2024 pilgrimage

 Join us on a spiritual journey to Medjugorje, the Croatian Catholic church parish known as Our Lady of Peace shrine in Bosnia Hercegovina, Europe.

MirPeace have 3 pilgrimages planned for 2024.

For information please email: mir.peace81@gmail.com

Our mother, Helen Sarcevic, saw a need in the 1980s and our family answered Gospa's call to help pilgrims have an authentic spiritual experience of God's love and peace in this place where heaven touches the earth. There is hope in the faith of the visionaries and the parish families and priests.

Thank God for His graces in sending the Blessed Virgin Mary to us in this special way since 1981!

#pilgrimage #spiritualjourney #spirituality #travel #MirPeace #catholicfaith

2023 PILGRIMAGES

MIR-PEACE spiritual pilgrimages 2023 trip schedule.

 walking the path of holiness

Gospa Our Lady Queen of Peace in Medjugorje shows us the way towards getting to know her son, Jesus Christ:

The Sarcevic family (and daughters' families) have been guiding pilgrimages to MEDJUGORJE, Bosnia Hercegovina, Europe, from the USA since 1986. 
We're happy to share planned dates for 2023.

for pilgrimage information, contact Darlene:

570.445.6434

mir.peace81@gmail.com

Gospa (Queen of Peace, the Blessed Virgin Mary)

shows us the way of holiness:

PRAYER ~ FASTING ~ CONFESSION ~ HOLY MASS ~ HOLY SCRIPTURE

#pilgrimage #holiness #MirPeace #Medjugorje #spiritualpilgrimage

April 2022 pilgrimage

 Mir-PEACE group is in Medjugorje!

As of this blog post, 4-22-2022, all is fine. We are blessed.

Pilgrimage group left the USA April 18th, climbed Apparition Hill., attended Holy Mass and Eucharistic adoration, ate delicious homemade food, prayed the rosary, made new friends, ... etc...

🙏We are keeping you all in our prayers.🙏

Evening 4-22-2022, there was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake 

in Bosnia Hercegovina, near Dubrovnik. 

It was felt in Medjugorje.  Everyone is safe and fine.

Mir-Peace photo album started on our FACEBOOK page.

More photos:

photo album: 2022 MirPEACE group in Medjugorje

May you open your heart to know God's love 

& the Light of the World.
God's peace be with you!

Helen Sarcevic

 MIR-Peace founder, Helen Sarcevic. 

May she be in  HEAVEN.

Gratitude to all who have given their condolences via various media, calls, cards, etc!  Loving mother, grandmother, mother to many through graces of answering Gospa, Our Lady Queen of Peace's call in sharing God's love through MIR-Peace pilgrimage groups to Medjugorje since 1986. In recent years her daughter, Darlene Milas, follows in her footsteps, guiding MirPeace groups.

Below:

1st) OBITUARY, with link to St Ann's church FB page for live funeral, Fri, Feb 11th at 10am EST.

2nd) TESTIMONY by a son-in-law about going full circle 

as refugees to USA, and back to help Croatians, 

3rd) TESTIMONY by 1 of Helen's grandchildren.

Memorial DONATIONS may be offered  toward the St. James Parish Humanitarian Fund “Mary’s Hands” in Medjugorje, which answered Gospa's call to help all they can who are in need. 

Donations c/o and payable to: Darlene Milas, 

P.O. Box 105, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 

(memo: humanitarian donation).

OBITUARY --  

There will be a link for any friends, family and pilgrims who would like to follow the live-stream of Helen Sarcevic's funeral Mass from St Ann's Basilica, Scranton, PA, USA, through the church's Facebook page: Friday, February 11, 2022, at 10 am eastern standard time.

St Ann's Bascilica FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/st.annmonasterybasilicaparish

obituary link: Helen Sarcevic obituary

Helen T. Sarcevic, 85, of Newton Township, died peacefully at her home on Sunday morning. Her husband, Joseph Sarcevic, preceded her in death in 2012.

Born in Brodjanci, Croatia, she was the daughter of the late Franjo and Reza Arambasic Gesler. She was the founder and guide of MIR-Peace pilgrimages and was a member of the Church of Saint Gregory.

Helen and her husband left their beloved homeland in 1957 to escape communist oppression. They were grateful to build a new life of freedom in the USA. Helen was a caring soul known for her artistry and unwavering faith. Her radiant smile and encompassing heart formed a far-reaching family of love.

Helen is survived by daughters Christina Verdgeline and husband Paul, Miriam Vukmanic and husband Richard, Darlene Milas and husband Frederik; grandchildren Adriana and Nikola Vukmanic and Antonia and Kristian Milas.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Zvonko; and sisters Petrica, Zlata, and Marta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Basilica, 1233 St. Ann Street, Scranton, PA  18504, by Father Lee Havey, C.P.. Interment will be at PIETA Cemetery, Tunkhannock.

Memorial donations may be offered toward the St. James Parish Humanitarian Fund “Mary’s Hands” in Medjugorje, c/o and payable to: Darlene Milas, P.O. Box 105, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 (memo: humanitarian donation).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit.

TESTIMONY: Rick Vukmanić:

On Sunday, February 6, 2022, our family lost one of its matriarchs, my mother-in-law, Jelka “Helen” Sarcevic. I use the term, matriarch, in the truest sense. Baka Jelka was a fierce, fearless, faithful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and servant. Knowing hardship from an early age, the family moved from her ancestral village, in part due to the prejudice of the Yugoslav regime against her father’s German ancestors. Later, refusing to sign a prepared statement declaring herself an unbeliever, Jelka was denied her teaching certificate and instead worked on a road repair crew in Bosnia. After meeting and marrying my father-in-law, his undercover activities regarding human rights violations and atrocities committed by the Yugoslav government, led to threats of imprisonment. With no other choice, they traveled to Istria and walked across the border into Italy, at night, seeking political and religious asylum. During their five years in displaced person camps throughout Italy, Jelka was able to use her training as a teacher to organize classes for the children in the camps creating some sense of normalcy in their lives. She stood by my father-in-law’s side as his career took them far from the tight knit Croatian community of Cleveland to other parts of Ohio and northeastern Pennsylvania. Following a catastrophic car accident, which almost took my wife’s life, Jelka made a pact with the Virgin promising to dedicate her life to Mary’s service, if Miriam survived. Following Miriam’s recovery, Jelka spent several decades leading pilgrimages to Medjugorje, helping to spread the message of peace and conversion, and eventually using her skills to assist in the humanitarian effort in war torn Croatia.

It is fitting that her funeral will be held at the shrine of St. Ann, the patroness of her parish church in Brodjanci, on Friday, February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

May God be merciful to her soul, grant her eternal rest, and welcome His faithful servant into the joy of His presence. https://www.lawrenceeyoungfuneralhome.com/.../helen...

TESTIMONY Adriana Vukmanić

Early this morning, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, my dear Baka Jelka Šarčević peacefully passed away. I have been trying to think of the words to describe her all day, but none of them can do her justice. 

If you knew my Baka, you know that she was a woman of great faith, an absolutely extraordinary person, and a true gift to this earth. From having to escape the communist regime in her homeland of Croatia on foot and starting a new life in the United States with one bag of personal belongings to her name, to leading hundreds, if not thousands, of pilgrims to Medjugorje, to organizing international relief efforts during the Homeland War in the Former Yugoslavia and personally delivering supplies during the peak of the violence and continuing the efforts long after the war ended, my Baka did it all and touched countless lives along the way.

But, most importantly, my Baka was the prime example of the light that is found at the inner core of every person when you take away all the needless earthly distractions that keep us from focusing on what is truly important in our lives. She found the good in every situation and reminded you that all will be well if you have faith and keep your trust in God’s plan.

Baka Jelka, you showed me what it means to have courage, to be kind, and to trust and follow God. I only hope that I can honor you by having even an ounce of the impact that you’ve had during your 85 years on this earth.

We will miss you dearly, but I know, without a doubt, you are in a better place with God, reunited with your loved ones, and filled with more happiness than anyone on earth could ever know. It is finally time for you to rest.

Baka Jelka, već nam nedostaješ ali znamo da si sada s Dedom i Bogom i da ćeš uvijek gledati na nas. Znaj da ću uvijek misliti na tebe i da nikada neću zaboraviti što si me naučila i koliko si nas volila. Počivaj u miru Božijem. Ti si to sto puta zaslužila.

Volim te puno Baka Jelka,

Tvoja Draga Jana

BOG i HRVATI "God and the Croatians"

1990 Medjugorje memory

 a 1990s Medjugorje memory :-)

Remembering the lovely kind faith-filled family life that we witness and share in Medjugorje Croatian Catholic Church parish of Medjugorje, Bosnia Hercegovina. With every visit Mir-Peace pilgrimage tour group shares in many excellent experiences with each family there who live love joy and faith in God Almighty, including Rajko Elez & visionary Ivanka Elez and their children (now adults). How time passes! 

This photograph is in photo album: "1990s" https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=MirPeaceGroup&set=a.835738856481301 

The original people in the #Medjugorje parish, ALL the families, are role models on many levels as they exemplify good loving family values, respect & trust in God's plan for the Pope, priests, Catholic Church, life, all other religions, every pilgrim, honesty, nature,... without judgement or superiority. They've answered Gospa's, Our Lady's call since 1981 to pray, open their hearts to her Son, Jesus Christ and share the Light of the World... that helps Medjugorje become a "heaven on earth" as they help each of us get closer to God Our Father. We can't wait to travel back and see everyone! soon! to pray the rosary as we climb Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, attend Holy Mass,...
May you and your family answer Gospa's call which is also God's call to learn to truly love each other and all souls without exception. For eternal salvation.

#heavenonearth #familygoals #mirpeace #familyprayer #neverforget

1988 MirPeace pilgrimage memories

 "...dear children, pray that God comes to your aid, ...according to His love."  

Sharing 4 photographs today, 3-7-2021, to FB photo album " 1980s memories:a few of many! Medjugorje Mir-Peace pilgrimages " . Great memories from June 1988! 

wonderful experiences with this group of pilgrims!  (and with so many other groups we've been blessed to guide all these decades.) Hope to be there for the 40th anniversary this year!! Trip travel info email: mir.peace@comcast.net. 

-- photo descriptions are below Gospa's Medjugorje message while the Mir-Peace pilgrimage group was there, June 25, 1988.  (EN)  (HR) Gospina poruka, 25. lipanj 1988.

(ENGLISH) "Dear children! I am calling you to that love which is loyal and pleasing to God. Little children, love bears everything bitter and difficult for the sake of Jesus who is love. Therefore, dear children, pray that God come to your aid, not however according to your desire, but according to His love. Surrender yourself to God so that He may hear you, console you and forgive everything inside you which is a hindrance on the way of love. In this way God can move your life, and you will grow in love. Dear children, glorify God with a hymn of love so that God's love may be able to grow in you day by day to its fullness. 

Thank you for having responded to my call."

(HRVATSKI) “Draga djeco! Danas vas pozivam na ljubav, koja je Bogu odana i ugodna. Dječice, ljubav sve prihvaća, sve što je tvrdo i gorko, radi Isusa koji je ljubav. Zato, draga djeco, molite Boga da vam dođe u pomoć, ali ne po vašim željama, nego po svojoj ljubavi. Bogu se predajte, da vas on može liječiti, tješiti i praštati vam sve ono što je u vama zapreka na putu ljubavi. Bog može oblikovati vašživot i vi ćete rasti u ljubavi. Slavite Boga, dječice, hvalospjevom ljubavi, da bi ljubav Božja mogla rasti iz dana u dan do svoje punine. 

Hvala vam što ste se odazvali mom pozivu! ”

Thank God for Gospa's school of love that she's been teaching those of us who will open our hearts, so we can help those that do not yet know how to trust God! 

photos: 

1) our MirPeace group gathering by the side of St James Croatian Catholic church for the day's activities. There wasn't much constructed/built in that area yet as there is today. 

2) a few of the young men in the group, stopped at a small locally-owned fruit or food grocery shop enjoying a beer together. 

3) the cross on top of Cross Mountain (Krizevac in Croatian language). 

4) golden fields with lovely poppies flowers along the path as we walk along the path on the way back for evening daily holy mass and prayer program either from Krizevac, Apparition Hill or to meet one of the visionaries. Excellent time to soak up the sun, pastoral serenity, natural beauty.

#Medjugorjemessage #happysunday #happylife #greatmemories #goodmemories #cross #Church #CatholicChurch #catholics #ChristianLiving #PrayToGod #lovequotes #quotestoliveby #inspirational #spiritualgrowth #spirituality #school #schooloflove #MirPeace #spiritualpilgrimage #pilgrimage #Godwillprovide #hopeforthefuture #GodIsGreat #krizevac #crossmountain #travel

1987 Mir-Peace pilgrimage & Marija visionary memory

  "... pray! I desire that through each one of you God's plan may be fulfilled, that all which God has planted in your heart may keep on growing..." 

April 25, 1987, Our Lady Gospa's Medjugorje message through visionary Marija 

(photograph is April, 1987, of Marija speaking, giving testimony, to Mir-Peace pilgrimage group & pilgrims. Mom (Helen Sarcevic) holding the sign for everyone to gather together to be able to hear.

(HR)  Gospina poruka, 25. travanj 1987.  (below)

(ENGLISH)  "Dear children! Today also I am calling you to prayer. You know, dear children, that God grants special graces in prayer. Therefore, seek and pray in order that you may be able to comprehend all that I am giving here. I call you, dear children, to prayer with the heart. You know that without prayer you cannot comprehend all that God is planning through each one of you. Therefore, pray! I desire that through each one of you God's plan may be fulfilled, that all which God has planted in your heart may keep on growing. So pray that God's blessing may protect each one of you from all the evil that is threatening you. I bless you, dear children. Thank you for having responded to my call."  

(HRVATSKI)   “Draga djeco! I danas vas sve pozivam na molitvu. Znate, draga djeco, da Bog daje posebne milosti u molitvi. Zato tražite i molite, da biste mogli shvatiti sve što vam dajem ovdje. Ja vas pozivam, draga djeco, na molitvu srcem. Znate da bez molitve ne možete shvatiti sve što Bog planira preko svakog od vas. Zato, molite! Želim da se preko svakog ispuni nacrt Božji, da raste sve ono što vam je Bog dao u srcu. Zato molite, da bi Božji blagoslov mogao svakog od vas očuvati od svega zla koje vam prijeti. Ja vas blagoslivljem, draga djeco! Hvala vam što ste se odazvali mom pozivu! 

Great advice! and good insight with the love of a wonderful mother, theBlessed Virgin Mary. :-) And she always thanks us for whatever we have done to help so far. We are in this together. God bless us every one!

#Medjugorje #medjugorjemessage #apparition #togetherwecan #pray #prayer #GodsWill #grace  #gifts #GodsPlan #children thanksMom #goodvsevil #goodadvice #goodtimes #visionary #mirpeace #pilgrimage #goodmemories #inthistogether #Godbless #gratitude #responsibility #quoteoftheday #helpers helpingothers

Happy Easter & resurrection in your heart quotes

"We all rejoice in Heaven. Rejoice with us." 

~Gospa, Easter Sunday, April 22, 1984, Medjugorje.  

  Through Jesus’ example of human suffering, He brings us peace and hope, with the understanding that our own suffering leads to eternal life. This path is not an easy one, but with forgiving and trusting hearts full of love, we surrender to God’s Will and God’s Way, finding that the true joy of Heaven is already with us... that Jesus is with us and strengthens us to endure our own Way of the Cross, the path to our Heavenly home.

May  this  Easter  be  a  blessed  and  peaceful  resurrection  for each  human  heart! 

~ Mir-Peace & family.

Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, April 25, 2018, #Medjugorje:

(ENGLISH) "Dear children! Today I am calling you to live your new life with Jesus. May the Risen One give you strength to always be strong in the trials of life and to be faithful and persevering in prayer; because Jesus saved you by His wounds and by His Resurrection gave you new life. Pray, little children, and do not lose hope. May joy and peace be in your hearts and witness the joy that you are mine. I am with you and love you all with my motherly love. 
Thank you for having responded to my call."

(HRVATSKI) 

Gospina Poruka, 25. travanj 2018.

“Draga djeco! Danas vas pozivam da s Isusom živite vaš novi život. Nek vam Uskrsli dadne snagu da u kušnjama života budete uvijek jaki i u molitvi odani i ustrajni jer vas je Isus svojim ranama spasio i uskrsnućem dao novi život. Molite, dječice, i ne gubite nadu. U vašim srcima nek bude radost i mir i svjedočite radost da ste moji. Ja sam s vama i sve vas ljubim mojom majčinskom ljubavlju. 
Hvala vam što ste se odazvali mome pozivu. ”

#HappyEaster #Sretanuskrs #Easter2020 #Medjugorjemessage #quoteoftheday #inspirationalquotes #resurrection #Jesussaves #GodsWill #heavenly #hometown #eternallife #Christisrisen #havefaith #thereishope 

Lent: WAY OF THE CROSS, Medjugorje

                   MARY'S WAY OF THE CROSS   is what                     Mir-Peace pilgrimage group prays and meditates on as we climb Cross Mountain(Krizevac) together in Medjugorje, every time we travel there...

mir.peace@comcast.net  

more posts also at   https://www.facebook.com/MirPeaceGroup/

    2nd station: JESUS TAKES HIS CROSS by choice.                      For eternal life. For all our souls. 

This Lent we choose to take up our crosses as He did, with sacrifices and with love. The physical world is temporary -- we can be in heaven with God forever. Thank you, Jesus Christ and Gospa, Blessed Virgin Mary, for showing us how, and sharing that trust, light, loving kindness and mercy every day!

                                  SECOND STATION
“We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by
your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”
                          JESUS TAKES HIS CROSS
               from Blessed Virgin Mary's perspective: 

Regaining a little strength, I walked with the crowds to the entrance of the square.
A door flew open and my son stumbled out, the guards laughing behind him.
Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it on his shoulders.
Then they shoved him down the road.
My pain for him was unbearable.
I wanted to take the cross from him and carry it myself.
But I knew this had to be so I walked on silently.

response:
Lord Jesus, I beg you to forgive me
for the many times I have added more weight to your cross,
by closing my eyes to the pain and loneliness of my neighbor.
Forgive me for gossiping about others and for always trying to find excuses to avoid certain people who wish to talk with me.
Help me to be like Mary, always seeking to lighten the crosses of others. 

Forgive me, Jesus.

Ash Wednesday reminds us of the eternal love and joy we can have through Jesus' sacrifice of dying on the Cross for all human beings, and through his resurrection on Easter. 

-- During Lent, we meditate and reflect on what Jesus Christ and His Mother, Mary, endured for our souls. We may feel a little of what the Blessed Virgin Mary witnessed as her Son, Jesus Christ, was suffering for us on the way of Calvary, and as He was crucified & died on the cross. Imagine a mother's love... and the crosses and sacrifices in our own lives... Super role model.

--- MARY'S WAY OF THE CROSS is what Mir-Peace pilgrimage group prays and meditates on as we climb Cross Mountain(Krizevac) together in #Medjugorje, every time we travel to Bosnia Hercegovina, Europe from the United States of America. Thinking all the way back to that first Easter, centuries ago... 

2020 Mir-PEACE Medjugorje spiritual pilgrimages dates

2020 Mir-PEACE group Medjugorje spiritual pilgrimages dates are available!

"There is a light in Medjugorje." Pope authorized pilgrimages to MEDJUGORJE    

Let's BE a LIGHT together: Join Mir-PEACE spiritual pilgrimage groups this year as we travel on a journey of renewed faith, true joy, & lasting peace in our hearts.

For information, email: mir.peace@comcast.net

*** as of 1-20-2020, there are a few seats still available for JUNE trip!!

Thru God's grace, for over 30 years Sarcevic family is answering Our Lady's call to share the spirituality of Medjugorje, Bosnia Hercegovina with you.  #blessed. 

We keep everyone with us in our hearts & prayers while there:
- participating in Holy Mass at Saint James Croatian Catholic Church,
- praying the rosary and afterward at adoration and blessing,
- climbing Apparition Hill & Krizevac (Cross Mountain) in prayer of Stations of the cross (Way of the Cross)
- eating delicious home-made food prepared by our host families in the parish, Elez, Vasilj, Ostojic, Vlaicevic, Simic, Jerkovic...
- visiting with the visionaries as possible,

- spiritual conferences,
- a night at hotel at beautiful scenic southern Croatian mediterranean-climate Dalmatian coast of Adriatic Sea.

- an interesting side trip, day trip is possible.

Spiritual guidance, translation.Transportation origination at airport in United States (USA), & in country.
--- Gospa wants to encourage us to learn to get closer to our Lord with the help of her Son, JESUS CHRIST... with prayer together, feel the love and peace, serenity, good energy of heaven on earth... together in Spirit. Let's share the Light of the World!!

The Vatican Papal Special Envoy sent to Medjugorje by Pope Francis said, "There is a light in Medjugorje." 

Let's "BE a LIGHT!"  (Mir-Peace motto).

*note: trip info, dates are tentative and may change.

Fatima 102nd anniversary in Medjugorje - Miracle of the Sun

Fatima 102nd anniversary in Medjugorje - Miracle of the Sun     Oct 13, 1917 to Oct 13, 2019

~~ SAINT JOHN PAUL II, March 25th 1984, “Medjugorje is the continuation of Fatima, it’s the completion of Fatima.”

*****Mir-Peace spiritual pilgrimage group is here! again! ***** 

This time on the 102nd anniversary of one of the most significant supernatural events 

of the 20th century.

~~ Gospa, Aug 25, 1991, "...I call all of you, dear children, to pray, fast (and self-sacrifice) more firmly ... so that, with your help, all I desire to realize through the secrets I began in FATIMA may be fulfilled. ... I want to save all souls and present them to God."

   #blessed 

Mir-Peace pilgrimage group and our pilgrims are offering all for God's will with our prayers with Gospa, the Blessed Virgin Mary...  Our Mir-Peace pilgrimage group travels to Medjugorje in answer to Our Lady. Oh, what we can feel, learn from this humble Mother of God every time, where we experience peace in prayer and community with faithful parishioners and people from all over the world!! Our hearts fill with joy as She guides us to open them to her Son, Jesus Christ, in love, trust and mercy for one and all, including every one of you, wherever you are :-)  

Additional photos from rthis pilgrimage at our facebook photo album, 

"2019 Mir-Peace pilgrimages."        link:  Mir-Peace pilgrimage photos 2019

We depart from the United States, cross the ocean in airplane together, sometimes have other people meet up with us in European airport, over-land transport between the mountains to our destination. Together we climb Apparition Hill, pray the rosary, follow the Way of the Cross on Krizevac, Cross Mountain, visit with visionary, partake of delicious home-made food by our host families, attend Holy Mass,... Ahhh, the beautiful scenery, fresh air, some free time, make new friends, rest, experience local culture & customs, stroll through open fields, have a cappucino at cafe, enjoy,.. We carry the petitions of all who cannot be there with us and pray for them, pray the rosary, adoration...

 "Hvaljen Isus i Marija!" -- "Praised be Jesus and Mary!"

#travel #pilgrimage #Medjugorje #Medugorje #Pope #Saint #SaintJohnPaulII #JohnPaul #Fatima #102years #Fatima102 #miracle #miracleofthesun #quote #inspirational  #Europe #peace #love #anniversary #thankGod  #Christian #believe #havefaith #Bosnia #Hercegovina