Church of Our Lady of Bastia
Church of Our Lady of Bastia
- Location and History: The chapel, located on the banks of the Mirna River, was built centuries ago when the area was a bustling port. According to oral tradition and historical records, the feast of Our Lady of Bastia was celebrated in late May.
- Architectural Details: The chapel has multiple foundation levels, visible through a designated opening inside the structure, offering a unique historical experience.
- Name Origin: The site is called Bastia (renamed Baštija after 1945). Oral tradition tells that centuries ago, at the end of May, sailors called “batelani” were transporting a large statue of Our Lady by boat (“battle””) to a church in Northern Istria. Suddenly, they heard a voice from the statue saying, “Basta!” (Italian for “Enough!”). They stopped the boat, unloaded the statue, and soon built the chapel at that very spot on the Mirna River’s banks.
- Restoration: Thoroughly reconstructed in the 21st century.
Holy Mass
Held annually on the last Saturday of May.
Prayer for Trust:
Mother of Jesus and my mother, from the depths of my soul and heart, I entrust myself to You! Grant me the grace to live in simplicity, service, and work as You resided in Nazareth. May I joyfully listen to God’s words, reflect on them deeply, and thus progress on the path of faith.
Keep me from losing trust in difficult times, but help me live worthy of my Christian calling. Guide me to achieve personal holiness here on earth – in youth, maturity, and old age. And at the moment of death, during the final purification prepared by God’s merciful love, may I, through His grace, join You and all the saints in eternity. Amen.
