On Sunday, the pilgrimage to the eastern Slovak city of Levoča culminated with a solemn mass. Over 400,000 people came to Mariánska Hora throughout the week, with more than 100,000 people attending on Sunday alone. This year's event commemorated the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Levoča.
People walked to Mariánska Hora to thank the Virgin Mary and ask Slovakia's patron saint for help.
For the third consecutive year, the solemn, indulgenced Mass was celebrated by Apostolic Nuncio to Slovakia Nicola Girasoli. He also conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV to the pilgrims. "Levoča is a magnet, which is why we come here. We come here for strength and to find joy again," said Girasoli.
Priests and pilgrims recalled the visit of St. John Paul II. "All the masses held here were thematically linked to this figure, the most precious pilgrim in the history of Mariánska Hora," said Jozef Lapšanský, the moderator and organizer of the Levoča pilgrimages. Levoča now has a relic of Pope John Paul II as well. It will be placed in the Mariánska Hora basilica.
Source: STVR
