A procession for peace in the heart of Adelaide
Local
When the Marian Procession attracts thousands of Catholics from across South Australia to Adelaide’s CBD on May 17, it will be a joyous public display of their faith and a chance to honour Mary.
The 1.5km Marian Procession, beginning at Victoria Park and ending in Victoria Square, is a chance for faithful of all cultures to proudly don their traditional colours and walk and pray the Rosary in a moment of collective reflection. Groups and parishes are encouraged to carry their own banners or icons of Mary.
Among them will be Jadranka (Adriana) Eldic, Maria Kulas, and Vesna Saric who never miss the chance to join their migrant community in a public display of pride and faith.
“At the Marian Procession you don’t only represent your community, you meet with other communities,” says Vesna. “It’s lovely to see people from all parts of the world come together on this day to celebrate the same thing under one banner. It doesn’t matter if you come from India, Vietnam or any country; we are one community.”
The friends, will attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Grote Street before donning their traditional Croatian national costumes and taking part in the procession.
“Centuries back, that’s what they’d wear to processions,” Vesna says. “Different costumes represented certain villages or regions.”
Jadranka is thrilled to have her daughter Diana Eldic by her side during the Marian Procession.
“It is a chance for all nations proclaim our faith publicly and be proud of Mary, our Lord and Saviour,” Diana says. “It’s very important not to be afraid to show our faith, especially in the secular world that we live in today. Everyone is welcome; all ages from children to teens, parents and the elderly.”
First held in 1949, the Marian Procession is the longest running consecutive Catholic event in Australia. It was established by Archbishop Matthew Beovich to thank Mary for protection during the war and to ask for her intercession.
“He was first Croatian bishop that was born here in Australia,” Vesna says.
Many churches in Croatia are a name after Mary.
“Mary was the closest person to God and that’s why Croatian people have so much faith in Mary,” Vesna says. “She is our protector, Queen of Peace. If you look at what’s happening in the world, people are looking to Mary to ask for support and protection.”
Participants in the procession are invited to assemble in Victoria Park (Wakefield Road) at 1.30pm for a 2pm start. Parking is available surrounding Victoria Park or on Wakefield Road. The Rosary will be led from Victoria Square, where the choir will also be based. Prayers and hymns will be streamed and played through speakers.
The event will conclude at 4pm and two 13-seater buses will operate on a loop, dropping participants back to the Victoria Park starting point.
