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34th Medjugorje Youth Festival “Mladifest”

In her message on April 24, 1986, Our Lady of Medjugorje said, “Let all the young people be an example to others by their life and let them witness to Jesus.” Our Lady’s message still rings true today as the Church seeks to equip and minister to the next generation of Catholics. The town of Medjugorje in Bosnia & Herzegovina, the site of Our Lady’s alleged apparitions since 1981, has become a haven for the faithful, including young people who are seeking to grow in their faith. 

Each year, the town of Medjugorje welcomes over 50,000 young pilgrims and 500 priests for the annual Youth Festival known as “Mladifest”. This special festival, taking place July 26^th – 30^th, 2023, is focused entirely on strengthening young people in their faith as pilgrimage groups from countries around the world gather in praise and worship of the Lord. The festival includes Mass, confession, adoration, candlelight processions, the Rosary, music, and times for prayer. In addition, young pilgrims can visit the many holy sites in Medjugorje including Apparition Hill and Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain).

In the Gospel of Matthew, Our Lord tells his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt 19:14). Going on pilgrimage offers young people the chance to experience their faith in a deeply personal way. By visiting holy sites and worshipping with other peers, the faith becomes truly their own and they return home strengthened and renewed by their experiences. 

206 Tours has multiple groups that will be going on pilgrimage in Medjugorje at the time of this year’s Mladifest. It is a special privilege to bring young people to the place which served as the initial inspiration for 206 Tours back when our President and Founder, Milanka Lachman first visited Medjugorje in the early 1980’s. Since that time, 206 Tours has brought over 300,000 pilgrims to Medjugorje as Catholics from all over the world seek to visit this town which is so close to the heart of Our Lady. This year, Milanka will be returning to Medjugorje with her husband Charlie, her daughter Sandra Lippold (Vice President of 206 Tours), and Sandra’s husband and their children (Milanka’s grandchildren).

Be sure to follow 206 Tours on social media as we will be sharing updates from our pilgrimage groups present in Medjugorje for the 2023 Youth Festival! If you would like to learn more about going on pilgrimage to Medjugorje, visit 206 Tours website or contact us via email.

Additional Information Regarding the 34^th Mladifest Youth Festival in Medjugorje

Mladifest Dates: July 26^th-30^th, 2023

Location: Medjugorje is accessible by 2.5 hour drive from 3 area airports: Split, Sarajevo, and Dubrovnik.

Accommodations: There are many and varied accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

View the Full 206 Tours Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages