Pilgrims descend on the Croatia’s highest parish of Our Lady of Sljeme

Zagreb's Mount Sljeme is home to the parish of Our Lady of Sljeme, Queen of the Croats. The parish is specific as it not only has no permanent parishioners, but at 1001 meters above sea level, it is also the highest parish in the country.

Along with being the highest parish in the country and having no permanent parishioners, the parish of Our Lady of Sljeme, Queen of the Croats is also the traditional gathering place for "Proštenje" or the forgiveness pilgrimage on the first Sunday after July 15th.

This Sunday a large number of believers gathered for the pilgrimage. For many it is a family tradition.

“We come here to pray for our family, that we are all happy, healthy and cheerful,” said one believer.

“We come here every year to the Queen of the Croats. We do a little hiking, we spend a little time with family and friends,” added another.

For many others it is a place to find peace in a quiet outdoor setting.

"I find this to be wonderful. And there's a lot of people here. I have to say I'm a little shocked, I didn't think there would be this many people," one visitor noted.

Source: HRT