"The New Zealand pilgrim was a rare specimen indeed. It was time for New Zealand-led group pilgrimages, by and for New Zealanders." - Mir Pilgrimages
The journey towards the founding of Mir Pilgrimages began in 1995 at the Marian apparition site of Medjugorje in what was then known as Yugoslavia during the height of the Bosnian conflict. A strong call to go to this small unassuming hamlet in the middle of nowhere, and a series of 'coincidences' repeatedly felt like a persistent tap on the shoulder for Patricia, the founder of Mir Pilgrimages.
In a gigantic leap of faith of biblical proportions and, not finding any agency in New Zealand dedicated to pilgrimage, Patricia contacted an agency in the United Kingdom. Before it was too late to head for the hills, it was booked and paid for. The only hill Patricia was heading for was Apparition Hill in Medjugorje.
If not for boarding that flight, Patricia wouldn't have had the incredible experiences and encounters that she did and Mir Pilgrimages wouldn't have been founded.
Another group pilgrimage with the same UK company followed, but in 2001, Patricia felt the call to fly solo.
That personal alone-time in Medjugorje in 2001, and a spiritual encounter while there, was a dramatic turning point - and a whole other story. Mir Pilgrimages was born.
One thing was certain - the New Zealand pilgrim was a rare specimen indeed! Kiwis rarely encountered other kiwi pilgrims. Those who wanted to experience pilgrimage had to book and travel with foreign tour companies from Australia or beyond, whilst juggling itineraries and flight schedules to connect with groups.
On returning home, pilgrims desired to speak of their experiences, but to whom? Theirs was a voice crying out in the desert. It was time for New Zealand-led pilgrimages, by and for New Zealanders, so that kiwi pilgrims could have a true sharing of experiences.
Through grace and divine inspiration, Mir Pilgrimages was founded in 2002 - the first group pilgrimages created for kiwi pilgrims by a kiwi and run every year to the present day - and if you're not a kiwi, you're welcome too! You'll be taken under our wing and shown how a flightless kiwi can, and does, soar to supernatural heights!
Special graces abound for pilgrims who answer the call to pilgrimage.
Depart on pilgrimage...return with Mir.
Come with Mir Pilgrimages to explore and discover something miraculous.
'Mir' | 'Peace'
MIR means 'peace' in slavic languages and has special meaning when visiting places of pilgrimage.
Rediscover the sense of the supernatural. Pilgrimage can be amazing, awe-inspiring, sublime and heavenly - even amongst the cacaphony of foreign sights, sounds and smells that your senses are assailed with. The Holy Sepulchre, the Bethlehem Manger and the Sea of Galilee in Israel, the marian apparition sites of Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, and Medjugorje in Bosnia & Hercegovina, the eternal city of Rome and shrines of countless saints throughout Europe and beyond.
Mir Pilgrimages wants to help you encounter these extraordinary places marked out by God.
Depart on pilgrimage; return with MIR
Rediscover the sense of the supernatural. Pilgrimage can be amazing, awe-inspiring, sublime and heavenly - even amongst the cacaphony of foreign sights, sounds and smells that your senses are assailed with. The Holy Sepulchre, the Bethlehem Manger and the Sea of Galilee in Israel, the marian apparition sites of Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, and Medjugorje in Bosnia & Hercegovina, the eternal city of Rome and shrines of countless saints throughout Europe and beyond.
Mir Pilgrimages wants to help you encounter these extraordinary places marked out by God.
Depart on pilgrimage; return with MIR
Places of pilgrimage are marked out by God for a special purpose.
Mir Pilgrimages also offers Road Retreats™- coached pilgrimages throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand visiting cathedrals, churches, religious monastic orders, schools, places of art and culture, historical sites and lay apostolates, all amongst the breath-taking, God-given scenery we're blessed to behold on our back doorstep. The pilgrimage experience is within reach of all!
Mir Pilgrimages is accompanied by a chaplain. Family pansions, monasteries, convents and retreat houses are the desired choices of accommodation at holy sites where available.
Mir Pilgrimages is accompanied by a chaplain. Family pansions, monasteries, convents and retreat houses are the desired choices of accommodation at holy sites where available.
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark." - St John of the Cross