started · updated
Zagreb prayer gathering sparks political criticism
A monthly public Rosary prayer gathering held at Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb drew significant attention this Saturday, featuring participants from Germany. Organized by the Hrvati izvan domovine initiative, the group is participating in a three-day spiritual program involving prayer and pilgrimages to Marija Bistrica and Karlovac. The organizers aim to strengthen faith and connect the Croatian diaspora with their homeland.
The event, often referred to by critics as “klečavci,” focuses on prayer for male spiritual authority in families, chastity in dress, and the protection of life from conception. These gatherings have become regular occurrences on the first Saturday of each month, frequently met by counter-protesters using drums and banners to advocate for gender equality and women's rights.
Croatian Member of Parliament Dalija Orešković criticized the event and the silence of the Church on social media. She questioned why the Church remains silent when religious figures use the image of Mary to promote views she described as contrary to the biblical depiction of Mary as an autonomous woman. Orešković characterized the movement as a departure from the nation's spiritual spirit.
Entities
Ban Jelačić Square · Dalija Orešković · Hrvati izvan domovine · Marija Bistrica · Zagreb
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The prayer goals include male spiritual authority in the family, chastity in dress, and the protection of life from conception. www.tportal.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dalija Orešković criticized the Church for its silence regarding the prayer intentions. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info
- [● 3 SOURCES] A public Rosary prayer gathering took place at Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb on the first Saturday of the month. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info · www.tportal.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] A group of men traveled from Germany to participate in the three-day spiritual program. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info
- [● 2 SOURCES] Orešković stated that the prayer intentions are in contradiction with the biblical image of Mary. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police forces provided security for the event. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info
- [● 3 SOURCES] Counter-protesters attended the event with drums and banners to express disagreement. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info · www.tportal.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Hrvati izvan domovine initiative organized the gathering. www.dnevno.hr · www.zagreb.info