Slovakia’s Patron Saint: 300+ Years of Tradition

Slovakia Observes Feast Day of Seven Sorrows of Mary, National Day of Rest

A day of solemn remembrance and national observance is underway in Slovakia as Catholics across the country celebrate the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, the patron saint of Slovakia, on Monday, September 15, 2025. The day is also officially recognized as a public holiday throughout the Slovak Republic, allowing for widespread participation in religious observances and personal reflection.

Commemorating the Mother’s Grief

The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary centers on the commemoration of seven specific instances of profound grief experienced by the Virgin Mary throughout her life.These sorrows, deeply rooted in Christian tradition, include Simeon’s prophecy foretelling the suffering of her son, Jesus Christ, delivered in the temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth. Believers also reflect upon the flight of Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod, and the anxious search for the 12-year-old Jesus when he remained in Jerusalem.

Did you know?– The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a popular devotion in Catholicism, particularly in countries with strong Marian traditions like Slovakia, Italy, and Poland.

Further sorrows recalled include witnessing the crucifixion and death of her son, holding his lifeless body in her arms, and the solemn deposition of Jesus into the tomb.

Šaštínska Pieta: A symbol of Slovak Faith

The Šaštínska pieta, a statue depicting the virgin Mary cradling the body of Christ, serves as a powerful symbol of devotion for Slovak Catholics. This iconic image embodies the profound sorrow and unwavering faith associated with the Seven Sorrows of Mary. the reverence for the Seven Sorrows of Mary has deep historical roots in Slovakia.

Pro tip:– When visiting religious sites, modest dress is generally appreciated. Covering shoulders and knees is a respectful practice in many Catholic churches.

In 1722, provisions were made for the observance of the holiday, and two centuries later, in 1922, Pope Pius XI officially declared the Seven Sorrows of Mary as the Patrona of Slovakia, extending this patronage to Slovaks living abroad. “Respect for the Seven -Sorrowed Virgin Mary has gained such intensity in Slovakia,” according to historical records.

Šaštín: The National Shrine and Pilgrimage Site

The Slovak National Shrine in Šaštín holds particular significance,having been designated a basilica – a Basilica minor – by Pope Paul VI in 1964. This made Šaštín the first basilica in Slovakia, solidifying its status as a central location for religious pilgrimage.

Reader question:– What personal significance does the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary hold for people in slovakia? Share your thoughts.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims converge on Šaštín to participate in the National Pilgrimage held in conjunction with the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The history of Šaštín is also intertwined with the Red Pavlín, a religious order that played a crucial role in the region’s spiritual development at the invitation of Archbishop Imrich.

[Image of the statue of the Seven -Sorrowed Virgin Mary and her Son of Jesus in the Vatican (Source: Getty Images)]

[Image of Pope Pius XI painting. from Anglo-Hungarian painter Philip Alexius de Lászlá (1869-1937) (Source: facebook/Pope Pius XI)]

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