming an ever greater social, community, and existential problem. Still, solidarity in an economic sense is only a part of the task that a Christian bears in today's world. The man of our times is living through many situations from which, if left only to himself, he can hardly get out of in the end. All the periods of life also have their own completely specific conditions. The Christian feeling of solidarity of the individual can really be demonstrated, developed and realized here. In the feeling of solidarity of every Christian toward the nearest one in need the richest yield of the Holy Year comes to maturity.

Fr. Ivan Landeka

N E W S

VISIT OF BISHOP FROM THE CARIBBEAN

Msgr. Robert Rivas, bishop of Kingstown in the Caribbean Grenadine Islands came to Medjugorje for eight days in the first part of February. On February 13th Bishop Rivas preached to the assembled faithful at the evening mass. On that occasion he gave a testimony on his experience of faith and conversion that he experienced in meeting with a lady sick with leprosy.

In the next Bulletin we shall talk about the impressions of Bishop Rivas.

LEADERS' MEETING IN NEUM

In previous issues of the Bulletin we announced the Seventh Meeting for Leaders of Medjugorje Centers of Peace and Prayer Groups. This is the already the seventh year that the Medjugorje parish office is organizing the international meeting for leaders of prayer groups and of charitable and pilgrimage groups connected with Medjugorje. It will this time also be held in Neum at Hotel "Sunce" from March 19th to 24th, 2000 (Hotel "Sunce is renovated!). The theme of the seminar is: "Medjugorje - A Prophetic Thrust For the 21st Century." You can find the program for the seventh international meeting our web pages and you can also obtain it at the Information Office of the Shrine during your pilgrimage.

This meeting is the only opportunity for all leaders of pilgrim groups, and leaders of prayer groups spread throughout the whole world to meet together with those of us who are trying by our work here in Medjugorje to help them in their ministry. It is an opportunity for the exchange of experiences had so far as well as discussion about possible changes in working with pilgrims. Therefore we consider that this kind of meeting once a year is of exceptional importance first of all for the welfare of all the pilgrims who find their spiritual benefits in Medjugorje. The number of those registered so far is somewhat less that in previous years. We invite you once more this time to participate in this seminar which has proven to be exceptionally useful for all the participants. We ask you to register your participation in the prayer-educational seminar at the latest by March 10, 2000. You can register by fax at 00387-88-651-444 or by e-mail: medjugorje-mir@medjugorje.hr (designated "For the Leaders' Meeting in or right at the Information Office of the Shrine.

We have assured simultaneous translation for all language groups. The price for lodging, transport and seminar is 315 DM per person for double room. Single supplement is 40 DM. Payment will be made to the Seminar organizer upon arrival at the hotel. There is possibility for organized transport from the Split airport to Hotel "Sunce" in Neum. All who need transport on March 19 should give notice of the exact time of arrival with flight number to the Association "Medjugorje-Mir" in Split by March 10, 2000 at the latest at fax number 00385-21-342-258. For the last day transport will be organized from Neum to Medjugorje. Radio and earphones for simultaneous translation should be brought along. Radio and earphones will also be made available during the seminar.

MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GUIDES

On February 4th the annual meeting of the Association of Guides for pilgrims in the parish Medjugorje was held at the "Domus Pacis" House of Prayer. The meeting opened with a talk by Medjugorje pastor, Fr. Ivan Landeka. He informed the guides about the importance of the Jubilee Year, of spiritual growth and involvement in this Holy Year in their work with pilgrims. After meetings and discussions of groups and individuals the meeting ended with a Holy Mass presided by Fr. Ivan Landeka. This kind of all-day meeting is a chance for the guides in prayer and meditation to deepen their consciousness about the importance of their work and apostolate in the shrine of Medjugorje.

SEMINARS AT "DOMUS PACIS"

In the past two weeks at the "Domus Pacis" House of Prayer a seminar was held for the FRAMA youth of Hercegovina led by Fr. Miro Sego and a seminar for the humanitarian organization "Help" which was led by Fr. Branimir Musa. The Association "Help" works for the prevention of addiction among youth. Regular spiritual renewals in Medjugorje are part of their program.

NOTIFYING THE ARRIVAL OF GROUPS

With the coming of warmer days in Medjugorje the number of pilgrims also increases. We kindly request all of you that organize pilgrimages to Medjugorje to notify the information office of your group's arrival at fax number 00387-88-651-444 or by e-mail: medjugorje-mir@medjugorje.hr That is very important to us for a more effective organization of pilgrimages.

Published by: INFORMATIVNI CENTAR MIR - Svetiste Kraljice mira (Information Center MIR - Shrine of the Queen of Peace), 88266 Medjugorje, BiH, fax number: +387-88-651-444.
Director: fra Miljenko Stojic.
You can receive the latest issue of the Press Bulletin at any time on your own fax machine in the tone mode by dialing the
Robofax in our Information Center at +387 88 65 15 55.
E-mail: medjugorje-mir@medjugorje.hr; Internet: http://www.medjugorje.hr
Published every other Wednesday.

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Last Modified 02/23/2000