33rd pilgrimage of Army, Police and Homeland War Veterans held in Marija Bistrica

The 33rd National Pilgrimage of the Croatian Army, Police and Homeland War Veterans was held in Marija Bistrica on Sunday. This year's pilgrimage gathered thousands of men and women in service, including many from neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For disabled Homeland War veterans Tomo Juršić and Milan Šego the annual pilgrimage is a chance to find peace and meet with old friends, but also to offer thanks to God for his guidance.

"You can't see it under the raincoat, but up until now we have always worn the rosary around our necks, now we carry it in our pockets. It helps make it easier for us and our children, whom we actually fought for," Juršić said.

"I’ve been coming here every year for the past seventeen years. This is salvation. There is comfort here. I replenish my soul with this prayer here today," added Šego.

Also on hand for the pilgrimage were Deputy Prime Minister and Veterans Affairs' Minister Tomo Medved and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Božinović. Minister Medved, himself a veteran of the Homeland War emphasized the importance of faith for those who served: "We are very aware of the importance of prayer and the protection of the Holy Mother during the most difficult days defending our homeland. Faith and prayer are still important to us today, as is this unity that we witness here."

"I think this is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a place of togetherness and gratitude, and a place of faith, and this can be seen year in and year out," added Minister Božinović.

Mass at the pilgrimage was served by Military Ordinary Jure Bogdan, who emphasized that a pilgrimage is an impulse in faith that strengthens one's relationship with God and strengthens mutual love: "God loves us in the heart of his Son. When our heart is united with the heart of Christ, then we become capable of a true social miracle. And that is healthy and happy relationships, and the building of a kingdom of love and justice in this world."

Source: HRT