By Sr. Lucy Nabweteme, Lublin Community, Poland
I was entrusted by the Congregation with the mission of Missionary Vocation Animation (MVA) during my pilgrimage to Međugorje, on the occasion of the 36th International Youth Festival 2025, held from 4th to 8th August.
Preparing for the Pilgrimage to Međugorje
During the preparation for the pilgrimage, I experienced complications with travel documents and some fear about the mission ahead. However, I was deeply supported by my sisters in the community.
On the 1st of August, at 3:30 am, we prayed together in our community chapel. The sisters blessed me, and we went to Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Lublin, where a special Mass was organized for all the pilgrims. The theme of the pilgrimage was:
“Let us go to the house of the Lord” (Ps 122:1).
The Journey: A Time of Sharing and Prayer
Once we boarded the bus and began our journey, the time was filled with opportunities to get to know each other, pray, and listen to different witnesses. I also shared about our Congregation and its mission. On the bus, I learned more about Međugorje and the Peace Chaplet, which is prayed for peace in the world, in our families, and in our hearts.
We spent one night in Croatia, and on the 2nd of August in the evening, we arrived in Međugorje.
Apparition Hill and a Message Through Nature
That same evening, after supper, we went to Apparition Hill. While walking and praying on the hill barefoot, I felt Mary speak to me through nature. I realized that the small stones were sharper than the big ones. This helped me reflect on the importance of small things—small actions, words, and gestures—in life. I also saw how offering a helping hand can make walking over sharp stones easier.
Supporting one another truly makes difficult situations more bearable.
The Youth Festival: A Mission and a Blessing
At the beginning of the Youth Festival, I had mixed feelings. Seeing such a large crowd of youth from around the world felt like a great opportunity for MVA, but also left me feeling overwhelmed. I wished I had another sister with me to carry out the animation together. I turned to Jesus in prayer and gave Him all my feelings.
While praying with the Gospel of the day on the 4th of August, which was about the five loaves and two fish, I reflected that what I had were leaflets about our Congregation—and myself. I offered myself to Jesus, asking Him to bless and use me for His mission. Moments of silence, adoration, and connecting with God were very helpful.
I also asked the Holy Spirit to guide me throughout the mission.
Encounters with Youth and Seeds of Vocation
I had a beautiful encounter with two girls from France. I found them sitting under a tree, writing letters to Jesus, asking Him for light in their vocations. I was so touched by their faith and openness. We spoke for over an hour. At the end, they told me they had really hoped to meet a missionary and were very grateful to have spoken with me.
Feast of the Transfiguration and Mary’s Message
On the 6th of August, we celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration. Peter’s words, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here…” truly resonated. The atmosphere was filled with joy—singing, dancing, praising God, and songs to Mary. It was deeply moving to see so many people lining up for confession. I also had the opportunity to learn more about the message of Mary in Međugorje and to listen to many powerful witnesses.
Return Home
We left Međugorje on the 9th of August, spent another night in Croatia, and arrived in Lublin on the 10th of August at night.
This pilgrimage was truly a blessing for me. I had a powerful experience full of love, which has left me filled with gratitude and strengthened in my vocation.
