2025Croatian Marian Shrines (C) - Sheetlets

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Refuge in Aljmaš
After the liberation of Osijek from the Ottomans in 1687, the material and spiritual renewal of the region began. The spiritual renewal was led by the Jesuit Fathers, who wished to place their missionary work under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That is why they decided to build a sanctuary in her honor in the Baranja village of Lug. However, the sanctuary did not last long at that site. Due to historical and political circumstances, the Jesuits moved the statue of the Virgin Mary to Aljmaš in 1704. According to tradition, a Jesuit Father took the statue of Our Lady, wrapped it in white cloth, placed it in a boat, and said, “O Lady, wherever you stop, there will your sanctuary be.” Our Lady came to rest on the banks of the Danube at Aljmaš, and it is believed that she herself chose this site for her sanctuary. A Jesuit Father explained to the villagers why Our Lady had come to their village and asked if they were ready to offer her refuge. When they responded affirmatively, he told them that from that day on, they could call her Our Lady of Refuge. Thus, Our Lady of Refuge in Aljmaš has been venerated and honored for over three centuries.