The Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows in the Zagreb neighborhood of Špansko is celebrating a significant jubilee – 50 years since its founding. The central event of the celebration will be a celebratory concert to be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM, in the church at Barakovićeva 20. This concert marks the beginning of a week filled with various events, culminating in a solemn Eucharist on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 10 AM, led by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša.

Musical Program: Community Through Song

The concert will feature all parish choirs and vocal ensembles that have shaped the musical identity of the parish over the years. Among them are the children's choir Santo, the youth choir Maranatha, and Maranatha Vintage, composed of former members who occasionally reunite. The male klapa Kana G., the female klapa Mana Fis, the mixed parish choir, and the St. Cecilia choir will also perform. These choirs, some with more than three decades of activity, testify to the rich musical tradition and community within the parish.

Preparations for the Celebration: Spiritual and Organizational Dimension

In the week preceding the concert, the parish will organize the promotion of a new monograph documenting the history and development of the parish over the past 50 years. Also, a triduum is planned, which will be led by priests who have served in the parish over the years, providing the faithful with an opportunity for spiritual renewal and preparation for the jubilee celebration.

Climax of the Celebration: Eucharistic Celebration with Archbishop Kutleša

The central event of the celebration week will be the solemn Eucharist on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 10 AM, led by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša. This celebration represents the climax of the jubilee, gathering the faithful in gratitude for half a century of a shared journey in faith and service to the community.

Parish of the BVM of Sorrows: Half a Century of Spiritual Growth

Founded in 1975, the Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows in Špansko has become a spiritual center for many families and individuals in the western part of Zagreb. Over the years, the parish has developed a rich pastoral life, including catechesis, charitable activities, and numerous prayer and music groups. Thanks to the dedicated work of priests, pastoral associates, and lay faithful, the parish has grown into a living community of faith and love.

Music as an Expression of Faith and Community

The parish's musical ensembles, such as the youth choir Maranatha and the children's choir Santo, play a key role in the liturgical life of the community. Their dedication and talent contribute to the solemnity of worship and encourage the spiritual growth of the faithful. Particularly significant is the return of former members through Maranatha Vintage, which testifies to the lasting connection and love for the parish community.

Klapa Groups and Choirs: Voices of Tradition and Spirituality

The male klapa Kana G. and the female klapa Mana Fis bring the spirit of Dalmatian musical tradition to parish celebrations with their performances. Their performances enrich liturgical and cultural events, connecting the faithful through melodies that reflect deep spirituality and community. The mixed parish choir and the St. Cecilia choir further contribute to the musical diversity and quality of liturgical celebrations.

Monograph: A Testimony of History and Faith

The new parish monograph, which will be presented during the celebration week, provides insight into the history, development, and key moments of the community over the past 50 years. The book contains photographs, testimonies of the faithful, and a chronological overview of events, serving as a permanent record of the parish's spiritual journey.

Practical Information for Visitors

All events as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Parish of the BVM of Sorrows will be held in the church at Barakovićeva 20, Zagreb. For additional information about the program and participation, the faithful can contact the parish office or visit the official parish website.