August on Trsat Hill, the historical and spiritual heart of Rijeka, brings a special atmosphere filled with prayer, hope, and deep devotion. It is precisely this month, traditionally associated with annual holidays and summer hustle, that marks the pinnacle of the pilgrimage year for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat. Streams of the faithful from all parts of Croatia, as well as from abroad, flow towards this ancient Marian shrine to find comfort, give thanks for graces received, or simply commend themselves to the intercession of the Mother of Mercy in the shadow of the venerable House of Nazareth.

This sanctuary, whose history dates back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest and most significant Marian centers in Croatia. Its origin is shrouded in the legend of the miraculous arrival of the Holy House from Nazareth on Trsat Hill in 1291. Although the house, according to legend, was moved to Loreto, Italy, after three years, the cult of Our Lady of Trsat continued to grow, strengthened by the arrival of the miraculous image of the "Mother of Mercy," sent by Pope Urban V as a consolation to the people of Trsat. Since then, the Franciscans, as guardians of the sanctuary, have tirelessly cared for the spiritual needs of the pilgrims who find their peace here. Many visitors coming from afar are looking for accommodation in Trsat to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual renewal and beauty of this place.

The Peak of the Pilgrimage Summer in August

The month of August is interwoven with memorial days dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, but the central and most solemn event is certainly the feast of Her Assumption into heaven, better known as the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15th. This is the day when Trsat becomes the spiritual capital of Croatia. The smell of candles, the quiet murmur of prayers, and the songs of pilgrims create a unique atmosphere that fills every corner of the sanctuary, from Our Lady of Trsat's Park to the basilica itself. People of different ages and life stories come with the same goal – to pay homage to the heavenly Mother, light a candle for their living and deceased, and entrust her with their deepest worries and hopes.

Three-Day Spiritual Preparation for the Feast Day

The central celebration of the Assumption of Mary is preceded by an intensive period of spiritual preparation known as the triduum, which takes place from August 12th to 14th. These three days represent a time of deep contemplation, prayer, and confession, allowing the faithful to prepare their hearts for the feast day. The evening Mass celebrations during the triduum are filled with appropriate sermons that encourage the faithful to reflect on Mary's role in the history of salvation and her importance in the life of every Christian. The triduum is a key part of the overall experience, creating a bridge between daily life and the upcoming feast day, and laying the foundation for a deeper spiritual experience of the holiday itself.

Solemn Celebration of the Assumption of Mary

The Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15th, begins in the early morning hours in Trsat. The sanctuary opens its doors at dawn, and the first Holy Mass will be celebrated at 6 a.m., providing an opportunity for the earliest pilgrims to begin their day peacefully with prayer. The schedule of Mass celebrations throughout the day is extremely rich to allow all the faithful to participate. Holy Masses will be held at 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30, and the central evening celebration will be at 6:30 p.m. Due to the large number of arriving faithful, it is recommended to plan and book suitable accommodation in Trsat for the Feast of the Assumption in advance.

The highlight of the morning part of the celebration will be the solemn pontifical Mass at 10 a.m., which will be presided over by the Archbishop of Rijeka, Msgr. Mate Uzinić. This Mass holds special significance as it is also the votive Mass of the Archdiocese of Rijeka and the City of Rijeka, thus confirming the deep connection of the Trsat Sanctuary with the local community and the church hierarchy. Due to its importance, this Mass celebration will also be broadcast live on Croatian Radiotelevision, allowing those who cannot be physically present to be part of this great spiritual event. The evening Mass at 6:30 p.m., which will gather numerous pilgrims at the end of the day, will be presided over by the Provincial of the Croatian Franciscan Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Friar Milan Krišto, thus emphasizing the key role of the Franciscans as long-standing guardians of this holy place.

Pilgrimage Traditions and Continuation of the Celebration

The celebration in Trsat does not end with the day of the Assumption. The very next day, August 16th, the pilgrimage tradition continues with the arrival of the faithful from the Deanery of Bakar. Many of them, preserving a centuries-old custom, come to Trsat on foot, thus offering a physical sacrifice as part of their vow. Their pilgrimage culminates in joint participation in the morning Holy Mass at 7 a.m., and the sanctuary then echoes with the song "To the Virgin of Heaven, Queen of the Croats," an expression of deep devotion and national pride woven into faith.

The spiritual program in honor of the Assumption of Mary concludes on the octave of the feast, August 22nd, when the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen, is liturgically celebrated. On that day, at the evening Holy Mass at 6:30 p.m., the faithful will once again have the opportunity to thank God for Mary's example and intercession, thus rounding off a rich period of prayer and celebration that makes Trsat a unique spiritual haven. It is this unbroken thread of prayer, which stretches throughout August, that makes Trsat a place where heaven and earth meet, and the faithful find strength for their life journeys.