Gospa Sinjska

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[edit] The Painting

Pride and jewel of Sinj and Cetina district is Miracle Painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. There are many Mary royal towns in Catholic world. In Croatia there are: Marija Bistrica, Trsat and Sinj. In these towns the Queen of heaven and earth is set throne of her goodness, love and charity. The Sinj sanctuary is famous all around the world where are Croats. Numerous pilgrims come to receive Gospa's mercy. The experts suppose that painting was painted by unknown Venetian artist in 16th century.

In the beginning it was in Sinj. In 1536 Sinj fell in Turkish hands and the painting was moved to Rama (Bosnia) where it was left till 1687. The miracle power of painting was found out during that period when painting was in Rama. The Turks were raiding in Bosnia. They burned houses, monasteries and devastated everything. Because of the danger Franciscans were running away from Rama. They took with them miraculous painting which was theirs consolation, defense and help. Finally in 1687, the painting came in Sinj and stays there till today. Special respect of this painting begins in the most difficult period of Croatian history, in times of fighting against the Turks. Croatian people were defenders of western civilization and Christianity during several centuries.

[edit] The Miracle

The borders were never peaceful. On August 7th, 1715 the Turks has been started to attack Sinj. The Turkish army under leader of Mehmed Pasa were numerous and better armed than the brave Sinj defenders. The battle finished on August 15, 1715 and the brave heroes of Cetina finally beat the Turkish military. Defenders of Sinj were convinced that Our Lady Mary (Miracle Painting from the Sinj church) gave them strength for glorious victory. Also, Turkish army was significantly weakened by difficult disease which was raging among them. All were convinced that was also God’s deed. It is written the Ottomans saw the women in light and were frightened by it. That's why in town of Sinj, the holiday of Great Lady Mary (Velika Gospa) on August 15, is always specially respected and celebrated. Special pride in their achievement was taken by the surviving defenders who in commemoration of their victory instituted the Alka tournament.

[edit] The Crown

As a sign of thanks, the military officers of Sinj army have the gold crown with cross made to ornament the Miracle Painting. In 1716 the archbishop of Split, Kupili crowned the Miracle Painting. The Bless Virgin Mary has been helping her pilgrims so far, not only for the general common needs of town and Cetina district (during war, against plague, drought, earthquake), but also in different specific individual needs. The people from Sinj and Cetina district, as a sign of gratitude and love gave a wreath of 12 silver stars to their patroness. Every year on 2th July that wreath is set on alter of Holy Mother and it is served solemn mass of thanks. Pilgrims give the most precious presents to their patroness and from these gifts decorate the Miracle Painting of Bless Virgin Mary.