As a standout athlete in high school, Michael accepted a full scholarship to play football at the University
of Eastern Michigan. Standing 6 ft. 4 in, in height and possessing a massive build of 330 lbs, he the ideal
candidate for the NFL's next offensive lineman. On a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, with his Mother Joyce, the
Lord called to him, to come play for His team. Through his incredible Confession, to seeing God's Healing
Power first-hand, this college football-player was deeply moved by God's Divine Mercy. Father Michael is
now the Director of Campus Ministries of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.. He is also the Director
of Apostolate of Prayer in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, WI.
As a thirty year old carpenter and soon to be married, Rick was involved in a construction accident that
left him clinicly dead for nearly three hours. During that time he had an out of body experience. Later, on a
unplanned trip with his mother to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, Our Lord appeared to him as The Good Shepard
and asked him to become a priest. Rick entered the Seminary, and began a long and arduous road to the
priesthood. Fr. Rick was Ordained in May, 2006, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is now associate pastor at
Holy Angles Parish in West Bend, WI. His amasing story of life, death and the graces he was given in
Medjugorje will truly touch you
Medjugorje Magazine, and the DuPage Marian Center is owned by Larry and Mary Sue Eck
Father Michael Lightner
Father Rick Wendell
Larry And Mary Sue Eck
Paul is the youngest of ten children (eight boys) so, naturally, Notre Dame football and rock ‘n roll
were the source of much of his formation and inspiration as a youth. After 9 years of Catholic
schools he decided to attend a co-ed public high school. With his newfound freedom (off campus
lunches and no hair cuts) and playing drums at parties with his band just about every weekend, Paul
eventually fell away from the faith of his youth.

After years of performing at popular Hollywood nightclubs and experiencing those things which “the
world” tells us will bring happiness, Paul discovered only misery and emptiness. At a time when
things couldn’t have looked any worse for him, he was invited to go on a pilgrimage to Medjugore,
located in Bosnia-Hercegovina. As a pilgrim Paul discovered the reality of the love and mercy of
Jesus Christ through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who continually calls us
to “do whatever He tells you.
Paul Harrigan
Father Michael Sawyer
Lynn Hoffman
After a few years of service in World War II, Fr. Michael entered the Benedictine Monastery on April
8, 1948, at Benet Lake Wiscnsin.  His monastic life has been varied first as a Brother doing farm
work later in Costa Rica as a builder and a teacher in a Vocational Agricultural high school for youth.  
In 1969, he was assigned to Pecos, New Mexico Benedictine Monastery and in 1974 was ordained to
the priesthood.  He was involved in the retreat ministry at Pecos and was appointed the liaison for
the charismatic renewal to the Archibishop of Santa Fe.

In September 1983, Fr. Michael was sent by the Abbot to established a new Benedictine foundation
in Hawaii.  In 1985, he became the Spiritual Director of the Basic Christian Community.  With the
requisition of the present property on the North Shore the monastery has expanded.
Lynn started a Medjugorje Prayer Group in 1990 and visited there for the first time that year. Lynn
has since been there 90 times escorting pilgrims to that peaceful village. She formed a nonprofit
travel agency in order to get better prices for the pilgrims so more could go. Lynn had her first
Marian Conference in 1992 and has done one nearly every year since. It is with great pleasure to
serve the Lord and Blessed Mother. She has now been called to speak at conferences and share
her experiences.
Pat and Nancy Latta
Diana Nagy
Diana Nagy grew up singing in the Church choir.  As an award winning performer, she experienced an
extraordinary and profound opportunity to sing for Pope John Paul II.

Diana has always been a “rocker” at heart, performing with top bands as well as her own solo career.  It
wasn’t until a few years ago Diana heard a different call…  God was calling, and she said “yes”.  The first
release off her debut album “The Journey Of  Life” features the patriotic smash hit “Where Freedom Flies” a
dedication to our country and those who serve it.  “Where Freedom Flies” has catapulted Diana’s career as
she joined two nationwide tours in late 2007 touring 65 cities.  Diana’s music honors God and our country.  A
portion of the proceeds from her CD, “The Journey Of Life” is donated to the troops and wounded warriors.  
“I just want to spend my life giving back,” she says.  Please visit Diana at "http://www.DianaNagy.com"
      
Within Every Soul There Is A Candle….  LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!
In 1991, Patrick Latta, a successful businessman and car dealer in Canada, and his wife Nancy, a commercial
lawyer, received a great grace of conversion through the messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje. Leaving behind
everything they had created in their material world, they moved to Medjugorje in 1993, during the height of the
war. With Fr. Slavko Barbaric, OFM as their spiritual guide and confessor until his death in Nov. of 2000, Our Lady
of the Sacred Heart Retreat House was born, with a specific desire to support, renew, and foster vocations to the
priesthood and religious life. Now after 15 years of living in Medjugorje and 12 years construction, streams of
pilgrims from around the world come to Our Lady's Retreat House to honor her as the Queen of Peace. We are so
proud to have them both at our special day.