Jesse and Debra took advantage of going to confession. They were told, with a wink, to go to priest speaking another language and tell all. Imbedded in the cross bar is a small piece of Jesus' cross provided by the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem in Rome. The view at the top overlooks the valley containing the parish of Medjugoje. A wooden cross has been erected halfway up the rosary-shaped footpath leading to the top of Apparition Hill.
Pilgrims say the rosary while ascending, praying and meditating at the top.
While the Vatican officially is taking a neutral position on the visionaries' claims until officially proven by the Catholic Church, the church has blessed pilgrimages of faith to the region. Their guide, the couple said, was a skeptic years ago, but since has become the most dedicated guide for pilgrims coming from around the world. Debra, who first heard about Medjugorje six years ago, said her challenge is to lift up her life from its current level to the next. He isn't in a box I keep, a Godbox just for Sunday. Some have asked the visionaries if it is better to be Catholic.