Croatia: A Pilgrimage of Faith and Discovery
Our day began with a short walk to Mass. Families streamed past us on the same path—so many of them, and notably large families. It seems the norm here in Croatia is to have more than three children.
The people are striking—tall, elegant. The women are thin, beautiful, and dressed in fashions that haven’t yet reached our stores back home. I purchased a pair of sandals for both comfort and style, and later, at one of the services, I noticed an elderly nun wearing the identical pair. It was a small moment of connection in a foreign land.
Our hotel doubles as the community’s grocery store and bakery, so we’ve naturally fraternized with the locals. Their daily bread is baked fresh each morning, and I’ve become an eager consumer of these remarkable creations—the taste, the texture, the fillings. They are nothing short of extraordinary. The only exercise I’ve managed has been the short journey from our room to the restaurant to the car to the services.
The Drive to Osijek
Our two-hour drive to Osijek is breathtaking during daylight, but when evening falls, it becomes decidedly unsettling. The drivers here travel at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour—and I’m not exaggerating. Even if you’re exhausted, you find yourself remaining vigilant, keeping the driver alert with your presence and attention. It’s a test of both nerve and faith.
Over 1,200 people gathered for the service in Osijek. Just as before, each person received individual prayer. We approach this sacred work with great reverence and sensitivity—prayer is deeply personal, after all. Last night proved no exception. One man, Father Karol, stood out distinctly in the crowd, so visibly filled with the Holy Spirit that his presence seemed to illuminate the entire gathering. There was something unmistakable about him—a luminosity of spirit that drew the eye and stirred the soul.
Midnight in Osijek: Spiritual Warfare
It was midnight by the time the band had packed all their equipment. Most of us had finished praying, with one exception: Joanne. Her line was always the longest.
Then I saw it—a chair flying through the air, followed by a body hurled across the room, landing fifteen feet away. It was a woman possessed by demons. Despite the chaos, Joanne continued to pray for her without hesitation. I heard three distinct languages emanating from the woman—which meant at least three demons were present. I won’t lie: it was intense. Everyone who knows me understands that this kind of spiritual encounter makes me deeply uncomfortable. I won’t detail the specifics, but this battle of spirits continued for thirty minutes.
Joanne did not back down. Our team stood firm beside her, supporting her in prayer and spiritual strength. Father Karol revealed himself to be an exorcist—equipped with holy water, he sprinkled it upon the young woman. The demons recoiled, screaming, “NO! NO!” Then, with gentle hands, he anointed her forehead with oil, knelt beside her, and prayed over her with quiet authority. Gradually, she became calm and coherent.
We tell ourselves we’re prepared for these moments, that our training will sustain us. But when you stand face to face with such raw spiritual darkness, you realize the truth: you must be grounded in prayer and fasting, and you must trust the experts to lead. This night taught us that lesson in the most profound way.
