St. James Church is the centre of sacramental and prayer life in Medjugorje. Parishioners and pilgrims from every continent meet here each day for Holy Mass, the Rosary, confession and Eucharistic adoration.
The parish was founded in 1892 and placed under the protection of St. James the Greater, the patron saint of pilgrims, long before anyone could have imagined how many pilgrims would one day arrive.
In September 2024 the Holy See granted its nihil obstat to the spiritual experience of Medjugorje, recognising its abundant fruits and encouraging pilgrims to come and pray here.
The first parish church was completed in 1897, but it stood on unstable ground and soon began to crack. After the First World War the parishioners decided to build a new one. A fenced park inside the roundabout east of the shrine still marks the place where the old church stood.
The present church was designed by the Zagreb architect Stjepan Podhorsky. Building began in 1934 and, slowed by war and poverty, lasted until the church was consecrated on 19 January 1969. For a small farming parish it seemed far too large. Only after 1981 did people understand why.
Since the apparitions began, the church and its surroundings have been adapted again and again to welcome the growing number of pilgrims.
The two bell towers are the symbol of Medjugorje. A relief of St. James stands above the central door.
The white marble statue in the square, carved by the Italian sculptor Dino Felici in 1987, is where most pilgrims stop to pray first.
Built in 1989 behind the church. In summer and on great feasts the evening Mass, adoration and the veneration of the Cross are celebrated here before thousands of pilgrims.
Built in 1991 for silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Masses in different languages are celebrated here in the morning; in the afternoon it is open for personal prayer.
Medjugorje is often called the confessional of the world. Priests hear confessions in many languages in the twenty-five confessionals beside the church, especially during the evening programme.
A bronze statue of the patron saint of confessors, made by Carmelo Puzzolo in 1998, stands near the confessionals.
Our guides live in Medjugorje and know these places and their stories by heart. Join a private orientation tour, or let us plan your whole pilgrimage.
Some photographs on this page are by Rudolf Baier. © Rudolf Baier, all rights reserved. Used on this website with the photographer's permission.
A local guide shares the story of the apparitions from the very beginning, what Our Lady teaches in her messages, and walks you through the main sites of the village.
Most popularOur most popular pilgrimage: open your heart in faith and gratitude at the shrines and churches of Medjugorje and the surrounding area.
Pray on the steps to Križevac, climb the stone path of Apparition Hill and live the daily prayer of St. James parish.
