The central church of Međugorje is given to St James, one of the first chaps to join Jesus on his quest and the patron saint of Spain, pharmacists, oyster fishers, woodcarvers and much more. There was always going to be a church here, but the apparition gave new momentum and energy to its building. The plans for the church were already too big, but the miracle made it clear that the plan was always to overbuild the thing, to make room for the millions who would come in search of salvation. The aesthetics of the church are typically darling, but you’re here for the intangible as opposed to brick and mortar.
