The 65th anniversary edition of Marica Stanković Day was solemnly marked in Zagreb on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Pilgrims gathered to mark the 65th anniversary of the death—or birth into Heaven—of the Servant of God, who founded the Associates of Christ the King, the first secular institute in Croatia, and served as president of the Great Crusader Sisterhood.
Giving thanks to God for her life, devotees arrived in Zagreb throughout the day from various parts of Croatia. Many visited the house of the Associates of Christ the King in Ksaver, while most made their way to Marica’s grave at Mirogoj, where they prayed for her beatification and canonization.
Members of the Crusader Organization visited Marica’s grave, where flowers had been laid and a candle lit, and then the grave of Dr. Ivan Protulipac, the first president of the Eagles and the Crusaders. After a prayer and reflection on interesting episodes from his life, they sang the Crusader hymn “Zastave gore” (“Flags Aloft”) at Protulipac’s grave.
At 18:30, pilgrims gathered for the Eucharistic celebration at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Jordanovac. Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Tomislav Subotičanec, vicar general and moderator of the Archdiocesan Curia, as the delegate of the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić.
In his homily, Msgr. Subotičanec connected the Gospel text with the work of Marica Stanković, noting that even 65 years after her death she continues to inspire people to gather around Jesus Christ. He described communion in Christ and unity in working for Christ as the starting point of her life and work: acknowledging Christ as her King and encouraging others to follow the same path, she lived the Gospel.
“In the light of today’s liturgical readings, her life was in fact that cry from the crowd pointing to the greatness of the Son of God and the desire to see His kingdom fulfilled,” the celebrant said.
Liturgical singing was led by the choir from the Parish of Konjščina-Belec. Their parish priest, Fr. Milan Pušec, formerly the postulator of the cause for the beatification and canonization of Marica Stanković, has made a particular contribution to the celebration of the anniversary of her death since the beatification process began.
After Mass, the Associates of Christ the King presented a gift to Msgr. Subotičanec, and those gathered had the opportunity to obtain one of Marica’s books. At the church exit, the associates also offered homemade rolls and cakes.
