The Blessed Virgin Mary has ever been an ardent champion and heavenly advocate of the Croatian people. They have always worshipped and prayed to her for aid in difficult times and troubles, and have, with great confidence, praised her in gratitude as the Queen of Heaven and Most Loyal Intercessor.

Each year on August 15, Sinj, one of Croatia’s largest Marian shrines, hosts an exceptionally solemn Feast of the Assumption of Mary. An endless stream of pilgrims of all ages, from all parts of our beautiful Homeland and beyond, arrive here with one purpose – to kneel and pray before the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, bow in silent prayer, say their pleas and thanks, light a candle in front of her image, and open their heart to her mercy. The miraculous Lady of Sinj is the patron saint of the town of Sinj, so its Town Day is also celebrated on August 15.

This makes Sinj the ideal host for the Congress “Days of the Spiritual Heritage of Marian Shrines”, which will be held on June 20–21, 2025. It is organized by the Sinj Tourist Board and the Shrine of Our Lady of Sinj, with support from the Split-Dalmatia County, the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Town of Sinj, and the Alka Knights’ Association.

The Congress aims to further connect, popularize, and thus preserve for posterity the existing sacral heritage of Croatian Marian shrines. These shrines are a bastion of hope for all faithful, so by fostering sacral tourism, the organizers hope to contribute to their growth and support the local community, while preserving the importance of spirituality and faith, which are the core purpose of these shrines.

The Congress has so far hosted the shrines in Marija Bistrica, Trsat, Nin, Voćin, Solin, Aljmaš, Vrpolje, Baška – Krk, Remeta – Zagreb, Šumanovci – Gunja, Molve, Sljeme, Trški Vrh, Sinj, and many others in Croatia, alongside other shrines of the Croatian people in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and even Marian shrines from Poland and Ukraine.

This year, we are proud that the Congress will once again host the leaders of many Marian shrines from Croatia, as well as ones from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.

Besides talks by eminent lecturers, the Congress will also include expert-guided tours and a cultural and entertainment program that is free for all visitors!

We look forward to seeing you!

Photo gallery

Ante Žižić, Monika Vrgoč