When is the main Mass for the Feast of the Assumption in Marija Bistrica and who leads it?

The main solemn Mass is on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10 a.m., and it will be led by Archbishop of Zagreb, Mons. Dražen Kutleša.

Will the Mass be broadcast on television?

Yes, the central Mass on the Feast of the Assumption on Saturday and the parish and pilgrim Mass on Sunday at 10 a.m. will be broadcast live on HTV 1.

Is there a program on the day before the feast itself?

Yes, on Friday, August 14, at 8:30 p.m., there will be a traditional candlelight procession at the Bistrica Calvary, followed by an open-air Mass.

How long does the celebration program in Marija Bistrica last?

The program continues on Sunday, August 16, with Masses at 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 6 p.m., and at 7 p.m. there is also a Mass for the Feast of St. Roch in nearby Podgrađe.

Croatia

Feast of the Assumption in Marija Bistrica: Full Schedule Announced

A.F. · Prije 11h | 2 min

The Croatian National Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica has released a detailed program of liturgical celebrations for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The central Eucharistic celebration on Saturday at 10 a.m. will be led by Archbishop of Zagreb, Mons. Dražen Kutleša, with a live television broadcast.

Summary

The Croatian National Shrine in Marija Bistrica has announced the schedule for the Feast of the Assumption from August 14 to 16, 2026.
The central Mass on August 15 at 10 a.m. will be led by Archbishop of Zagreb Dražen Kutleša, with a live broadcast on HTV 1.
The program includes a traditional candlelight procession to Calvary on the eve of the feast and multiple Mass times throughout all three days.
On Sunday, the pilgrim Mass at 10 a.m. will be led by Rev. Tomica Šestak, and in the evening there is a Mass for the Feast of St. Roch in Podgrađe.

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Marija Bistrica is once again preparing to welcome thousands of pilgrims who will come to the Croatian National Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. The shrine has published the full schedule of Masses and processions for three days of intensive spiritual programming, from Friday, August 14, to Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Vigil with Procession to Calvary

The program begins on Friday, August 14, the eve of the feast itself. At 8:30 p.m., a traditional candlelight procession will take place at the Bistrica Calvary. Following the procession, an open-air Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Domagoj Matošević.

Main Day: Masses from Dawn to Dusk

On the Feast of the Assumption itself, Saturday, August 15, the faithful will have several Masses available throughout the day. The first open-air Masses will be held at 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

The central and most solemn Eucharistic celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. It will be led by Archbishop of Zagreb, Mons. Dražen Kutleša, and the Mass will be broadcast live on HTV 1. Afternoon and evening services are scheduled for 4 p.m. in the basilica, and at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. outdoors.

Program Continues and the Feast of St. Roch

The spiritual program continues on Sunday, August 16. Masses are scheduled at 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. The parish and pilgrim Mass at 10 a.m. will be led by Rev. Tomica Šestak, and this celebration will also be broadcast live on HTV 1. Later that day, at 7 p.m., a Mass will be celebrated for the Feast of St. Roch in Podgrađe.

More Than a Date on the Calendar

For the Feast of the Assumption, Marija Bistrica once again becomes the central gathering place for Croatian Catholics. For many believers, coming to the national shrine is not just attending Mass, but continuing a family and pilgrimage tradition passed down through generations. This event remains a powerful part of Croatian religious and national identity.