Spiritual and Educational Centre
A place for spiritual renewal.
Time for yourself and God.
In the peaceful setting of Lužnica, the Sisters of Charity offer a place for prayer, learning and fellowship. Through spiritual and educational programmes, the Centre invites individuals, families and communities to encounter God, themselves and one another.
Spiritual and Educational Centre
Marijin dvor.
Time to grow.
The Marijin dvor Spiritual and Educational Centre is an adult education institution run by the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul.
The Centre organises its own spiritual and educational programmes and welcomes communities, associations, groups, organisations and businesses wishing to arrange spiritual or educational programmes for their members.
It particularly welcomes families, children and young people, members of religious orders, and staff from educational, cultural, healthcare and social care institutions.
Spiritual and Educational Gatherings
Programmes for every stage of life.
Spiritual renewal days, retreats, workshops and prayer gatherings for different age groups and communities.
Children, adolescents and Adults
Spiritual Renewal Days
One-day and weekend programmes of spiritual renewal, tailored to different age groups and communities.
Time Set Apart
Spiritual Retreats
For members of religious orders and those in religious formation, priests, seminarians and lay people. Accommodation is also available for those undertaking a private retreat.
Children and adolescents
Vincentino Oratory
A programme for children and young people offered as part of the Centre’s spiritual activities. Contact the Centre for the current schedule and participation details.
Learning and Creativity
Workshops and Educational Visits
Creative and educational workshops and learning visits in the castle and on the estate.
Personal and Communal Prayer
Adoration and Devotions
Personal and communal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer of the Rosary in the chapel or parkland.
Outdoors
Stations of the Cross and Reflection
Pray the Stations of the Cross or take a quiet walk through the parkland, for personal reflection and communal devotion.
Inspired by the charism of St Vincent de Paul, we open our doors to those seeking spiritual nourishment, knowledge and space for reflection.
In the tranquillity of the castle and parkland, encounters with God, ourselves and others can be given the depth and time they deserve. Each programme embraces the whole person.
Places for Prayer
Places that hold the silence.
Main castle chapel: seating for 60 in the Baroque castle, accessible by lift.
Small house chapel: seating for 25 in the accommodation building, for quiet prayer and smaller groups.
A separate space for confession and spiritual conversation.
Outdoor Stations of the Cross and paths for contemplation in the parkland.
Arrange your gathering.
Contact the Centre for current programme dates, registration or to arrange a gathering for your group.
In your enquiry, please specify the type of gathering, preferred dates, number of participants, and whether you require accommodation and meals.
Single and double rooms are available at Marijin dvor. Accommodation and meals are provided by Lužnica d.o.o., with arrangements tailored to the programme.
Spiritual renewal days, retreats, creative and educational workshops, educational visits, and personal and communal prayer.
Organised groups can arrange to use the facilities and combine their programme with accommodation and meals provided by Lužnica d.o.o.
For individuals, families, groups and communities. The format of each gathering and accommodation arrangements are tailored to the programme.
Director: Sr Karla Ivančić Lužnički odvojak 3, 10290 Zaprešić
+385 (0)1 3350 944
tajnistvo@luznica.hr
The Sisters of Charity
A presence that
brings warmth.
The Convent of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and the lives of the Sisters of Charity have been part of Lužnica’s story since 1925.
How did the Marijin dvor Centre begin?
After decades of convent life, the Sisters of Charity recognised the castle’s potential as a place of renewal and encounter for the wider community.
With educational and financial support from the German Catholic organisation Renovabis, construction of a new complex began in 2003. One part was designed as a convent and the other as guest accommodation.
The Spiritual and Educational Centre was officially opened on 13 October 2007. Cardinal Josip Bozanić presided over the blessing and opening ceremony.
The history of the convent community
The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul purchased the castle on 31 July 1925. The religious community was established on 17 August, and the convent was placed under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and named Marijin dvor.
The castle served as a place of rest and recovery for elderly and sick sisters. The former ceremonial hall of the noble Rauch family became the convent chapel, dedicated to the Mother of God, and the centre of community life.
The sisters preserved the castle’s cultural heritage and gradually laid the foundations for its restoration and opening to the public.
The convent community today
A new convent was built with the support of Renovabis. It received its present name by a decision of the leadership of the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary dated 1 June 2006.
Through their prayers, the sisters support the Centre and its visitors, while their work contributes to life throughout the estate. Their care for people and their surroundings is part of Lužnica’s welcoming warmth.
The convent wing is an enclosed religious space and is not open to the public.
Please contact the Centre to arrange visits to accessible sacred spaces and participation in spiritual activities.
The chapel and its artistic heritage
At the heart of the new convent is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. It is used for the celebration of Holy Mass, communal and personal devotions, and Eucharistic adoration.
The sanctuary wall is dominated by a large mosaic of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, created by Jesuit Brother Zdenko Vidović. The Stations of the Cross were made by sculptor Ilija Skočibušić.
Make time for a spiritual pause.
Would you like to take part in a programme or organise a spiritual or educational gathering for your community? Contact us for information about dates and visiting arrangements.
