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Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Spring/Summer, 2026

Pilgrims' Peaceletter FULFILLING OUR L ADY 'S MISSION

Our Lady's Message: July 25, 2026 "Dear children While darkness and peacelessness rule in many hearts, you, little children, be prayer and my extended hands of love. Little children, place the Sacred Scripture in a visible place in your family and read it, so that it may be an encouragement for you to conversion and a new life; because Satan is strong and seduces hearts. Your hearts, through my maternal Heart, I desire to commend to the Heart of my Son Jesus so that He, the Risen One, may reign in you and joy may begin to reign in you and around you.

Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Message of Mary Queen of Peace (With Ecclesiastical approval)

Pope Leo XIV Worldwide Rosary

Mary's call in Medjugorje is a call to Peace, and Pope Leo XIV has been following suit. On May 30th, 2026, during the Marian month, those throughout the world who responded to the Pope's invitation, gathered together to say the rosary. There were several major Shrines, including Medjugorje, Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace, who united in prayer.

The Pope specifically led the Joyful Mysteries entrusting those affected by war to the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace.

More...

Pi lg r i m s' Peace Center 4 1 2 5 1 0 3 r d Av e S E , L a k e S t e v e n s , WA , 9 8 2 5 8 206.931.1865 p i lg r i m s p eacecenter.or g

Spring/Summer, 2026

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

June 2026 Pilgrimage in Medjugorje Deepening the Faith One Pilgrim @ a Time We had SO MUCH FUN on our June 2026 pilgrimage!

Pilgrims Kurt and Patty Hettermann have traveled with Pilgrims' Peace Center multiple times, and this time they brought their two sons, their niece, Patty's brother, and her best friend. Their familial love for one another helped our larger pilgrimage family bond closer than ever, while Fr. Erin Donlon brought levity and smarts to every conversation. We were so fortunate to have his spiritual direction; the world is lucky to have Fr. Donlon in the priesthood.

In addition to the daily activities of mass, confession, rosary, adoration, apparition hill, and cross mountain, we found time to seek rest & relaxation at Kravica Waterfalls. The beauty was so breath-taking and the swimming 'hole' so refreshing that we've decided to incorporate the outing into all of our pilgrimages going forward (weather permitting)!

A trip to Mostar provided us the opportunity to hear Fr. Svet Kraljevic, OFM, speak (go to our website to listen to his talk), and we participated in Fr. Donlon's celebration of mass at the Franciscan Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. We were also blessed with a visit to home of visionary, Ivanka Ivankovic-Elez, and hear Ivanka's story first hand. Ivanka was the first to see Our Lady on June 24th, 1981. Her prayer mission from Our Lady is to pray for families.

Let us remember, Mary's mission is simple in words, but not necessarily easy in action, to lead souls to Her Son, Jesus. The experience is different for each Pilgrim who travels to Medjugorje, but over the many trips we've Local Lunch Time! guided, there are a few consistent themes.

A deepening of one's faith Unexpected surprises, even miracles An overall great experience Effective communication lies at the A desire to become part of Our Lady's Mission heart of successful business operations.

From internal team collaboration to We are ALL pilgrims, who make up Pilgrims' Peace Center. Please, come JOIN US on our next trip, Feb. 24 external client clearand and - March 5, 2026!

Forinteractions, more trip details for a downloadable registration form, go to pilgrimspeacecenter.org concise messaging can make all the difference. Companies that prioritize transparent communication foster trust, I feelstreamline incredibly humbled for all the graces I have received through our Lord through the intercession of his Holy processes, and enhance Mother.

Medjugorje and Our Lady saved my soul. I wasn’t the best follower of Christ, I went to church but didn’t overall productivity.

Leveraging modern platforms seamless seektools or feeland the presence of ourfor Lord.

I am eternally indebted to my wife for bringing me to Medugorje. I came communication

A Pilgrim's Testimony: Medjugorje and Our Lady Saved My Soul

with an open, albeit skeptical mind. My first visit was an eye opener. Witnessing the devotion, love, and glory of our Lord in that beautiful town left me wanting more. I started to pray more and was excited to go on the trip back with Sandy and Mike. That pilgrimage brought me incredibly close to our Holy Mother. Her guidance led me to quit drinking and the 5 Stones of Medjugorje have become the foundation of my faith.

- Kurt Hettermann

Spring/Summer, 2026

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

June 2026 Medjugorje

Local Lunch Time!

Effective communication lies at the heart of successful business operations.

From internal team collaboration to external client interactions, clear and concise messaging can make all the difference. Companies that prioritize transparent communication foster trust, streamline processes, and enhance overall productivity. Leveraging modern tools and platforms for seamless communication

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement”.

- St. Augustine

Spring/Summer, 2026

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Fr. Erin Donlon An 'A Team' Priest Father Erin M. Donlon was our Spiritual Director on the June 3rd–12th, 2026 Pilgrimage. With his witty jokes, profound stories, and theological teachings, the pilgrims on the trip put him on the 'A Team' of priests!

Thank you Father Donlon for one of the most enjoyable pilgrimages ever, you are always welcome back when time permits!

Time permitting is a huge question however, given he is a VERY busy man. Father Donlon is from the Diocese of Portland, ME, and is also from a pedigree Navy family.

"My dad and my grandfather were '74 and '49 Naval Academy graduates," he says. "And so I remember from an early age just always wanting to go to either the Navy or Marine Corps."

Fr. Donlon's joy as he greets his next penitent in Medjugorje.

He also had dreamed of becoming a Catholic priest. "I was heavily inspired by the great examples of the priests that I was exposed to in my home parish," he says.

Father Donlon received the sacrament of holy orders from Portland Bishop James T. Ruggieri through the laying of hands and the prayer of consecration invoking the Holy Spirit.

Local Lunch Time!

Fr. Donlon celebrating mass in St. Peter & St. Paul Church in Mostar.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Effective communication lies at the J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, heart of successful business operations. concelebrated the 10:00 a.m. ordination Mass at the From internal team collaboration to Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston. external client interactions, clear and concise messaging can make all the

Fr. Donlon's to Medjugorje past June was his first, difference.trip Companies that this prioritize andtransparent as the Trinity would have it, the day he left for communication foster trust, Medjugorje, his 1 year and anniversary as a priest!!! streamlinewas processes, enhance overall productivity. Leveraging modern

There are no when it comes to Our Lady tools and'coincidences' platforms for seamless andcommunication Jesus' plans for those making their way to this sacred stronghold on earth!

Fr. Donlon on Cross Mountain with Zach, Wayne, and Annie.

If you know a priest who is a good fit for PPC and is interested in being a Spiritual Director on one of our trips, please direct them to annie@pilgrimspeacecenter.org. We keep a running list of interested clergies. Please note, the cost for Priests and Deacons are covered by Pilgrims' Peace Center.

Fall/2025 Spring/Summer, 2026

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51 50

Next Pilgrimage: Feb 24 - March 5, 2027 You are warmly invited to join us on our next Pilgrimage to Medjugorje!

OUR PILGRIMAGE PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Round Trip Airfare: Includes taxes and luggage fees to Croatia, and private motercoach to Medjugorje.

• Accommodations: Air-conditioned in twin-bedded rooms with private baths, double occupancy, at the beautiful Pensione of Visionary Vicka’s family. (A few single rooms are available with an added charge of $350: First come, first served.)

• Two Meals Daily: Two delicious, home-cooked, large family style meals are provided daily. (The third is on your own.)

• Spiritual Direction & Guide: All pilgrimages are accompanied by a Priest who provides Spiritual Direction. Excellent English-speaking local guide/interpreter with first-hand knowledge of the apparitions: Željka Rožić is a first cousin of the visionary Vicka, and has 40 years' experience guiding pilgrims in Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Prayer and Activities: Daily Mass, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, Prayer of the Rosary, Presence at the Church during Our Lady’s apparitions, Prayers for Healing, Climbing Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain, Talks by visiting and local priests, and visionaries when available.

• Other activities: (like a day trip to Mostar or Kravica Waterfalls ) may be scheduled during the week. You will have plenty of personal time for self-prayer, reflection, shopping, and rest.

• Optional humanitarian works: Participation in hands-on humanitarian activities in and around Medjugorje through Pilgrims’ Peace Center will be announced on site.

• Croatia: One late afternoon and night in Croatia; the hotel is included in your package.

• TOTAL PACKAGE PRICING: varies based on your departure city & payment date; call Annie @ 206.931.1865 to get your specific package pricing. General Air & Ground $4,350.00. Ground only $2,350.00 (10% off all packages for Pilgrimage Tours’ Alumni who bring a person that has never been to Medugorje!). To secure this reservation pricing, full payment is due by Dec 20, 2026, otherwise additional charges may apply. Absolute deadline is Feb 15th, 2027; prices may vary significantly.

For more details & to download your reservation form go to pilgrimspeacecenter.org OUR CATHOLIC CATECHISM ON PILGRIMAGES Our Catechism sets a theological foundation for pilgrimages that recognize pilgrimages as a practice that fosters prayer, conversion, and participation in the Church's sacramental life. CCC 2691 – "Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer. CCC 1674 – Pilgrimages are officially recognized as a longstanding and authentic form of Catholic devotion.

As Father Svetozar "Svet" Kraljevic told us in June, "I believe a pilgrimage is the ultimate form of prayer, when we become prayer itself. It's the best investment one can make. A time when the word becomes flesh and the flesh is word."

- Fr. Svet Talk June, 2026 with Pilgrims' Peace Center

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Spring/Summer, 2026

PPC Humanitarian Work

Fulfilling Mary's Mission to Bring Us to Jesus

Youth Scholarships

Works of Mercy

Projects

Tens of thousands of young people attend the Medjugorje Youth Festival every year! In 2025, youth from nearly 80 different countries traveled to unite in faith and prayer.

Our Catholic faith explicitly asks us to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, and bury the dead. (CCC 2447)

Pilgrims' Peace Center strives to award an annual scholarship to one youth between the ages of 18 and 23 to attend the Youth Festival .

If you want 100% of your donations to go to youth scholarships, let us know at annie@pilgrimspeacecenter.org

For the past 50 years, PPC has attended to these particular struggles people face. If you want 100% of your donations to go to these acts of mercy, let us know at annie@pilgrimspeacecenter.org

Whether contributing funds to Mother's Village, or providing wheelchairs to St. Joseph the Worker facility for children with disabilities, you have the opportunity to contribute financially, and to participate in project work firsthand while on your pilgrimages with us!

If you want 100% of your donations to go PPC projects, let us know at annie@pilgrimspeacecenter.org

Your general donations will be allocated to Scholarships, Works of Mercy, Projects, & Administration.

DONATE NOW!

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Spring/Summer, 2026

PPC Humanitarian Works: Small Yet Mighty This year the generosity of our donors continues to make a difference in the lives of the local people in Medjugorje. Given the generosity of the following PPC pilgrims, to date, PPC has distributed $7,600.00 to various works of mercy. Thank you pilgrims, for donating your time, money, and prayers, to this precious cause!

Shannon Reese Lee Callaghan Patty Hettermann Kurt Hettermann Sandy Tobin Mike Tobin Kathy Dunworth Margie & Bob Brown Sean Callaghan Susan Puryn Trish Home Gail O'Conner Diane Weaver Christine Hubbell

In the first half of 2026 we distributed $7,900.00 to the following organizations and families: St Joseph the Workers Mother's Krispena Village Community of Merciful Father Local Families in Need

In the second half of the 2026 we are seeking $4,500.000 to provide a youth scholarship!

DONATE NOW!

Spring/Summer, 2026

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

PPC Rosary Ministry The Power of the Blessed Rosary Beads a Pilgrims' Testimonial In Medjugorje, I purchased a bag of Rosaries and had them blessed by Our Lady and by Father Michael Dion.

When I returned home from the pilgrimage, I gifted the rosaries to several friends and family members. Within the following months, several events transpired that were nothing short of miraculous. one friend had a mass surgically removed, and her doctors were baffled that the mass came back benign. Another finally got physical custody of his child after many years of estrangement. I, myself, experienced the healing of family relationships that had been strained for years. I believe wholeheartedly that all of this is fruit from my trip to Medjugorje, from Our Lady, and Her Son Jesus. Thanks be to God. - Shannon Callaghan Reese

Receive a Blessed Rosary: Would you like a rosary blessed by Our Lady and by one of our Spiritual Directors/Priests who were on pilgrimage with us?

Pilgrims' Peace Center will ship one to you upon request.

Request one here. Shipping costs apply.

For 45 years, Mary has appeared daily in Medjugorje. During the recitation of the rosary and before evening mass, Our Lady appears and blesses all our religious articles. In Her messages over the years, there have been many references by Our Lady, to the importance of prayer, especially praying the rosary. Though Her blessing is upon us, She also emphasizes the importance of having our sacred articles blessed by a priest as well.

On June 2, 2006, during the monthly apparition to the visionary Mirjana Dragićević-Soldo, she described the account this way: "Our Lady blessed all of us who were present and all the religious articles that we brought with us for blessing. With a serious expression on her face, Our Lady emphasized again the priestly blessing. With pain and love at the same time Our Lady said: 'Remember, children of mine, that it is my Son blessing you. Do not accept it so lightly. There is no way without my Son. Do not think that you will have peace and joy if you do not have Him in the first place."

Pilgrim Shannon Callaghan Reese felt so blessed by her rosaries, that she made the suggestion to build a PPC Rosary Ministry. Not only has Shannon suggested it, she has volunteered to lead it! So please go to our PPC Rosary Ministry Page to request a blessed rosary and/or to volunteer to help Shannon with the ministry. May you and your family encounter blessing and conversation through your practice of prayer. " I G I V E Y O U M Y M OT H E R LY B L E S S I N G , B U T T H E G R E AT E ST BLESSING IS THE BLESSING FROM THE PRIESTS." -OUR L ADY APRIL 2ND, 2007

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Spring/Summer, 2026

Boots On The Ground

Reporting from Medjugorje: Pilgrims' Peace Center Guide, Željka Rožić Youth Festival August 1st-6th, 2026 The annual Youth Festival in Medjugorje is an unforgettable week as thousands of young hearts from across the globe unit in a vibrant celebration of faith!

The Annual Youth Festival kicked off on Aug 01, 2026, 5:00 PM and will continue through Aug 06, 2026, 2:00 AM, Međugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here is a clip of the opening ceremonies!

From Vatican News, in 2025 our Pope Leo XIV said to those attending the International Youth Festival in Medjugorje, that no one walks alone on the path of life. In his message centered on the theme "We will go to the house of the Lord," he emphasized genuine human connection over digital isolation.

This year's theme is, "Ad Fontem! — To the Source!" There will be special daily highlights that include a sunrise rosary on Apparition Hill, a candlelight procession with the statue of Our Lady, community presentations by the Cenáculo group, and a final dawn Mass on Cross Mountain.

As an organization, PPC does it's best to send 1 youth a year to attend the festival. If you'd like to contribute to youth scholarships please do so here.

With boots on the ground, our Pilgrims' Peace Center guide, Željka Rožić, will be providing us updates during the week which we will published for you exclusively.

THANK YOU ŽELJKA!!!

' P I LG R I M AG E S E V O K E O U R E A RT H LY J O U R N E Y TO WA R D S H E AV E N ' CCC N O. 2 6 9 1

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Spring/Summer, 2026

We Need Your Updated Contact Information!

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If you have been a loyal member of Spirit of God Community, Inc. and Pilgrims' Peace Center, or are new to the Community, please confirm your contact information by either subscribing on our website, emailing annie@pilgrimspeacecenter.org, or cut out, fill out, and mail the above postcard back to us!

If you'd like to make a donation via mail, please make checks out to Pilgrims' Peace Center and mail to: Pilgrims' Peace Center 4125 103rd Ave SE Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Your general donations will be allocated to Scholarships, Works of Mercy, Projects, & Administration.

DONATE NOW!

Pilgrims' Peace Center Issue - 51

Spring/Summer, 2026

Fulfilling Mary's Mission to Bring Us to God.

Join Us!!!

Your general donations will be allocated to Scholarships, Works of Mercy, Projects, & Administration.

DONATE NOW!