The Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge expects thousands of pilgrims from August 11 to mid-September. Here is a detailed overview of the triduum, vigil, central celebration, and all pilgrimages.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge in Aljmaš will once again be the center of spiritual life in eastern Croatia during the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Organizers have announced a rich program that begins on August 11, 2026, and lasts until mid-September, culminating on August 14 and 15 when thousands of faithful from home and abroad are expected.
The program includes a triduum, festive Masses, a candlelight procession, Eucharistic adoration, a concert of spiritual music, and special Masses for victims of the Homeland War, young married couples, and their families. During all pilgrimage days, the faithful will have the opportunity for confession, and before each Mass, appropriate Marian devotions will be held.
The spiritual preparation for the feast begins with the triduum on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and lasts until Thursday, August 13, 2026. Each day, Marian devotions begin half an hour before the Holy Mass, which is scheduled at 7:00 PM. After Mass, Eucharistic adoration with prayers for healing and liberation follows. The triduum is led by Father Ivan Matić, head of spiritual retreats at the Tabor Meeting House.
Friday, August 14, 2026, brings a particularly rich program on the eve of the feast itself. At 5:30 PM, the Way of the Cross devotion begins at the Aljmaš Calvary. The solemn Mass is celebrated at 7:00 PM, and at 8:00 PM, Eucharistic adoration with prayers for healing and liberation begins. The highlight of the evening is the candlelight procession at 9:00 PM to the chapel of Our Lady under the Linden Tree, followed by Marian devotion. The program concludes with a Holy Mass for young people at 10:00 PM, with testimonies, song, and praise.
On the very feast of the Assumption, Saturday, August 15, 2026, Masses will be celebrated throughout the day. The first is scheduled at 6:00 AM, followed by those at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and at 12:00 PM a Holy Mass for victims of the Homeland War. Afternoon Masses are at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, with the latter dedicated to young married couples and their children, including a blessing of children at the end of Mass. The spiritual program is rounded off with a concert of spiritual music at 7:00 PM, featuring Zvonimir Kalić & Band Noel.
The celebration continues in the days following the feast. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, there is a pilgrimage of the sick and infirm, as well as a blessing of drivers and vehicles. Holy Masses will be celebrated at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, followed by the blessing of the sick, drivers, and vehicles.
In September, three significant pilgrimages follow. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the pilgrimage of the city of Vukovar takes place with a Holy Mass at 11:00 AM. On the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Masses are at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with the evening Mass followed by an evening of praise and spiritual renewal led by Father Stjepan Brčina with a praise band. The program concludes on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with the pilgrimage of the Đakovo and Čepin deaneries with a Holy Mass at 10:00 AM.
