Celebration to mark 27th anniversary of reported Marian apparition

St. Mary Church in Waterloo will host a "spiritual celebration" on June 24 to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the reported Marian apparition at Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The event will be sponsored by the Queen of Peace Apostolate, a local nonprofit lay apostolate that was established in 1986 and includes more than 100 members from various areas within the Diocese of Rochester.

The celebration will begin in the church, located at 25 Center St., at 6 p.m. with the recitation of all 20 mysteries of the rosary. Confessions will be heard during this time. There will be Benediction at 7 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:15 p.m. Father Paul Bonacci, pastor of Schuyler Catholic Community and spiritual director of the Queen of Peace Apostolate, will preside over the Mass and hear confessions. There also will be a healing service after the Mass.

The Blessed Mother reportedly appeared to six children in Medjugorje on June 25, 1981. She reportedly continued to appear to them in visions for several months, and at least one of the six said she still receives monthly messages from Mary. The Vatican has not officially passed judgment on whether the visions are authentic, according to Catholic News Service.

For more information about the celebration, contact the Queen of Peace Apostolate at 315-539-9010 or visit www.QueenofPeaceApostolate.com.