In Pomerania, a Mass of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Lourdes on the occasion of Victory Day

In Rijeka, on the occasion of Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day, a solemn religious ceremony took place at the convent of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A holy mass was celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, drawing hundreds of faithful who gathered in the chapel of the convent. The event marked both the national holiday and the commemoration of Croatian defenders, with participants expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made during wartime. The mass, led by Archbishop Rikardo Lekaj, served as a spiritual reflection on the role of faith in times of hardship. Lekaj emphasized the importance of trust in God and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, drawing parallels between the struggles of the past and the present. He highlighted the enduring strength of faith, referencing the story of the woman from Canaan in the Gospel, whose unwavering belief led to miraculous outcomes. According to Lekaj, the freedom they enjoy today is not solely the result of human courage, but also of countless prayers, tears, sacrifices, and reliance on the Lord. Lekaj also spoke about the sacred grotto located within the convent’s park, built in August 1911 as a symbol of gratitude for the healing of the founder of the congregation, Sister Marija Krucifiksa Kozulić. This grotto, he explained, is more than just a stone monument, it represents a faith that knows how to thank, a faith that does not falter. It stands as a testament to the deep devotion of the community and its commitment to placing all matters into the hands of the Mother of God. He further described the life of Sister Kozulić, noting her resilience in the face of illness, persecution, and the immense responsibilities she bore for the community, especially for young people and children. Despite these challenges, she always returned to Our Lady of Lourdes, seeking not miracles, but the maternal guidance of the Virgin Mary leading Christ. Lekaj urged the congregation to follow this example, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith, as God loves us. The Reverend Mother Časna Majka Dobroslava Mlakić, head superior of the congregation, expressed gratitude to all attendees and to Archbishop Lekaj for his service during the mass. After the mass, the faithful participated in a procession toward the sacred grotto, where citizens of Rijeka once stopped daily, between 300 and 400 people each day, to pray and seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The tradition continues, reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual heritage of the region. This annual celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the historical and cultural significance of faith in the lives of the people of Rijeka. The gathering underscores the ongoing relevance of religious traditions in fostering community, unity, and hope. As the faithful continue their journey toward the grotto, they carry forward the legacy of those who came before them, honoring the past while looking toward the future with renewed purpose.