On Saturday, June 8, 2024, more than 10,000 pilgrims gathered for the 6th Annual St. Anthony Youth March in Zagreb, Croatia. The participants, who came from all over Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Germany, Austria, and elsewhere, met together in a spirit of faith and unity to celebrate this event dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.
The event was organized by the Conventual Franciscan Vocation Promotion Center of the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia, in collaboration with the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua in Zagreb, the Parish Church of St. Anthony of Padua in the Sesvetskim Selima neighborhood of Zagreb and the “Holy Spirit” evangelization group led by Friar Stjepan BRČINA.
“Young people are the future of the Church and our society. It is important that we give them the opportunity to experience the living God and live the faith in an authentic way,” said Friar Stjepan BRČINA, initiator and leader of the march.
The day of the march included moments of prayer, various celebrations and an intensive evangelization program. The morning began in front of the Parish Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Sesvetska Sela. After Mass, the pilgrims undertook the 16 kilometer (10 mile) procession to the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua in Zagreb.
For the second consecutive year, the relics of St. Anthony of Padua were placed in the cross that led the procession, further underlining the spiritual importance of this event. Many letters were brought containing the prayers and thanks of the faithful who were unable to participate. The procession stopped at the Friars Minor Friary and Church of the Immaculate Conception in Dubrava, where the pilgrims rested and prayed.
This year’s march featured several innovations. Many of the faithful in Zagreb displayed the flag of “St. Anthony’s Way” in front of their homes, thus visually underlining the spiritual importance of this event for Zagreb and all of Croatia. For the first time, a stage was set up on Josip JELAČIĆ Square, on which a show was presented with songs, dances and celebrations. This part of the program was organized by the Holy Spirit group and attracted the attention of passers-by, thus further contributing to the joyful atmosphere.
The pilgrims arrived at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua in the evening, They took part in Eucharistic Adoration and venerated the relics of St. Anthony. The pilgrimage ended with a celebration of thanksgiving led by the Holy Spirit group.
This year’s St. Anthony Youth March once again confirmed how important the event is. The record number of participants showed that young people are thirsting for spiritual experience and authentic testimony of faith more than ever.
Friar Zlatko VLAHEK, Provincial Secretary
