The spirit of Medjugorje was powerfully present in Chicago during the weekend of July 18–20, 2025, at the Medjugorje Youth Festival – Mladifest USA 2025, which was officially connected to Medjugorje and held for the first time ever on American soil. Participants traveled from throughout the United States and Canada and even as far away as Australia, to be part of this historic event. Archbishop Aldi Cavalli, Apostolic Visitor to Medjugorje, and Fr. Zvonimir Pavicic, Pastor of Medjugorje, sent personal messages of greetings to all the participants at the start of the event.
The joy of the Lord radiated throughout the festival—in the speakers, the music, the sacraments, and above all, in the hearts of the participants. The atmosphere was one of deep faith, joy, and unity, much like the original Mladifest held annually in Medjugorje. Fr. Danko Perutina, who traveled from Medjugorje for the event, offered inspirational words of encouragement and spiritual guidance during his talk and led the congregation in a powerful time of adoration.
A diverse lineup of speakers delivered moving testimonies and inspiring catechesis throughout the weekend. Among them were Fr. Dan Reehil, Mother Adela Galindo, and Fr. Jason Lewis, and our Spiritual Director, Fr. John Marshall, each of whom deeply touched the audience with their messages of hope, faith, and devotion to the Queen of Peace. Many attendees described feeling spiritually renewed. One participant remarked, “This weekend brought me closer to Our Lady and helped me experience the love of Christ in a way I never have before.”
Luis Siman, president of Mir Medjugorje English Information Center, officially announced that Mladifest USA will now be an annual event. “The goal is to bring many souls closer to the heart of Our Blessed Mother and to increase awareness about all that heaven is doing in Medjugorje,” he shared.
Adding a particularly special dimension to the weekend was the music of Opera Cristi, a Croatian-American choir whose spirit-filled, heartfelt performance brought joy to the crowd. Their voices filled the venue with reverence and gladness, helping participants feel as though they were truly in Medjugorje.
Another highlight of the festival was the use of the first-ever replica of the monstrance used in Medjugorje, which debuted during adoration on all three days of the event. This exquisite monstrance was designed by, Mr. Angel Garcia Alvarez, the same architect who created the original in Medjugorje, lending a profound sense of sacredness to the celebration and connection to Medjugorje.
As the faithful returned to their homes, the hope and prayer is that the seeds of grace planted during this blessed weekend will bear abundant fruit in their lives, families, and communities—and that the spirit of Medjugorje will continue to shine brightly in the United States for years to come.
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