More than 400 participants from all corners of Croatia, from Vis to Vukovar, gathered on Saturday, 10 October, at the Marian shrine in Molve to jointly celebrate 90 years of the Army of the Immaculate's activity in Croatia.
The major jubilee brought together different generations of members, priests, religious, young people and numerous faithful. The international president of the Army of the Immaculate, Miguel Bordas, attended the celebration, as did Margareta Begić, the national president of the Army of the Immaculate in Croatia and international vice-president.
The celebration began with the recitation of the rosary, followed by welcome speeches and a historical overview of 90 years of the Army of the Immaculate's activity in Croatia, delivered by Fr. Ljudević Marčić, OFMConv. The central event of the celebration was the solemn Mass, presided over by the Bishop of Varaždin, Msgr. Bože Radoš. Co-celebrants included the Provincial of the Croatian Province of the Franciscan Conventuals, Fr. Miljenko Hontić, the national spiritual assistant of the Army of the Immaculate, Fr. Zdravko Tuba, and other priests.
In his homily, Bishop Radoš highlighted that the Army of the Immaculate does not wage war against people, but against sin, hatred, selfishness and indifference. He stated that the 90 years of activity were not only a reason to recall the past, but above all a call to fidelity and readiness for the future. He particularly encouraged the young not to stop dreaming and to place their gifts at the service of others.
The anniversary was marked alongside the 23rd Marijfest, which provided young people with the opportunity for prayer, spiritual renewal and community. The programme continued under the theme 'Mary's Joy: From Virtue to Holiness', and included a lecture by Fr. Sandi Aščić, workshops for young people, the performance 'Two Mothers', and a charity concert by the Ivan Pavao II band and the choir of the Varaždin Bishopric.
On this day, 10 October 1982, St Pope John Paul II proclaimed St Maximilian Kolbe, a further sign marking the significance of this date for the community.
