Today, July 25, 2009, is the feast day of Saint James the Apostle, patron of St. James Church in Medjugorje. Pilgrims from all around the region come to honor this Saint each year in a special way. All gather in the church and process in prayer carrying the statue of Saint James from the church to the old church site.


Holy Mass is held at the old church site in honor of this great saint, and after Mass Saint James is carried back to his home inside the church and the celebration continues in prayer and honor.


The entire day is spent in prayer and celebration of this saint for his example of Christian witness and sacrifice of his life for Christ, in living true Christian martyrdom. Saint James is the patron saint of pilgrims which gives all pilgrims in Medjugorje a special joy on this day. Especially with the feast falling on the 25th of the month, pilgrims are anticipating, in joyful expectation, the words Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje will give in Her Monthly Message to The world.


Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje has told us of the importance of the intercession of our Patron Saints. These Holy Protectors are to be called upon to help us grow more and more in holiness and faith. Read and begin to live the following messages that Our Lady has given in Medjugorje. You will begin to understand why the feast days of our Patron Saints are so special.

July 25, 2002

"Dear children! Today I rejoice with your patron saint and call you to be open to God’s will, so that in you and through you, faith may grow in the people you meet in your everyday life. Little children, pray until prayer becomes joy for you. Ask your holy protectors to help you grow in love towards God. Thank you for having responded to my call."
 

July 25, 2007

"Dear children! Today, on the day of the Patron of your Parish, I call you to imitate the lives of the Saints. May they be, for you, an example and encouragement to a life of holiness. May prayer for you be like the air you breathe in and not a burden. Little children, God will reveal His love to you and you will experience the joy that you are my beloved. God will bless you and give you an abundance of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call."
 

With the help of the lives of the Saints, may we continue to grow in love towards God and holiness in our lives.

In Our Lady’s Love,

Young men of St. James Church in Medjugorje have the privilege of carrying the statue of Saint James in procession from the church to the old church site for a special solemn celebration of Holy Mass in honor of the patron Saint James.

Hundreds of pilgrims from all over the region have come to honor the great patron of pilgrims Saint James. The procession, to and from St. James Church to the old church site, is a very important part of the celebration in Medjugorje.