August 20, 2013
(Source: Medjugorje Today)
2,500 people were present on August 20 when the Virgin Mary appeared to visionary Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatovic in Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation. “The time has come for people here to know” Vicka said after several Holy Land visits when her apparitions have been private.
Vicka had her apparition on August 20 in front of this statue of the Virgin Mary in the Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth. Photo: Hanan Telhami
Nazareth welcomed the Virgin Mary back with a turnout of 2,500 people in a packed Basilica of the Annunciation on Tuesday when Medjugorje visionary Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatovic had her daily apparition in the church named after one of Mary’s biggest Feast Days.
“It was wonderful, amazing, there were more than 2,500 people, and they were so happy. We had a big Holy Mass, more than 25 priests were present, and many people went to confession” Charbel Maroun, the President of the Marian Movement of Lay People in Galilee, tells Medjugorje Today.
Vicka praying before her apparition in the Basilica of the Annunciation, with Charbel Maroun on her right
And if people were delighted, the Virgin Mary also was, Vicka told after her apparition, a part of the first week-long, international Maranatha pilgrimage:
“Vicka told us that Our Lady was so happy tonight, and that she blessed us all” Charbel Maroun tells.
“Vicka told us that Our Lady was cheerful and happy with Maranatha, and that she prayed for all people present and blessed everyone” Medjugorje Brasil editor Gabriel Paulino reports.
More than 25 priests concelebrated Mass in the Basilica after Vicka’s apparition on August 20. Among them was the local Bishop. Photo: Hanan Telhami
After several visits to The Holy Land, this one is different to Vicka who will have her daily apparition inside basilicas and churches during the pilgrimage:
“Vicka told me that she has been in The Holy Land more than 8 times, but that this is the first time she can give people Our Lady’s message. Because, she said, this is the time. The time has come for people here to know” Charbel Maroun tells Medjugorje Today.
Mass was presided over by the local bishop Marcuzzo. Among the concelebrants was Archbishop André Leonard of Brussels, Belgium, the founder of the Maranatha movement.
“Bishop Marcuzzo was so happy. He told me he can feel the new Pentecost in the Church” says Charbel Maroun.
Earlier on Tuesday, Vicka climbed Mount Tabor where Jesus was transfigured and became radiant before the eyes of St. Peter, John and James, as described in Matthew 17: 1-9, Mark 9: 2-8, and Luke 9: 28-36.
Vicka greeting a little girl in the Basilica of the Annunciation
“Hundreds of people were up there, about 700″ Charbel Maroun tells.
“And Vicka greeted all of them.”
About 550 pilgrims from 13 countries have joined the week-long pilgrimage that takes place for the intention of healing mankind. They will travel through The Holy Land until August 27.