The first parish church of the Medjugorje Parish was built shortly after the establishment of the parish. It was constructed by Fr. Nikola Šimović, with the help of parishioners, between 1896 and 1897. For the people of that time, living in poverty, this was a monumental event. The church was beautiful both inside and out. Unfortunately, it was built on unsuitable terrain, and significant damage to the church appeared after just ten years. Despite numerous repairs, it eventually became clear that building a new church was the only viable solution.
Today, the foundations of the old church remain at this site, along with a votive chapel from 1931, which still houses the statue of Our Lady holding the Child Jesus in her arms.
Next to the old cistern stands a monument to seven Franciscan friars—five born in this parish and two who served here—who were killed by Yugoslav communists in 1945.
