Firefighters Wash Church in Aljmaš with Water Cannons
Detailed schedule of masses, devotions, and pilgrimages for the Feast of the Assumption at Slavonia's most significant Marian shrine.
Detailed schedule of masses, devotions, and pilgrimages for the Feast of the Assumption at Slavonia's most significant Marian shrine.
Preparations for the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge in Aljmaš are entering their final phase. On Monday, August 10, 2026, firefighters used water cannons to wash the facade of the Aljmaš church and tidy up the chapel, ensuring everything is ready for the thousands of faithful who will pilgrimage to the most significant Marian shrine in the Archdiocese of Đakovo-Osijek and all of Slavonia, as reported by Osijek Express.
The organizers have also released a detailed schedule of events, which, as they emphasize, has been 'set in stone' for years and brings no major changes. Special emphasis has been placed on the safety of pilgrims, who are urged to wear reflective vests while traveling. The use of the bicycle path from Nemetin to the roundabout at the turnoff for Aljmaš is also recommended, while 12 acres of parking have been provided for those arriving by car.
The spiritual preparation begins with a triduum from August 11 to 13. Each evening, half an hour before the 7:00 PM Mass, special Marian devotions will be held, followed by Eucharistic adoration with prayers for healing and liberation after Mass. The triduum will be led by Father Ivan Matić, director of spiritual retreats at the Tabor Meeting House.
The vigil of the Assumption on Friday, August 14, features a particularly rich program. The Stations of the Cross devotion at the Aljmaš Calvary begins at 5:30 PM, followed by Mass at 7:00 PM and Eucharistic adoration at 8:00 PM. The highlight of the evening will be a candlelight procession at 9:00 PM to the Chapel of Our Lady under the Linden Tree. The youth program, featuring Marian devotions, testimonies, and music, concludes with Mass at 10:00 PM.
On the Feast of the Assumption itself, Saturday, August 15, Masses will be celebrated at 6:00, 8:00, 10:00 AM, 12:00, 4:00, and 6:00 PM. The noon Mass is dedicated to the victims of the Homeland War, while the evening Mass at 6:00 PM is intended for young married couples and their children, with a special blessing of children at the end of the celebration. At 7:00 PM, a concert of spiritual music will be performed by Zvonimir Kalić & Band Noel.
The celebration continues on Sunday, August 16, with the traditional pilgrimage of the sick and infirm, as well as a blessing of drivers and vehicles. Masses will be held at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, followed by the blessing of the sick, drivers, and vehicles after each Mass.
"Throughout all the days, pilgrims will have the opportunity for confession. Before each Mass, there will be appropriate devotions," the organizers in Aljmaš announced for Osijek Express.
Emergency services, including medical and firefighting teams, will be on standby throughout the celebration to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
