Križevci Pilgrims Journey to Assisi and Marija Bistrica

Young members of the Bjelovar‑Križevci diocese traveled to Assisi, Italy, from 30 July to 2 August as part of the “Upoznaj sveca” program marking the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death. The itinerary included visits to the saint’s birthplace, the Cathedral of Saint Rufinus, the Basilica of Saint Francis, and the Eremo delle Carceri, with daily Masses and opportunities for personal prayer.

On 3 August, faithful from Križevci began the 291st traditional foot pilgrimage to the national shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica in Marija Bistrica, Croatia. After a blessing and Mass led by parish priest Stjepan Soviček, participants walked dozens of kilometres through Prigorje and Zagorje, supported by local organisations. The journey concluded with a visit to the shrine, personal prayer, reconciliation sacraments, and a traditional procession around the altar.