MERCY TOURS
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Mount Križevac, (Cross Mountain), is named after the 30 ton cross which was erected on its summit in 1933-34. At 1770 feet above sea level it is the highest mountain in this part of Herzegovina. Originally called Mount Sipovac because of the many wild pomegranates which grow on its slopes, it was renamed Mount Križevac for the cross.
The Medjugorje area was prone to heavy hailstorms at harvest time. The crops of grapes and tobacco were often destroyed. The people of the parish decided to invoke divine protection.
They sought permission to mark the 1900th anniversary of the crucifixion by erecting a cross on Mount Sipovac. Having seen the mountain in a dream, Pope Pius 11th readily granted their request and offered a relic of the True Cross to be encased in the concrete.
The cement, sand and water had to be dragged up the rocky hill by hand. Then as now, many of the men were working in Germany so it was mostly women and children who supplied the labor. This is an incredible act of faith when you consider the steep and rocky path up the mountain. Many pilgrims have a tough time making the climb just by themselves without carrying any physical burdens.
Although the work began in 1933 it wasn't’t completed until 1934. The crops haven’t been destroyed since!
The people celebrate Mass on the mountain top each September 14 to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross and to offer thanksgiving for a good harvest.
Since Our Lady appeared in the area in 1981 a group from the parish makes the Stations of the Cross, on the rocky path to the summit each Friday. Pilgrims are welcome to join them in the ascent.
At first the stations were marked by simple wooden crosses. These were replaced by more elaborate wooden crosses with pictures just below the crossbeam. In 1998 a set of bronze reliefs created by Carmelo Puzzolo were erected beside the crosses. Making the Stations of the Cross on Mount Križevac is the highlight of the trip for many pilgrims to Medjugorje. This tough climb has led to many spiritual experiences and conversions.
Anyone visiting the area would be well advised to include the mountain in their itinerary
Our Lady has said that the Cross on Mt. Krizevac was in God’s design.
