On the first Saturday of the month, men gathered in 30 Croatian cities to pray the rosary in public squares, including a notable gathering in Zagreb despite protests from some demonstrators.
On the first Saturday of the month, men across 30 cities in Croatia participated in a public rosary prayer, with a significant congregation gathered at Ban J. Jelačić Square in Zagreb starting at 8:30 AM. This event, aimed at advocating for peace in the homeland and the world, as well as to make amends for various offenses against the Virgin Mary and her divine attributes, highlighted not only the religious devotion prevalent in Croatian society but also the challenges faced in public expressions of faith, especially when countered by demonstrators.
The rosary prayer in Zagreb and other cities focused on multiple intentions, including peace, the conversion of sinners, and specific reparation prayers aimed at grievances against the Virgin Mary, her purity, and her role as the Mother of all humanity. The backdrop of protests during the event illustrated a growing nexus of public discourse on religious expression and its place in Croatian society, reflecting a faction that views such gatherings as contentious.
This monthly public gathering demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Croatian Catholics to their faith and aims to foster a sense of community amidst a complex societal landscape where public expressions of faith are increasingly scrutinized. The event was also streamed live on Facebook, allowing broader access and engagement with participants who could not attend in person, thus bridging the gap between traditional religious practices and modern means of communication.
