B.P.
Annapolis, Missouri
May, 2008

"My experience in this pilgrimage is life changing, because Caritas has put together a structured package which takes people from all parts of the country and brings them together as  a family...."

M.D.
Hamilton, Ohio
June, 2008

"...My life is certainly changed by this spiritual experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world..."

P.A.
Plantation, Florida
May, 2008

"...I heard endless hours of life changing Confessions. Thats a blessing to me - since I truly missed that in my old parish..."

Fr. T. D.
Staten Island, New York
July, 2008

"...I am so impressed by how the Community prepared us for our pilgrimage. I really feel that our group was being prayed upon so that we really got a lot of it and more...

"...Everything that we did there...climbing Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, walk through the village, Mass, visit to the Chapel of Two Hearts, etc. we all did with so much joy. Some of us even climbed Cross Mountain more than once!!..."

A.V.
Fairfield, Connecticut
July, 2008

 "...Medjugorje is the closest place to heaven on earth. The most difficult part of my trip ended up being...leaving

Thank you for all the prayers, time and effort that was poured into my trip..."

Anonymous
Menominee, Michigan
September, 2008

"'Extraordinary, life changing - like visiting Our Lady in Nazareth.' Words that only begin to decribe our time in Mary's village of Medjugorje: loving,peaceful, spiritually enriching, all this and more...

"...I would never travel with another tour group to Medjugorje. Caritas required pilgrims come with a mindset the encouraged openness and a prayerful attitude. ..

"...Caritas showered us with direction, guidance and spiritual growth. We are our meals together and were encouraged to mix and mingle. Our meeting locations and activities, varied and carefully planned, gave deep meaning to our prayer experience...

"...Medjugorje is the ultimate retreat destination; the spiritual venue of Mass, Adoration, Confession, spiritual guidance, reading materials, and holy ground offers the essentials for spiritual growth. It is a special place set aside to meet Jesus and His Holy Mother up close and personal...

"...I have once again petitoned Our Mother to arrange another pilgrimage to Medjugorje in the near future. Can't get too much of a good thing!..."

N.P.
Erie, Colorado
July, 2008

"...Thanks Caritas to your prayers and spiritual guidance you are living angels in this chaotic world. Your dedication to the task of spreading Our Lady's messages is  incomparable; all done from your hearts. Our pilgrimage with BVM Pilgrimage, with the Caritas of Birmingham is deeply spiritual nutrients for our souls. I thank God that I chose to go with Caritas...

"...How could anyone have found a better Pilgrimage group than with the Caritas of Birmingham - from landing to take off! I'll surely take another trip with BVM Pilgrimages with whom our spiritual life is abundantly fed...

"...I'll surly take another trip with BVM Pilgrimage with whom our Spiritual life is abundantly fed..."

P.V.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
July, 2008

"...Well, we were asked. How was your trip? Did you have a good trip? Did you have good weather? The list goes on...

"...The response that flowed without hesitation - it was a humbling experience...

"...I now see myself in a life altering journey...

"...Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, Chapel of Two Hearts, Adoration at St. James, and other experiences all served to bring me to the point where I am now, but a major impact on my heart has come about because of a strong sense of faith I witnessed in our group and other pilgrims I had the p[leasure of meeting."

J.P.
Erie, Colorado
July, 2008

“This was my first pilgrimage to Medjugorje with Caritas. I had gone on a few pilgrimages to Medjugorje with other groups, but this one was definitely the best…

"…What impressed me immensely about this particular pilgrimage was the focus on the spiritual…

"…On this trip, I received the grace to really open my heart to God andOur Lady and to pray much more consistently with the heart…

"…All in all, this pilgrimage with Caritas was spiritually tremendously enriching. I look forward to more pilgrimages with Caritas and highly recommend them to anyone thinking about going to Medjugorje.”

A.P.
Trenton, New Jersey
May, 2008

“My pilgrimage is not over, for Medjugorje lives in me.”

B.Z.
Elk Mound, Wisconsin
April, 2008

“Like others, our pilgrimage to Medjugorje began before leaving home. We feel very honored and blessed that Our Lady put in into our hearts to make this pilgrimage to Medjugorje and to make our journey with Caritaas…

"…The reading material sent to our home to prepare us for our trip seems to set the tone our travels…books gave a template of how to get the most out of our pilgrimage and how to appreciate the holiness of the area and, of course, Our Lady..."

J.S.
Sacramento, California
March, 2008

“What can I say!? As always, the pilgrimage with Caritas is so spiritual! I feel that coming with you that I really live Medjugorje… the Masses, the rosary, the Apparition time each day. Medjugorje is where my heart lives! I will always take my pilgrimages with you and never cease to tell my friends/co-workers to come now to Medjugorje.”

M.T.
Annapolis, Missouri
May, 2008

“I have just completed my 8^th trip to Medjugorje…I have vowed NEVER to return to Medjugorje unless it is with you. No one compares…The deep prayer and spirituality has always only been on trips with you. You are focused on prayer. I feel like a true pilgrim with you as a “family”. Thank you for leading groups as you do. Please do not change . 

M.W.
2008

'How does one put into words the glory of God's love through the graciousness of Our Lady? The experience in Medjugorje was one that showed me the beauty of Our Lady and Her enduring love for each of us...

"...I loved every day..."

G.S.
Tucson, Arizona
August, 2007

“Let me tell you about my pilgrimage.

…I guess my overall feeling is one of thanksgiving to God for permitting me to go to Medjugorje, for choosing the perfect Pilgrimage, and the perfect group of people to experience the holiness of Medjugorje…

…To pray up the mountains was very touching for me; to pray on the way was also meaningful. I think that everyone who climbs the mountains are Blessed by Our Lady in a special way…

…I was touched by the Croatian Mass, Adoration, and the Healing Services following Mass. The village of Medjugorje was special in a way that I cannot describe. To be there to walk the streets and to climb the hills and mountains has to experienced to be understood.”

J.C.
Covington, Louisiana
July, 2007

“Thank you BVM/Caritas! I am so happy to have gone on the pilgrimage with you guys leading the way. I truly appreciate the prayerful attitude of the trip. I know that despite the immense graces from Medjugorje, if I had gone with just a tour group, I very well may not have left as impacted and changed as when I returned home from the Caritas trip.”

Anonymous
September, 2007

“If I would ever be so fortunate to go back, it would be with Caritas, that’s a definite.”

D.K
Tacoma, Washington
October, 2007

“I am so happy and grateful for the invitation from Our Lady to come to Medjugorje, and also glad that I could respond…for my conversion and for whatever intentions I brought…
I believe that everything that happened was important to the overall experience and my ongoing conversion and the graces I received there were very tangible. As far as I could see, and with discernment, I felt that Caritas was right on!!”

J.M.
WPB, Florida
September, 2007

“This Pilgrimage was just awesome. Part of the reason is that you encourages us to pray ahead of our trip to be open to the gifts we would receive.”

J.B.
Tacoma, Washington
October, 2007

“I can honestly say that the fruits of this pilgrimage are beginning to blossom. God willing, I hope to return again soon with some of my congregation and who knows more of my family..."

Fr. D.D.
Pinewood, Ontario
September, 2007

“The experience of the pilgrimage was very rewarding. Caritas showed our group more than if we had gone on our own. It will take more time to sort out my experience. I would very much like to go again.”

D.L
Alameda, California
September, 2007

“The best thing my husband and I did was going to Medjugorje with CARITAS. We had a very incredible and unforgetable trip. This has been the most spiritual encounter with God and Our Blessed Virgin Mother . We felt really close to Our Virgin Mother and we felt Her presence almost all the time..."

J.P.
Salt Lake, Utah
September, 2007

“I wanted to express my gratitude for your support and commitment to us, the pilgrims that make the decision to visit  with Our Lady in Medjugorje…To be quite honest, I was not sure a second visit could be as fulfilling as my first visit…However, my second visit with Our Lady took me spiritually deeper than I have ever experienced…”

J.H.
Lakewood, Colorado
June, 2007

“Could not have had a more wonderful pilgrimage…I really want to return…Thanks for the wonderful experience – I’m now trying to live it – one day at a time!”

Lorraine
May, 2007

“…I had a wonderful experience at Medjugorje and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. It was a boost in my faith that I really needed…”

H.M.
June, 2007

“…Nothing in a person’s life can come close to Medjugorje…

S.H.
Trinity Center, California
August, 2007

“…This pilgrimage has led me to such great depths. about Our Blessed Mother that I never knew existed. My relationship has deepened with Our Lady and Jesus to a wonderful sweetness that I never felt before…I keep praying for a continued conversion daily for myself and my family. Caritas provided me “the way” and I found “the path” at Medjugorje…”

D.S.
June, 2007

 “The Caritas Pilgrimage was very prayerful which is what I was seeking – more than the sight seeing tours.”

L.N.
Castle Rock, Colorado
May 2006

In sharing with others on other pilgrimages, we have come to the conclusion, that Caritas was a more spiritual pilgrimage and also more of a personal contact with the people and sites of Medjugorje.”

Corona, California
April 1998

“This was my fourth pilgrimage but my first with Caritas and by far was my most spiritual one. Caritas really helps keep you on track. When I first signed up, I was attracted by the low price and thought I wouldn’t do much with the group. I did everything with the group and I’m so glad I did. I would not have wanted to miss anything. I would recommend Caritas without reservation. Upon reflection, I’m so glad that Caritas “pushes” you to be a true pilgrim.”

Jamul, California
October 1998

“BVM is what I was looking for. This was what I would have thought a major retreat would be. Please don’t change anything. Everyone was so helpful. I must tell you that I will always recommend BVM. I told everyone at home that this was ‘more’ than I ever dreamed it would be. I thank the Lord and Our Mother for guiding me to you. If I’m suppose to go again, it will be with BVM.”

Hoxie, Arkansas
October 1996

“I loved the ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ look at Medjugorje…I felt so special to be able to go to these places where so few people know about. It was a special and intimate look at who Mary is to each of us.”

Brooke
Tempe, Arizona
May 2006

“Caritas made this a true pilgrimage. Without their assistance I would not have come away with the knowledge and understanding I did.”

Jackson, Missouri
September 1998

“I have been to Medjugorje twice before with other groups. My third trip and first with Caritas centered on Our Lady, Her messages, prayers and peaceful solitude. My previous trips focused on history, places, events, and side trips which caused distractions.”

Indiana, Pennsylavania
May 1998

“The best of all our five trips. The spiritually was stupendous, Heaven-sent. I am going to recommend BVM/Caritas wholeheartedly. It was the most wonderful experience of all our four other pilgrimages with some very highly respected groups.”

Wayne, Pennsylvania
1997

“I have been with three pilgrimages and so far Caritas is the most spiritual. It was wonderful that it was a pilgrimage and not just a sight-seeing trip. It helped when we got home to keep the prayerfulness in our lives. I feel more fulfilled on the messages of Medjugorje and that my spirituality has become deeper. I would say Caritas is the only way to go.”

November 2000

“This was an incredible spiritual journey - to be in this blessed village where Our Lady appears regularly, among all the many people from all over the world, here to do Her homage, the beautiful Masses and Rosaries, to be a part of the long lines going to Confession, to be present at the outdoor Holy Hours attended by whole families, to walk the Stations of the Cross, to visit Marija's home and chapel and to be present at her apparition, to climb the mountains, to see how generous the younger ones were to help the old like me and the infirm, to feel the peace when walking the paths, to be present with the whole Caritas group for daily prayers and spiritual instruction and telling of the history of the events in Medjugorje, to fast on bread and water, to share meals with all of our pilgrims in the houses we stayed, to be inspired by the two mothers carrying their disabled children and by the young man in a wheelchair as his parents and other pilgrims helped him experience the whole pilgrimage, to be present at the Croatian Mass and Rosary every evening, to kneel in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, to share with the other pilgrims, what an incredible privilege this was.”

Kay
Springfield, Illinois
August 2005

“My heart was made over and given hope again. I would definitely recommend this pilgrimage to others due to the emphasis on piety while there.”

Bob
Montague, Michigan
September 2001

“I don’t think any other pilgrimage could be as informational or prayerful. I think Caritas offers the most sacred, introspective and spiritual pilgrimage. I am now more at peace than in very many years.”

Bellevue, Washington
October 1998

“I would recommend this to others because of the mindset of Caritas. When I was truly a pilgrim and left my ‘little comforts’ behind I was able to see God’s tremendous Providence a way I don’t think I would have been able to if I had moved from one set of ‘luxuries’ to another. It gave God total control.”

Heidi
Evergreen, Colorado
May 2006

“To anyone with a true desire to go to Medjugorje, I say, pray and turn your problems over to Our Lady. She will work out the details. Knowing Caritas and their ‘way of life,’ I expected the trip to be holy and focused on the proper things for a meaningful religious pilgrimage. I was not disappointed. Through Caritas, we were able to experience Our Lady, Jesus and peace in a truly awesome way; a way in which your heart throbs, ready to burst with love. Our experiences on Apparition Hill, on Cross Mountain, at Apparitions, at Mass, at Adoration, in the vineyards, and at every step in Medjugorje, all lead to treasures in our hearts that we were able to bring home. There is not a day by now that is not affected by our time in Medjugorje. Sometimes hearing just a few notes from a song are enough to make our joy swell in the memories of Medjugorje.”

Adrian
Florence, Alabama
August 2005

“I have already recommended Caritas to others and I would go again. After being to Medjugorje, I see where people could be led astray easily, to site-seeing the beautiful cities and countryside, and shopping. Caritas provided the guidance necessary, through in-depth knowledge and spiritual support, to make this a pilgrimage and life-changing experience—not just another vacation.”

Leanne
Temple, Texas
August 2002

“I would definitely recommend Caritas to others and would love to pilgrimage with them again, God-willing. I think the main reason I would recommend Caritas is the emphasis on the spiritual aspects of Medjugorje, although their knowledge of the events is second to none as well. While I think any trip to Medjugorje would be beneficial, going with Caritas made it even more so. Their knowledge of the events and emphasis on the spiritual helped me deepen my spirituality and conversion. They definitely made me feel like I was walking on Holy Ground as we walked through Medjugorje. So much so that I don’t want to wash the dirt from Cross Mountain and Apparition Hill from my tennis shoes. I only hope that I will be able to pilgrimage there again someday, and especially through Caritas.”

Mike
Willoughby Hills, Ohio
September 2001

“I love everything about Medjugorje. It was my first pilgrimage and I hope it won’t be my last. Truly, this is holy land, a place filled with grace. You people are truly God’s instrument of Our Blessed Mother’s messengers. I would and I have recommended people to go to Medjugorje through Caritas because I truly believe of your sincere work for the Glory of God. This Holy Site has touched my life and those whom I know visited here. ”

Father Phi
Houston, Texas
June 2001

“As far as I’m concerned, Caritas would be hard to top! I got more than I expected by traveling with Caritas. And I would most definitely recommend them to all my friends. We were well-fed and sheltered, did so much, saw so much, experienced so much, were given so much knowledge, and were in awe with the Caritas community members who were awesome witnesses to Mother Mary’s calling. I have already recommended this pilgrimage to other people. For one thing, I am praying more, and maybe that will help me continue to grow spiritually. Thank you Caritas community for doing what you do! I don’t think we would have ever gone to Medjugorje without you!”

Gloria
Galveston, Texas
September, 2001

“I wouldn’t change a thing!! My thanks for the effort our community guide put into making our trip one we will hold dear in our hearts forever!”

Brenda
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 2006

“No Comparison. From 1-10, Caritas gets 10! Have already recommended BVM/Caritas to several persons; and if possible, would certainly go with Caritas again. It was advertised as a pilgrimage and it certainly was one.”

Dorothy
Greensburgh, Pennsylvania
September 2001

“My experience was profound and can’t be put into words. It was like prayer boot camp! I would never go back with any other group. Caritas truly put their hearts into our trip and it made all the difference in the world.”

T.G.
Layfayette, Louisiana
June 2006

“Probably my favorite part of the pilgrimage was listening to your community member tell us the little stories and anecdotes about the visionaries and the apparitions that you could never learn by just simply reading a book about Medjugorje. It’s those personal stories that really help me to see more clearly what Our Lady has been doing for these last 20 years.”

Barb
Cleveland, Ohio
September 2001

“I’ve learned so much from your talks and information on the various aspects of Medjugorje, also about Caritas, that I did not know before. And tell everyone that “Caritas of Birmingham” is the way to go!”

Ann
Hampstead, Maryland
October 1999

“I highly recommend the Caritas group because I learned so much but felt a freedom to respond to Mary’s personal call. I felt very safe under Caritas’ direction.”

Sue
De Pere, Wisconsin
April 1998

“All representatives of Caritas were absolutely wonderful. I had never met such kind, spiritually filled people in my life. They live the messages of Medjugorje. The stay in Medjugorje was so spiritually rewarding—some of which was due to the total dedication of the members of the Caritas Mission Center in Medjugorje. They were very informative without diminishing the spiritual aspects of the situation. I would look at the other groups and think to myself—I feel sorry for them, because I was certain they weren’t getting the spiritual direction our group was so blessed and fortunate to receive from Caritas.”

Geraldine
Lake Park, Florida
September 1997

“Caritas has made my first pilgrimage to Medjugorje one to remember. The people involved in the community are wonderful, friendly, and caring. Caritas would most definitely be a recommendation to anyone who would consider going. I am very thankful I went with Caritas. I’m hoping to go to Medjugorje again sometime, and there is no doubt I would choose to go with Caritas again.”

Julie
Milldale, Connecticut
June 2001

“If it had not been for our Caritas guide, I doubt we would have been told a lot of things. The explanations we were given were so detailed. We were given an insight to many aspects of Medjugorje and I hope that we can pass on the information to others, so that they will not be one looked over or forgotten.”

Bruce
Morristown, Tennessee
August 2001

“Of course I plan to return with BVM/Caritas, but my experiences were so profound that I feel that “all” will be lead by Our Lady herself. If someone wanted such closeness to holiness, I would surely direct him or her to BVM. ”

Michael
Spring, Texas
September 2001

“I have been to Medjugorje three other times. This was by far the most outstanding SPIRITUAL Pilgrimage I have EVER had. If I were fortunate enough to be able to go again I would go with no other group than Caritas, plus this is the only group I would recommend to anyone in the future. As the Community of Caritas brought to our attention if you’re not interested in changing your spiritual life beyond what it already is, then this is not a group for you. The other groups did not concentrate solely on the messages of Our Lady and living them, we drifted off into sight-seeing. ”

Sister Shirley
Lake Placid, Florida
August 2001

“Caritas did an excellent job. I have grown spiritually. If I ever go to Medjugorje again (and I’d love to), it will be with Caritas. You have a powerful ministry. May God continue to bless all of you.”

Barbara
Elk Mound, Wisconsin
October 2000

“I can’t begin to describe the spiritual awakening taking place in me since the trip. I feel my heart is opening to God’s love and peace for the first time in my life. I would highly recommend Caritas to others (in fact, I already am!) The depth of my own spiritual journey in Medjugorje in many ways I credit to Caritas.”

Beth
Chicago, Illinois
October 1999

“I believe that the Community and Mission of Caritas in Medjugorje assists an individual on their journey to holiness. Thank you so very much—as far as I am concerned, there is no other way to travel, but with Caritas.”

Gerry
Lake Park, Illinois
September 1999

“The two young women from the community were a helpful source of knowledge of the apparitions and their meaning as well as a model for spiritual life.”

R.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
October 1999

“Caritas made the difference between just a tourist stop and a deeply religious pilgrimage.”

Robin
Birmingham, Alabama
September 1999

“Other pilgrimages I have been on were sort of disorganized and included a few side trips. Caritas was very much organized and totally concentrated on the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage. You people are the salt of the earth.”

Ann
Hampstead, Maryland
October 1999

“Although I have several family members who had already been to Medjugorje, I specifically refused to study in depth the messages and history prior to my pilgrimage. I wanted to go with an open heart, and mind and leave the rest to Our Lady! I came away from my stay with Caritas deeply enriched and full of the Holy Spirit! I went on my pilgrimage looking for stronger faith, and came away with so much more. Although it is much harder to live Mary’s messages in our culture, Caritas gave me a strong spiritual base to continue on. It is a joy to live her messages. I recommend Caritas as often as possible.”

Suzanne
New Milford, Connecticut
April 1998

“In short, all I can say is that the spirit lead me to Caritas when I was looking for a group to go with. After my experience, I can see why. THIS WAS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THAT I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER EXPERIENCE IN A LIFETIME.”

Mark
Palmdale, California
September 1997

“I would like to return to Medjugorje someday and I would not make the trip with anyone but Caritas.”

Ann Marie
North Easton, Massachusetts
August 1997

“I feel that we had first-hand knowledge and information even though we did not see the visionaries as none of them were in the village during our visit to Medjugorje.”

Joyce
Lake Charles, Louisiana
September 2002

“Our guide from the community was outstanding…a God-send! Very holy and intelligent…a walking encyclopedia on Medjugorje. She shared every detail with us. I am so glad she was chosen to accompany us.”

Mary
Grass Valley, California
September 2002

“This was my first time in Medjugorje. I know had I gone on another it would not have had the spiritual impact that it did. We did not worry about running here and there. It was a relaxed paced with time for self-reflection.”

Lisa
Humphrey, Nebraska
October 2001