Medjugorje, a name which means "between mountains" is located near the border of present-day Croatia. At the time of my visit, it was still part of Yugoslavia and a war was waging between Croatia and Bosnia. Although artillery shots could be heard from afar, the little town of Medjugorje was quiet. Only the chatter and shuffle of feet of the many pilgrims could be heard in the main street leading to the St. James Church. Somehow, God must have inspired the natives to build such a huge church for a small village and to put an equally large cross on top of a high mountain, ages ago, for their role in the apparition of our Blessed Mother in June, 1981.
After a day's guided tour, I decided to go back to the Hill of Apparitions very early the next morning to watch the breaking of dawn. Hence, I requested Gloria Reyes (may she rest in peace), a former co-teacher at the Philippine Women's University who was my companion, to wake me up at 4 AM. But she woke me up an hour later since she felt that it was too dark for me to make the climb up the hill. Instead of being upset over her "disobedience." I was grateful for her concern. That is what true friends are!
True enough, It was still very dark while I walked towards the taxi stand in front of the church. There was no vehicular or human traffic around. Helplessly waiting, I turned to Psalm 91 and to our Lady for help! Just then, I saw a woman walking on the other side of the street. I called out,"When do taxis come?" She answered,"They will not come." To my reply that I wanted to go to the Hill of Apparitions, she called back, "I am going there." I immediately crossed over and walked beside her. She pulled out a rosary from her pocket. I did not know whether she got it from a dress or from a pair of pants. I took my rosary from my purse and we simultaneously made the Sign of the Cross. Her lips moved but not a sound was heard. I followed suit- prayed with my heart. We walked to the end of the street and turned toward a wide open field that looked like rice paddies. In areas where the path was narrow, I followed her, otherwise I walked on her right side. When we reached the foot of the hill, she pointed to the top and I nodded. In the slopes were the Stations of the Cross. Together, we prayed at the First Station. I meditated quiet long and when I looked up, she was already at the Third Station waiting for me. I signaled her to go on to which she turned her back and proceeded up the hill. On the way, I met a priest accompanied by another man walking down. I mused, "My, did they sleep up on the hill?" After a while, two women came walking down the hill, also. "Did they sleep there, too?" crossed my mind.
When I reached the summit, I looked around for the lady who helped me. The whole area was visible since there were no trees around. My eyes covered every nook and corner of the hilltop, so to speak. For a few minutes, I stood wondering where she went. Finally, I convinced myself that since she was a resident of Medjugorje, she must know of another way down. I was all alone! Not a trace of fear or uneasiness beset me as I prayed before the cross which marked the spot where our Lady, now called "Queen of Peace" appeared to the five youth- Vicka, Maria, Ivan and two others. Then I positioned myself on a flat rock to watch the coming of dawn.
In a few seconds, the rays of light illumined the horizon and slowly the sun emerged rising towards the clear blue sky. Equipped with my sunglasses, I watched wrapped with the ecstasy of God's creation unfolding before my very eyes! I held my arms high as I soaked into my yearning body the penetrating heat of sunlight while my soul soared on "eagles wings." Tears of undefined joy fell through my lids as I cried out loud," It's Easter! Christ is risen! The Lord is my light and my salvation! (Psalm 27) I followed my proclamation with a litany of Praise and Thanksgiving:
Jesus, King of Kings, Praise you, Jesus
Jesus, Lord of Lords, Praise you, Jesus
Jesus, the Resurrection and the Light, Praise you, Jesus
Jesus, our Creator, Praise you, Jesus
Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, Praise you, Jesus
Jesus, the Light of the world, Praise you, Jesus...etc.
Many pilgrims were climbing up the hill as I went down later. I took a taxi to get back to my hotel which was actually a home with some rooms rented out to visitors. While eating breakfast, I asked the comely matron of the place if there was another way up or down the hill. She replied, "Only one way."
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