Feast of Assumption

About

In Sinj, one of the greatest Marian sanctuaries in Croatia, a celebration of Feast of Assumption on 15 August is given the special solemn significance. A vast multitude of pilgrims comes to Sinj with only one aim – to kneel with hands clasped in front of the Miraculous Madonna of Sinj.

The day before the celebration, užežin, Sinj is already crowded with people and the hubbub, making the streets and the Church too narrow. The first mass, the traditional early service, is celebrated at 4 a. m. At 7 a.m. the sacred votive mass is celebrated in the small church at the Old Town, thus reviving the feeling of gratitude to the Madonna for having delivered us from enemy’s yoke and for comforting us in many temptations.

Cannon balls (mačkule) are fired from the Old Town fortress, thus indicating the benediction place. The people of Sinj sprinkle flower petals from the windows on the Madonna’s path. Accompanied by the prayers of the rosary and liturgical songs worshipping the Madonna, the Image is brought back to the square in front of the Church where the service is celebrated. In the evening, the mass is also celebrated in the town square, but without the procession. Feast of Assumption is further celebrated as the Day of the Town of Sinj