Svjetlana, Medjugorje Guide

Svjetlana, who grew up in Bosnia and Canada, works as a guide in Medjugorje, but this work is not what she always planned to do. 

My name is Svjetlana. I am 34 years old, I am Croatian and I was born in Bosnia. When the war started in the 1990s, my family and I moved to Herzegovina as refugees, and that is how Medjugorje became a big part of my family’s life. My parents had a huge conversion, and even though we lost everything in the war, we had Medjugorje.

In 1996 we moved together as a family to Canada and I can see now how Our Lady stayed with us through the ups and downs, the trials of life. Our Lady had a plan that I didn’t know at the time. About nine years ago, my sister entered a religious community in Croatia, and we started coming back here more to visit. I never planned to live here, but I stayed a few summers in a row and I met Marija the visionary, and we became friends. 

Then about three years ago, a friend of mine who is a guide inspired me to do the official guide test. I knew it was an opportunity I had to take because it was another five years until the next test. It wasn’t something I had planned to do and I was thinking of moving back to Canada. 

I did the test and became a guide. I can really see that this is what I am meant to do — it is a calling, not a job. It is not easy, but it is very rewarding. I always remind myself that Our Lady is the true guide; she is the one in charge. Sharing Our Lady’s messages with the pilgrims, I receive so much everyday. 

I am thankful to God for this journey, and for Our Lady staying with me and protecting my family in so many ways.