When does the Assumption Day celebration take place in Nova Rača?

The Solemnity of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15, 2026, preceded by a triduum from August 12 to 14.

Who presides over the central Mass on Assumption Day?

The central Eucharistic celebration at 11:00 AM is led by Cardinal Ernest Simoni, together with Bishop Vjekoslav Huzjak.

What time do the Masses begin on Assumption Day?

The Masses are at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 6:00 PM. The first is led by the Rector of the Shrine, the central one by the Cardinal, and the evening one by the youth delegate of the Diocese of Sisak.

Who leads the Masses during the triduum?

The Masses at 7:00 PM are led by Dean of the Dugo Selo Deanery Ivan Valentić (Aug 12), Dean of the Krapina Deanery Vladimir Drnetić (Aug 13), and parish priest Darko Bručić Pavuk (Aug 14).

Croatia

Cardinal Ernest Simoni Leads the Assumption Day Celebrations in Nova Rača

H.D. · Prije 2h | 2 min

The diocesan Marian shrine prepares a rich triduum program and three Masses for the feast day on August 15, 2026.

Summary

Nova Rača prepares the Assumption Day celebration with a triduum from August 12 to 14 and three Masses on the feast day, August 15, 2026.
The central Eucharistic celebration at 11:00 AM is led by Cardinal Ernest Simoni, with Bishop Vjekoslav Huzjak.
The shrine invites the faithful from all over Croatia to join in prayer and thanksgiving to the heavenly patroness.

This year, as in previous years, the Marian shrine in Nova Rača will be among the main pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Bjelovar-Križevci. On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as Velika Gospa, the faithful can expect a triduum, with the highlight being the arrival of Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who will preside over the central Eucharistic celebration.

Three-Day Spiritual Preparation from August 12 to 14

The celebration of one of the greatest Marian feasts will be preceded by a triduum during which Holy Masses will be celebrated daily at 7:00 PM. The spiritual preparation program begins on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when the Mass will be led by Rev. Ivan Valentić, Dean of the Dugo Selo Deanery. The following day, August 13, the celebration will be led by Rev. Vladimir Drnetić, Dean of the Krapina Deanery, while on the last day of the triduum, August 14, the Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Darko Bručić Pavuk, parish priest of the Parish of St. Luke in Travno.

Three Masses on the Feast Day Itself

On the Solemnity of the Assumption, August 15, 2026, three Masses will be held at the shrine. The first Mass at 8:00 AM will be led by Rev. Mihill Gojani, Rector of the Shrine. The main Mass, scheduled for 11:00 AM, will be presided over by Cardinal Ernest Simoni, with the participation of Msgr. Vjekoslav Huzjak, Bishop of the Diocese of Bjelovar-Križevci. The evening Mass at 6:00 PM will be celebrated by Rev. Marijan Štingl, who is responsible for youth in the Diocese of Sisak.

The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the shrine invite all faithful to join the celebration. "This year, too, Mary invites us to her feast and wishes to continue accompanying us with her powerful intercession. Welcome to our Diocesan Marian Shrine in Nova Rača!" the shrine officials said.

A Pilgrimage Center for the Faithful from All Over Croatia

Velika Gospa traditionally gathers a large number of pilgrims from the Bjelovar-Bilogora County and other parts of Croatia. Nova Rača is one of the key Marian shrines in the region, and the organizers invite the faithful to gather in prayer and gratitude to celebrate the feast dedicated to the heavenly patroness of many Croatian parishes and families.