[bluecross]

Statistics provided by the Medjugorje parish indicate a continuing decline in pilgrim numbers for the first three months of 2018.

Communion numbers are down 18% compared with 2017, and down 38% on the same period for 2016.

[bluecross]

The trend continues... The latest figures published by the Medjugorje parish reveal that the number of communion hosts distributed for the first four months of 2018 is down 24% (77,800) on the same period for 2017. Although April is traditionally considered the start of the pilgrimage season in Medjugorje, the decline in communion numbers is even greater on the corresponding month for last year – down 40%.

[chere-gospa]

The number of pilgrims is falling in Lourdes too.
-30% in 10 years (2007-2017).

One of the reasons is probably the economic crisis...

An article about the number of pilgrims in Lourdes (in French) : https://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/socie ... 00643.html

[bluecross]

Interesting article... and a pointer to what will happen to Medjugorje as the ‘shrine’ expands and is developed on the basis of commercial interests.

Medjugorje still has something to offer that Lourdes, Fatima and the likes of Knock can’t... ongoing apparitions and living visionaries.

But what commercial value can be put on the ‘fruits’ of Medjugorje... freely given through the grace of God?