For centuries, the Catholic shrine of St. Ivo in Podmilačje has been attracting Catholic believers, as well as members of other faiths, who hope for healing. The pilgrimage is held on St. Ivo’s Day, 24 June in Podmilačje, at the church dedicated to John the Baptist, the prophet who baptized Jesus. The pilgrims attend the mass and perform a votive tour around the church with the aim of healing. The miraculous and interreligious character of the shrine is also confirmed by a 19th-century record stating that the shrine was recognized: “by the entire Bosnian population, without distinction of faith”.

The newcomers often come barefoot and on foot from far away to pray, addressing St. Ivo the Baptist. The prayer is a part of the two-day celebration programme in which everyone participates actively. In the morning, washing is done at a spring of water called Mrtvalj or Gospino vrelo, and more recently also the St. Ivo’s Spring, and it is considered medicinal. The morning mass for the sick is preceded by a mandatory confession.

The newcomers bring home a pebble or red stone powder from Podmilačje as a medicine.