On Saturday, October 10, 2026, more than four hundred participants from across Croatia, from the island of Vis to the city of Vukovar, gathered at the Marian shrine in Molve to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.) in Croatia.
The gathering brought together M.I. members of different generations, priests, religious, young people, and numerous faithful in a spirit of gratitude for the journey of the past ninety years and a renewed commitment to carrying forward the mission inspired by the spirituality of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe.
Ninety years after its establishment in Croatia, the M.I. continues to unite people of all generations around a common purpose: to live their faith, share their love for others, and bear witness to Gospel values by following the example of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. Members and pilgrims who traveled to Molve from even the farthest corners of the country bore witness to a spirit of communion nurtured over the years through prayer, dedication, and concrete acts of love. Miquel BORDAS PRÓSZYŃSKI, International President of the M.I., also attended the celebration.
“In a spirit of joyful communion within the Church,” explained Friar Zdravko TUBA, OFM Conv., National Spiritual Assistant of the M.I., “we gathered as members of the Militia around the Immaculata, with participants from different parts of Croatia. It was a gathering of all generations: children, young people, families, and the elderly. Through consecration to the Immaculata, each soul participates, through prayer and action, in the Church’s mission of evangelization, following the example of St. Maximilian. May the Lord, through the intercession of the Immaculata, bless every member. The doors of the National Center of the Militia of the Immaculata are open to everyone who wishes to join and consecrate themselves to the Immaculata.”
The day began with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by welcoming remarks and an overview of the M.I.’s ninety-year history in Croatia, presented by Friar Ljudevit MARAČIĆ, OFM Conv. The central event was a solemn Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Bože RADOŠ, Bishop of Varaždin, Croatia. Those concelebrating included Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia; Friar Zdravko TUBA; and other priests.
In his homily, Bishop RADOŠ emphasized that the Militia of the Immaculata does not fight against people but against sin, hatred, selfishness, and indifference. Its most important instruments are prayer, kindness, truth, forgiveness, and love. He recalled that ninety years of activity are not merely an occasion to look back but, above all, a call to remain faithful and face the future with openness. He particularly encouraged young people to never stop dreaming and to place their gifts at the service of others.
The presence of members from local M.I. centers across Croatia demonstrated that the Militia of the Immaculata is not merely part of the Church’s history but a living community that continues to bring people together. Over the past ninety years, the M.I. has carried out its mission through prayer, evangelization, spiritual formation, and apostolic work, making faith visible in everyday life and serving those most in need.
Margareta BEGIĆ, National President of the M.I. in Croatia and International Vice-President addressed those present saying: “Grateful for these ninety years of the Militia of the Immaculata’s active presence in Croatia and for all the Conventual Franciscans who, together with laypeople, have spread its apostolate by following the example of St. Maximilian, today we give particular thanks for the communion we have shared in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in song, under the mantle of the Immaculate Mother, who leads us to her Son. On this very day, October 10, 1982, St. John Paul II canonized Father Maximilian Kolbe. It is now up to us to follow this path of holiness, zeal, courage, and enthusiasm each day, with the Immaculata, toward Christ.”
The anniversary was celebrated alongside the 23rd annual Marijafest, which offered young people an opportunity for prayer, spiritual renewal, and fellowship. Under the motto “Mary’s Joy—From Virtue to Holiness,” the program continued with a talk by Friar Sandi AŠČIĆ, group activities for young people, a performance of the play Two Mothers (Dvije majke), and a charity concert featuring the Ivan Pavao II (John Paul II) vocal and instrumental ensemble and the Youth Choir of the Diocese of Varaždin.
The 90th anniversary celebration in Molve brought together the rich history of the Militia of the Immaculata and its hopes for the future, reaffirming the enduring relevance of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s message: “Only love creates.”
Margareta BEGIĆ
International Vice-President and National President of the Militia of the Immaculata in Croatia
