Shrine of Our Lady of Gorica

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Shrine of Our Lady of Gorica (Croatian: Svetište Majke Božje Goričke) is a Catholic Marian shrine in Batomalj[1] at the island of Krk in Croatia.[2] It is the oldest shrine in the Diocese of Krk.[3]

First church originates from the 11th century and was located in the area of "Goričice" of the Baška Valley in today's Jurandvor.[3][4] Today's church was built in 1415.[4] In 1550, it was conecrated to the Assumption of Mary[2] by the bishop Albert Domnius de Gliricis.[3]

Next to the church was the house of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Gorica, whose statute is kept in Zagreb, being the oldest statute of a brotherhood in Croatia written in Glagolitic script (1425).[3] In 1603, the brotherhood had one hundred members.[3] Members of the Brotherhood were also Benedictines from nearby St. Lucia Abbey, who managed the Sanctuary until the collapse of the monastery in 1465.[3] Some members of the family of the Frankopan princes of Krk (Nikola IV with his wife Dorotheja, Prince Ivan and Princess Elizabeta) also belonged to the brotherhood.[3]

The baroque statue of Our Lady of Gorica holding Christ Child by unknown sculptor originates from the 16th century.[2] Its gilding was restored in 1877.[3]

A testimony of Bishop David from 1590 states that this is the main shrine on the island of Krk, and the local pastor records in 1673 that there is a Holy Mass in the shrine on every holiday and Sunday, and that the faithful make pilgrimages to Our Lady in processions fifteen times a year.[3]

The 237 votive stairs[5] to the top of the hill[2] were built 1877–1891.[4] Stations of the Cross were cast in bronze on them, blessed on the First Sunday of Lent in 2003.[3] Interior artwork (altar) was painted by Celestin Medović.[4][2] Brass church bell was made in 1459 to announce bishop's visitation to the Baška Valley.[4]

In 1896, Pope Leo XIII gave locals and pilgrims the possibility of obtaining complete forgiveness on the feasts of the Assumption of Mary, Nativity of Mary, Spiritual Monday and Pentecost.[2] In 1899, the Holy Rite Choir in Rome allowed the celebration of the Marian votive Mass in the sanctuary.[3]

Since 1993, there has been a therapeutical community and an advisory centre for addicts.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The sanctuary of the Mother of God of Gorica". info-krk.com. Krk island tourist info. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "CHURCHES DEDICATED TO MARY ON THE ISLAND OF KRK". kvarner.hr. The Kvarner County Tourism Office. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Povijest" [History]. kbs-majkabozjagoricka.hr (in Croatian). Svetište Majke Božje Goričke. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e "The Church of Our Lady of Gorica". tourist.hr. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  5. ^ "SANCTUARY OF THE MOTHER OF GOD OF GORICA". visitkrk.hr. Island of Krk cultural heritage. Retrieved 21 November 2023.

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