Imagine this: It’s the fall of 2021; I am alone, cold, wet, and carrying nothing but a backpack filled with a Bible, rosary, pen, and most likely some chapstick (because I don’t go anywhere without that stuff). I’ve been in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina for about 2.5 weeks and I am currently hiking Apparition Hill on a chilly November evening without a soul in sight. For those of you who may not be aware, Medjugorje is a Marian apparition site where the Blessed Mother of Jesus has been appearing for 44 years, bringing messages of peace and conversion to her children. Before the statue of Our Blessed Mother, where she once appeared, I kneel and pour out my heart—trembling with fear, tangled in confusion, and filled with questions that blur the line between seeking answers and pleading for mercy.

“Where is my solid ground? Where is my home? My foundation? Am I ready to receive these answers and go?”

Looking into my heart, I found her twinkling eyes meeting mine, beckoning me to find a place to shield me from the rain. At this point, I was sopping wet. I looked around only to find a tall, wooden Crucifix that had a little awning above it just wide enough for someone to be protected from the elements. Kneeling down, I wrapped my arms around the base of the Cross, my forehead resting at His feet, and I heard His quiet voice say,

“This is where you will always find My Love.”

Even though there was a storm raging around me, the chaos of my heart had finally quieted; all of my questions answered in one short sentence.

Over 3 years later, just a few weeks ago, I found myself at the exact same place. This time, I was with my family; sweaty, hot, and had a few more objects in my backpack than I probably needed. However, I came with a different heart. I brought to Mary my heart of gratitude, a heart that has been touched by peace and conversion. Again, she led me to kneel before her Son, my lips pressed to His wearied feet, and she spoke,

“My daughter, you will always find my Son when you rest under His Cross.”