Our Mother, known as Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace has been appearing to six visionaries in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia since 1981; Ivan, Jakov, Marija, Mirjana, Vicka, and Ivanka. For over 40 years there have been more than 40 million people from all faiths, from all walks of life, and from nations all over the world who have made pilgrimages to experience the beautiful graces that our Blessed Mother is giving to the world. Mary has told us that God has sent her to the world to call us back to God, and we are in a period of special grace.

Mary said...
"I have come to tell the world that God exists. He is the fullness of life, and to enjoy this fullness and peace, you must return to God".

Her messages are calling us to conversion and they are messages of faith, prayer, hope, and reconciliation. In addition to her messages to the world, each of the visionaries has been or will be given a total of 10 secrets that are to be revealed to the world 8 days prior to the event. (note: some of her messages are for the visionaries themselves and others are for the world.) Mary's mission is to call us all back to Jesus and to bring us back in making God the center of our lives. While this is a time of special grace, this time is now running extremely short.

We have been asked to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays from midnight to midnight on bread and water. Our Lady tells us that this is the "best" fast. If this is not possible, then alternatives would be to give up something like coffee, alcohol, sweets, cigarettes, television, or some other material goods as a sacrifice to God.

In the Old Testament and in the New Testament, there are many examples of fasting. Jesus fasted frequently. According to Tradition, fasting is encouraged especially in times of great temptation or severe trials. Certain devils, "can be cast out in no other way except by prayer and fasting", said Jesus. (Mark 9:29).

Our Lady reminds us; "You have forgotten that with prayer and fasting you can ward off wars, suspend natural laws."
We all have so many urgent needs and there are tragic events happening more and more frequently around the world. We need to keep in mind that it is through prayer and fasting everything can change. Through fasting and prayer, natural laws can be suspended and wars may be prevented.

By combining prayer and fasting we increase the power of our prayers. This is important to remember when praying for a special or urgent intention. By prayer and fasting we allow our whole being to participate, and offer this sacrifice to God.

"The best fast is on bread and water. Through fasting and prayer, one can stop wars, one can suspend the natural laws of nature. Works of charity cannot replace fasting... Everyone except the sick has to fast." (July 21, 1982)

"Dear children! Today also I invite you to prayer. Only by prayer and fasting can war be stopped. Therefore, my dear little children, pray and by your life give witness that you are mine and that you belong to me because Satan wishes in these turbulent days to seduce as many souls as possible. Therefore, I invite you to decide for God and He will protect you and show you what you should do and which path to take. I invite all those who have said "yes" to me to renew their consecration to my Son Jesus and to His Heart and to me so we can take you more intensely as instruments of peace in this unpeaceful world. Medjugorje is a sign to all of you and a call to pray and live the days of grace that God is giving you. Therefore, dear children, accept the call to prayer with seriousness. I am with you and your suffering is also mine. Thank you for having responded to my call." April 25, 1992

"Dear children! Today I call you to renew prayer and fasting with even greater enthusiasm until prayer becomes a joy for you. Little children, the one who prays is not afraid of the future and the one who fasts is not afraid of evil. Once again, I repeat to you: only through prayer and fasting also wars can be stopped – wars of your unbelief and fear for the future. I am with you and am teaching you little children: your peace and hope are in God. That is why draw closer to God and put Him in the first place in your life. Thank you for having responded to my call." January 25, 2001