Testimony by: Luellen Maskeny

Dear Friends of Medjugorje,

I went to visit the tiny village of Medjugorje in August of 1987 (ten yrs ago). My husband and I went to ask for a miracle, a healing of our three yr old son John who was recently diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. John got into the apparition room and he saw Mary! I call him a little spiritual hitch hiker. He saw Mary and said to his father, "See her? See her? See Mary? I seen her".

Since our trip, many of our friends and many people have heard about John and our trip to Medjugorje. We were even invited guests on a national television program to tell America our story.

Since our visit to Medjugorje, My life has really changed. I am no longer afraid of carrying the cross we have with our pain and suffering of daily shots from this chronic illness of diabetes. In 1993 we organized a program, called "Protect The Children" and collected over 2,000 shoe box gifts for the poor, suffering children of Bosnia from the American people across the country. I write the Children's column for Medjugorje Magazine and also organized a week of prayer (1st week in October) to stop all killing including abortion. This program was endorsed by the National Council of Catholic Bishops and The National Association of Chiefs of Police (11,000 members). I am a Eucharist Minister in my church, St. Thomas a Becket, Reston, Virginia and everything I have done over the past ten years, I have done for God and I have done for free. I have not written one book or collected one dime off the efforts I have given for the QUEEN OF PEACE.

Also since our visit in 1987, my husband became suddenly ill and died in 1994, he was only 43 years old. My father passed away in 1996 and I have lost most of my financial security. My son still takes daily shots for his diabetes and from an economical point of view, my life is a disaster. But because of Medjugorje and the love, the spirit, the grace, the joy we received there, I can tell you that today my sons attend a traditional Catholic school where they are learning latin and pray the rosary each day in latin. Also I can say without a doubt that God is good to me and I have been blessed. My heart is full with joy and I sing "Ave Ave Ave Maria" in thanksgiving for our Blessed Mother who came to her poor suffering children, who came to me who is unworthy of all that I have received. No matter what happens in Medjugorje, no matter what arguements there are or what physical destruction may occur in Bosnia, I will be continue to be faithful to the Church, The Pope and Catholic doctrine. I do not run after visionaries, they are not the basis of my faith. I have never joined any cults and I can truthfully say I believe without a doubt the Mother of God came to those 6 village children and gave brought many of us back, including myself and my family, to God.

The fruits of Medjugorje are many, including my best friend who was pro choice and after Medjugorje became pro life. This in itself is a miracle. Her husband who was a protestant and went to Medjugorje and became Catholic. I could tell you dozens of stories of conversions, this list goes on and on.........

Mir - Peace,
Luellen H. Maskeny & family