In 1989, Medjugorje priest Fr. Slavko Barbarić wanted to organize a multi-day gathering of young people in Medjugorje, filled with the sacraments, prayer, testimonies, and joyful music. In 1989 only about 50 people attended. Now, on average, 50,000 people attend the annual Youth Festival (also known as MladiFest). In addition, typically 500-700 priests, numerous bishops and some cardinals attend as well.

In 2025, the Mir Medjugorje English Information Center (established by the Medjugorje Franciscans in 2023 to spread the spirituality and message of Medjugorje to the English-speaking world) is organizing the first-ever Medjugorje Mladifest in the USA.

The Medjugorje Mladifest is being organized with the following permissions and support:

• Cardinal Blaze Cupich, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago
• Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Visitor for Medjugorje
• Fr. Zvonimir Pavičić, Pastor of St. James Church in Medjugorje
• Fr. Jozo Grbeš, Provincial Minister of the Franciscan Order of Herzegovina
• The Croatian Franciscan Custody of St. Anthony, Chicago, Illinois

We are still finalizing the schedule, but here’s a preview of the current plan:

1. Click "Register Now"
   
   
2. If are not signed in, or you need to create an account, enter your email address.
   
   NOTE:

   If registering someone without an email, you may use "<lastname>.<firstname>" in place of their email. We will not be able to contact this person to provide updates, so only do this if necessary.
   After clicking "Next", enter your password (or if creating an account, complete the required information).
   
   
3. Answer the registration questions, and click "Register."
   
   
4. Complete your payment to finalize your registration and secure your spot for the Chicago Mladifest.
   NOTE:

   Your registration is not complete until payment is received.

For information on the cost of the Chicago Mladifest, please visit our payment page. If you have already registered, you can see your payment status here.

Included in the cost of the registration:

• Access to all events of the weekend (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
• All meals from dinner on Friday to lunch on Sunday
• A few special gifts from the Mir Medjugorje English Information Center

Please note: sleeping accommodations are separate.

Yes! You can pay for more than one person, however, please ensure that each person is registered individually before making the payment. After registering, follow the payment instructions in the link below, and submit the payment according to the admission you’ve selected for each person.

There is limited space available at Trinity College, for Friday & Saturday night only. Trinity offers dorm-room accommodations, which are two-bedroom suites (each bedroom has two single beds), with a shared bathroom per suite.

Prefer not to stay in the dorms? Book your stay at the Hilton Chicago Oak Lawn, just minutes from Trinity College! Enjoy a Special Group Rate by reserving through this link: Book Hilton Chicago Oak Lawn

All bookings are made directly with the Hilton Chicago Oak Lawn. For any support, please contact them directly at: 708-425-7800

You can specify your accommodations during registration by answering the "Allergies?/Medical Conditions" or “Dietary Requirements” question. If you’ve already registered without entering your accommodations, please send an email to info@centermirmedjugorje.com.

Yes, you can specify your preferred roommate(s) during registration by answering the "Roommate Preference" question. If you’ve already registered without selecting a roommate, simply send an email to info@centermirmedjugorje.com with your preference.

Just as all are welcome at the Mladifest in Medjugorje, everyone is also welcome at the Mladifest in Chicago. Please note, however, that all minors must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Trinity College is in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Midway Airport is 10 miles away from Trinity, while O’Hare International Airport is 29 miles away.

If you are driving to Trinity College, there is plenty of parking onsite.