Szentkúti Pilgrimage in Doroslo

Twice a year, on Pentecost and the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8), Doroslo hosts a nationally recognized pilgrimage. Today, it attracts not only visitors from every corner of Vojvodina but also from Hungary. The pilgrimage is especially popular among Hungarians and the Sokac people, but other Catholic communities in the region also take part. Visitors gather for Mass, which is followed by a Eucharistic procession. The pilgrimage coincides with the Bácska Portable Mary Statues Meeting. The Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary becomes a unifying event for the Hungarian community in the region, where spiritual enrichment is accompanied by a sense of belonging.

DOROSLO AND THE HOLY WELL

Doroslo, located in the western part of Vojvodina, has been inhabited since ancient times. Archaeological finds from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages have been discovered in the area, and in the Árpád-era, the village’s well was referred to as Bajkút. The medieval writings also mention a miraculous healing spring. According to local legends, the well’s miraculous power is believed to originate from the appearance of the Virgin Mary at the site. In the legend, the Virgin Mary touched the earth with her foot, and a healing spring emerged. After the Battle of Mohács, Doroslo suffered destruction, and the area became depopulated. However, it was repopulated from the mid-18th century, primarily by Catholic Hungarians from Transdanubia and some Swabian families. The first modern healing story involves a man from Gombos who was blind and prayed to the Virgin Mary for healing. In his vision, he was told to wash his eyes in the well, which restored his sight, and he saw the Virgin Mary in the water. Following this miracle, 80 more healings were recorded, and the Holy Well became a popular pilgrimage site. A wooden chapel was built beside the well, later replaced by a stone chapel, along with an outdoor altar and a Stations of the Cross. The well is opened on Easter Monday and closed on September 16, the feast day of the Virgin Mary.

Pilgrims will once again gather for the pre-feast evening on September 7. After a penitential liturgy, the evening Mass will be celebrated, followed by the administration of the sacrament of the sick. The event ends with a candlelit procession and the recitation of the rosary. On September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, the solemn Mass will be celebrated by Msgr. Ferenc Fazekas, the Bishop of the Subotica Diocese.

Join the community of Vojvodina and draw strength from the Holy Well!

Date: September 8, 2024
Location: Doroslo

Program:

Day 1 – Sunday: Arrival in Dorosló

• Check-in at the selected accommodation
• Penitential liturgy and confession
• Pre-feast Mass
• Light dinner featuring local dishes

Day 2 – Monday: Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Participation in the festive Mass
• Lunch in the village
• Afternoon walk to the Holy Well for quiet reflection, rest, and prayer in the rustling willow grove.
• Evening dinner

Day 3 – Tuesday: A Taste of Vojvodina

• Breakfast at the accommodation and check-out
• Visit to the Dorosló Ethnographic House – showcasing rural architecture, life of wealthy landowners, and rich local embroidery traditions
• Lunch in Bezdán, featuring Danube-style fish soup and Balkan flavors
• Return home

Draw from the well yourself!