Our Lady of Kondžilo

Marian vocation of Komušina (Posavina)

There is no ancient legendary narrative about the origin of Our Lady of Kondžilo comparable to other European claims; the sources consulted do not collect apparitions, prodigious findings of the image or miraculous foundational accounts specifically associated with Kondžilo and Komušina. In the absence of verifiable data, any more picturesque local tradition should be considered no documentada for historical purposes.

Main data

Origin and history

There is no ancient legendary narrative about the origin of Our Lady of Kondžilo comparable to other European claims; the sources consulted do not collect apparitions, prodigious findings of the image or miraculous foundational accounts specifically associated with Kondžilo and Komušina. In the absence of verifiable data, any more picturesque local tradition should be considered no documentada for historical purposes.

En la documented historyKomušina, in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina (area of the Bosnia Posavina), belongs to the Catholic Church of Latin rite, of the majority Croatian population in terms of parish and devotional life. Various sources on Marian shrines in Bosnia and Herzegovina mention Condylo as one of the oldest and most important destinations of Marian pilgrimage in the north of the country, especially linked to the great Romeria of the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15)which brings together faithful from the Posavina region and other parts of Bosnia and the Croatian diaspora. However, they do not contain in the sources easily accessible precise dates of foundation of the sanctuary or detailed historical milestones (reconstructions, solemn consecration, etc.): beyond their status as a place of consolidated Marian pilgrimage, the fine chronological data no constan.

The image and the sanctuary

Available sources of mariology and religious tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina mention Condylo as a Marian sanctuary in the north of the country, but do not provide a precise and verifiable description of the image venerated (exact type, materials, style, author or date of realization). It is not safe if it is a wooden size, a sculpture in another material or a painted icon; nor is the iconography clearly documented (for example, if it is an image of the Assumption, of the Virgin with the Child, or of another specific Marian title). In view of this lack of verifiable data, it should be indicated: does not contain in the sources consulted a detailed and secure description of the image of Our Lady of Kondžilo.

As regards sanctuary, devotion is articulated around the parish of Comšina and the place of Kondžilo associated with this parish, in the region of Posavina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The diocesan sources and pilgrimages present it as diocesan/regional Marian shrine, with strong popular roots, especially at the feast of the Assumption. It does not contain the title of a minor basilica or its formal recognition as a national sanctuary for all Bosnia and Herzegovina; it should therefore be indicated that does not contain an official title of minor basilica or the canonical designation of national sanctuary. The parish temple serves as a liturgical centre for the main celebrations and the place of Kondžilo is set up as a meeting point for the great annual pilgrimage.

Sponsorship and coronation

La advocación de Our Lady of Kondžilo is spiritually linked to the Catholics of the Bosnia Posavina, and the devotional tradition presents her as a protective mother of this northern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, in the documentation consulted no explicit decree to declare her a canonical patron of a particular city, municipality or diocese, and it must be stated that does not contain a formally declared canonical patronage at the diocesan or national level, although in fact it exercises a very meaningful spiritual patronage on the local Catholic population and on the faithful who go on pilgrimage.

In relation to the canonical coronation, available sources (including repertories of Marian coronations, diocesan notes and materials on Bosnian sanctuaries) do not record a documented canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of Kondžilo by express mandate of a Pontiff or diocesan authority with bull or formal decree. In accordance with the verified data, it should be clearly stated: does not contain a documented canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

La main party of Our Lady of Kondžilo is celebrated on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, in continuity with the intense taking-up devotion of the Catholic peoples of the region. On this date a great romance:: Thousands of faithful from the Bosniac Posavina, as well as pilgrims from other areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora, gather to participate in Holy Mass, processions and penitential and Marian acts. The ordinary sources on pilgrimages speak of a very significant influx, but without providing verifiable official figures; therefore, does not contain an exact number of pilgrims.

Between the Devotional features They stand out: participation in the Eucharist, sacramental confession, Marian processions with the image or with banners, and the practice of personal or family promises and vows entrusted to the intercession of the Virgin. The Romry of the Assumption has become a symbol of the Catholic identity of the Bosniac Posavina, of perseverance in faith in difficult historical contexts and of communion between the faithful who have remained in the region and those who have emigrated.

Link to the Rosary

The specific sources of Our Lady of Kondžilo no recogen una particular and explicit relationship with the prayer of the Rosary (e.g. special apparitions, messages or indulgences linked to this advocation). It should therefore be indicated: does not contain a unique and own link with the Rosary beyond common Marian practice in the Latin Church.

However, in a Marian sanctuary such as Komušina-Kondžilo, inserted in the Catholic tradition of Latin rite, the Rosario in fact occupies a central place in popular piety: accompanies the processions, the vigil and the spiritual preparation of the great rostrum of the Assumption, and is a privileged way to meditate on the mysteries of Christ from the hand of the Virgin. The devotion to Our Lady of Kondžilo is thus integrated into the great current of Marian spirituality of the Church, in which the Rosary acts as "school of prayer" and as a simple way to entrust to the Mother of God personal, family and community life, especially in a region marked by historical suffering and the need for reconciliation and hope.