St. Mary Sanctuary

St. Mary of Bistrica Sanctuary

Sanctuary in Marija Bistrica is the most famous Marian shrine in Croatia, and has long played an important role in the religious life of Croats. In the shrine, the statue of Our Lady with a child in her arms is worshipped. This miraculous statue was set on the altar in 1684 and at that time the pilgrimages to this holy place have began. The shrine is visited by believers from all over Croatia, and also from foreign countries. In 1688, many healings were already recorded. In 1715, the Croatian Parliament raised a votive altar and declared Marija Bistrica to be a national shrine. The most significant event was the consecration of Alojzije Stepinac and the visit of Pope John Paul II. Some of the most important pilgrimages are named: St. Margaret’s pilgrimage, the Transformation of the Lord, Pentecost pilgrimage, the Nativity of Mary and others.

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