Ruška nedelja

When Filip Švajgar, who led God's way from l. 1469 to 1485, procured various indulgences from Rome, the way of God was strengthened and spread even more. Not only during the main gathering, which used to be celebrated on the feast of Mary's name, but throughout the year pilgrims came individually and in processions in increasing numbers from near and far.

God's path became especially famous during the Turkish invasions. During those times, the people of Rus fervently recommended themselves to Mary and promised that on the eve of Mary's feasts, they would pray in front of her altar of the Lavretan litany with two blessings, and on the feast day, at nine in the morning, St. rosary with litanies, if he graciously preserves them from these terrible calamities.

Mary also protected her worshipers from the plague. When, according to the promise mentioned above, this murderer went on a rampage in various places for three years, only one child and a girl died in Ruše.

Not only the people of Ruše but also other Christians from far and wide, sought and found help from Mary during these difficult times. When the Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa came to Vienna and besieged the city with 200,000 soldiers, many people knelt before the Maria night and day, over 50 large processions came to Ruše in nine weeks. Precisely on September 12, on the feast of the name of Mary, when thousands of pilgrims were gathered in the church, the Christians under the command of the pious Polish king Sobieski defeated the Turks in front of Vienna.

The unfortunate people who fell into Turkish captivity had great trust in Mary. The chronicle tells us about the nine who, through Mary's intercession, returned from Turkish captivity. As a reminder, they brought with them the chains in which they were chained.

Pilgrims still meet in Ruše every first Sunday after September 8.