The Diocesan Marian Shrine in Nova Rača has released the detailed program for this year's celebration, which includes a three-day spiritual preparation and three Masses on the feast day itself.
This year, the shrine dedicated to Mary in Nova Rača, which belongs to the diocese, will once again be among the main destinations for pilgrims from the Bjelovar-Križevci Diocese, especially for the Feast of the Assumption. The central Eucharistic celebration on the Assumption, August 15, 2026, will be led by Cardinal Ernest Simoni.
In the run-up to the feast itself, the faithful can expect a three-day spiritual preparation. Holy Masses during all three days of the triduum will begin at 7:00 PM. The program for the first day, Wednesday, August 12, will be led by Rev. Ivan Valentić, Dean of the Dugo Selo Deanery. On Thursday, August 13, Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Vladimir Drnetić, Dean of the Krapina Deanery, while the final day of preparation, Friday, August 14, will feature a Mass led by Rev. Darko Bručić Pavuk, parish priest of the Parish of St. Luke in Travno.
On the feast of the Assumption itself, Saturday, August 15, three Holy Masses will be celebrated at the shrine. The morning Mass at 8:00 AM will be led by Rev. Mihill Gojani, Rector of the Shrine. The central Eucharistic celebration, beginning at 11:00 AM, will be led by Cardinal Ernest Simoni, in concelebration with Msgr. Vjekoslav Huzjak, Bishop of the Bjelovar-Križevci Diocese. The evening Mass at 6:00 PM will be celebrated by Rev. Marijan Štingl, Youth Commissioner for the Sisak Diocese.
The Assumption traditionally attracts a large number of pilgrims to Nova Rača, not only from the Bjelovar-Bilogora County but also from other parts of Croatia. The Shrine has extended an invitation to all the faithful to join the celebration.
"This year, too, Mary invites us to her celebration and wishes to continue to accompany us with her powerful intercession. Welcome to our Diocesan Marian Shrine in Nova Rača!" the Shrine said.
The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Diocesan Marian Shrine in Nova Rača will thus, once again this year, be a place of prayer, encounter, and joint celebration of one of the greatest Marian feasts.
