Our Lady of Aljmaš

Marian title of Aljmaš (Slavonia)

La localidad de Aljmašon the Danube River, in the Slavonia region of Croatia, is repeatedly mentioned in the Croatian press as one of the country's main Marian shrines, especially in the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa). In these sources it is quoted along with other great Croatian Marian pilgrimage centres such as Marija Bistrica, Sinj or Trsat. This indicates a ancient and rooted Marian devotion in the place, although the chronicles consulted do not specify the date of origin of the sanctuary or the exact moment of the arrival of the baroque image.

Main data

Origin and history

La localidad de Aljmašon the Danube River, in the Slavonia region of Croatia, is repeatedly mentioned in the Croatian press as one of the country's main Marian shrines, especially in the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa). In these sources it is quoted along with other great Croatian Marian pilgrimage centres such as Marija Bistrica, Sinj or Trsat. This indicates a ancient and rooted Marian devotion in the place, although the chronicles consulted do not specify the date of origin of the sanctuary or the exact moment of the arrival of the baroque image.

During the war in the former Yugoslavia, in 1991the Marian sanctuary of Aljmaš has turned out destroyed or seriously damaged; this destruction is generally mentioned in reviews of Marian shrines and the war context, but without providing a detailed account. [no specific and detailed source in available results] After the war, the sanctuary was rebuilt as a large modern templewhich in the Croatian Catholic memory is presented as symbol of reconciliation and new coexistenceespecially in the context of the celebrations of the Assumption. Local tradition and contemporary devotion underline this character as a "place of peace," in tune with the title of “Reina de la Paz”, although the specific historical details of how this title was articulated in Aljmaš are not reflected in the sources consulted.

No detailed accounts of Foundational traditions (apparitions, miraculous findings of the image, collective vows, etc.) of the Aljmaš shrine. So, as far as specific origin of the advocation and foundation of the sanctuary, no consta with safety, in the sources consulted, more than its status as an ancient place of Marian pilgrimage in Slavonia, strongly associated with the feast of the Assumption.

—

The image and the sanctuary

The open sources consulted refer to the shrine of Aljmaš in a global way as Marian sanctuary not accurately describing the Baroque image of the Virgin who is venerated in him. A reliable description of the type of image (sculpture, icon, relief), material, size or iconographic details (position of the Virgin, Child Jesus, symbols of peace, etc.) has not been found in the available resources. Therefore, no consta a documented description of the image from accessible sources.

With regard to the temple, journalistic information indicates that the faithful pilgrim to the Marian sanctuary of Aljmaš for the great Marian parties, particularly in the Assumption. Their destruction in the 1991 war and its subsequent destruction are mentioned reconstruction as a modern sanctuary of large dimensions, conceived as a sign of hope for the local community after the conflict. [no detailed architectural description in available results] The full official title (for example, if it is liturgical to the Assumption, to the "Mother of God of Aljmaš" or to the "Queen of Peace"), nor a formal declaration of its rank (minor basilica, national or diocesan sanctuary). Therefore:

– Sobre el full official name of the temple: no consta. – Sobre su specific canon status (minor basilica, national sanctuary, etc.): no consta; it can only be said that it is recognized as Marian sanctuary of pilgrimage.

—

Sponsorship and coronation

In the sources consulted, Aljmaš is mentioned among the the main Marian shrines of Croatiaespecially in the solemnity of the Assumption. However, no explicit reference to a Official patronage (e.g., patron of a diocese, of a people or region under a specific legal-canonical title). It should therefore be said that:

– Como Marian pilgrimage center, la Virgen venerada en Aljmaš es de hecho una referencia espiritual para los fieles de Eslavonia y de otras partes de Croacia, sobre todo en la Asunción. – Sobre un formal canonical patronage (for example: principal patron of the corresponding diocese, patron of the municipality of Aljmaš): no consta in accessible sources.

As for the canonical coronation of the image, no clear mention has been found in the sources consulted (no date, no pontifical decree, no papal delegation). Therefore, following the requested indication:

– No documented canonical coronation.

—

Party and devotion

La main party linked to Aljmaš is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa), el August 15which in Croatia is a national holiday and the reason for great Marian pilgrimages. The Croatian media indicate that this day "many believers throughout Croatia pilgrim the Marian shrines to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary," explicitly mentioning Aljmaš among the main destinations. Similarly, it is emphasized that the Assumption is "the greatest Catholic feast dedicated to the Mother of God" in Croatia, which is celebrated "traditionally in the Marian shrines of Croatia - Marija Bistrica, Aljmaš, Sinj, Trsat, Rijeka, Split, Zagreb, Remeta, etc."

The journalistic descriptions talk about peregrinos multitudes and liturgical celebrations from the early hours of the morning, with masses, processions and popular expressions of faith. No exact influx figures are provided for Aljmaš, but it is generally indicated that the party congregates many faithful in the great Marian shrines. They also do not include, in available sources, very specific popular traditions (votes, river processions on the Danube, specific local rites); it can only be said, with documentary support, that:

– El August 15 es el día de mayor afluencia al santuario. – La devoción se expresa mediante pilgrimage, Eucharist and Marian processions, in line with the rest of the shrines of Croatia.

—

Link to the Rosary

None of the sources consulted on Aljmaš explicitly mentions a unique practice of the Rosary proper to this sanctuary (for example, co-fradies of the Rosary specifically linked to the advocation, official hours that begin systematically with the prayer of the Rosary, etc.). What is clear is that, as in all the great Marian shrines of Croatia, popular devotion in the great solemnities (especially in the Assumption) is articulated around the Eucharist, processions and Marian prayerwhere the Rosary has a regular place. Therefore, from the historical-documentary point of view:

– No consta u