The Pilgrims’ Song (To Mary)

          Storyteller

Bosnian officials declare a compromise: the visions may continue as long as they are confined to Church property. Which, they say, is where that sort of thing belongs. And though the children are forbidden to pray on the hill, they tell us Mary simply comes to them indoors instead. For ten years the six receive the Blessed Mother, most of them every day, even as they grow to be young adults. For ten years, they deliver her messages to the world. These messages - these calls for peace and reunion with God - are repeated, published and eventually posted to the internet. There are numerous accounts of miraculous healings attributed to Mary's presence in Medjugorje. There are countless more reports of spiritual transformations inspired by her counsel. By 1991, it is estimated that 20 million pilgrims have traveled the narrow, two-lane road that connects the village to the outside world.

          Chorus

I was tormented by shadows,
pursued by whispers everywhere.

I brought my Fears to Mary
And much to my dismay
She wept a sea of bitter tears
And turned the skies to gray.
I clung forlorn to Mary
And begged her for a sign.
She challenged me to be reborn
A sign of God’s design.

Walk with us, talk with us,
Mother of Mercy.
Stay for us, pray for us,
Pray we are worthy, pray we are worthy.

I was blessed with riches,
but I could only see wretchedness.

I brought my Pain to Mary
But Mary merely smiled.
No wonder she could bear my pain
She buried her own Child.
I saved my Hope for Mary
For fear my Hope would spoil.
She sent me out to scatter Hope
Like seed on fallow soil.

Walk with us, talk with us,
Mother of Mercy.
Stay for us, pray for us,
Pray we are worthy, pray we are worthy.

I was greedy, I was jealous,
Full of pride, full of malice.

And I brought my Shame to Mary
When I was at a loss.
"Cry out," she said, "in Jesus’ name
And He will share His Cross."
I sang my Love to Mary
And this is what I found:
The Sun and Moon and Stars above
Rejoicing at the sound!

Walk with us, talk with us,
Mother of Mercy.
Stay for us, pray for us,
Pray we are worthy, pray we are worthy.