Croats have always worshipped the Blessed Virgin Mary, calling upon her aid in difficult times and tribulations. They relied on her heavenly intercession, honoring her in gratitude as the queen of Croats, and have invoked her throughout history as the fidelissima Advocata Croatiae (the most faithful advocate of Croats).

In Sinj, one of the largest Croatian Marian shrines, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated on August 15 with special reverence. Many pilgrims visit Sinj with one purpose – to kneel and clasp their hands before the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, to bow down in silent prayer, to petition and give thanks to the heavenly Mother, and to light a candle before her image and open their heart to her grace. Many come in fulfilment of a vow – barefoot, on foot, from distant regions.

Already on the eve of the Feast, Sinj fills with people and murmuring voices, its streets and church becoming crowded. The first Mass, the traditional dawn Mass, is celebrated as early as 4 A.M. The votive Holy Mass is celebrated in the small church at the Old Town Fortress, reviving anew the gratitude to Our Lady for deliverance from the enemy's yoke and for comfort through many trials. The old fortress resounds with the song “O, Our Lady of Sinj, the Holy Virgin, wondrously you were blessed by God, worshipped you are throughout the world, the beloved Mother of your people...”

At 9:30 A.M., accompanied by the ringing of bells and the sound of fanfare, the image of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj is carried out of the church in a solemn procession through the streets of town. It is a great honor to carry the image on one’s shoulders. It is borne by Alka knights, their young squires, police officers, members of the Croatian Armed Forces, firefighters, members of the Association of Croatian Volunteer Defenders, members of the Association of Homeland War Veterans and Volunteers, members of civic associations, nuns and Franciscan friars, musicians, girls in traditional folk costume, mayors and municipal heads, and benefactors of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sinj.

From the Fortress, ceremonial mortars (maškule) mark the place of blessing, while residents of Sinj scatter flower petals along Our Lady's path from their windows. Accompanied by the recitation of the Rosary and Marian hymns, the image of Our Lady returns to the square in front of the church, where the liturgy continues. In the evening, another Holy Mass is celebrated on the square, though without a procession.

The Assumption also marks Sinj's Town Day.

For more information, visit: gospa-sinjska.hr