A replica of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was presented to Fra Ivo Pavić during his missionary visit to Mexico as a symbol of spiritual connection with the Catholic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico is one of the most significant Marian shrines worldwide, considered a site of miraculous appearances and a hub of devotion for millions of believers. During a formal missionary journey to Mexico, Dr. Fra Ivo Pavić, a Francisan priest, was on his third invitation by the local bishop to lead spiritual renewals. On the last day of his visit, he was invited to concelebrate a holy mass, where he was presented with a replica of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Mexican Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, acknowledging the spiritual bond with the Croatian faithful community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The presentation took place on February 8, 2026, which marked the completion of Fra Ivo's missionary journey. During the concelebration at the National Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the cardinal emphasized the importance of connecting faith communities across different regions. This event not only highlights the devotion towards Our Lady of Guadalupe but also symbolizes hope and mutual recognition between the Mexican Catholic community and the Croatian believers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This gesture serves as a reminder of the shared beliefs and spiritual networks that exist beyond geographical boundaries. It reinforces the importance of maintaining spiritual ties and fostering a sense of unity among diverse Catholic communities worldwide, particularly in a time when local communities face various challenges.
