Based on the archival sources found in the Archdiocesan archive in Zagreb about the parish of Marija Bistrica and relevant scientific literature about the subject, this thesis sees the historical continuity of events that are of the highest importance for the development of the Shrine of Our Lady of Marija Bistrica. In the period from 1870 to 2000, the Shrine of Our Lady of Marija Bistrica was historically part of several different political unions that each dictated the turn of events and position of the Catholic Church and its role in the political and social lives of people. The Croatian National Shrine of Our Lady of Marija Bistrica, thanks to its rich history, stays in the collective memory of the Croatian nation. The thesis seeks to explore its role as a site of memory and its role in national identity. During this time, the Shrine of Marija Bistrica was defined as a symbol of national identity based on its religious and historical significance. The thesis seeks to understand the historic meaning of religious events based on which shrine Marija Bistrica is recognized as the most visited in Croatia. Through the 130 years period, thesis explores continuity on which is based the role of the shrine in the collective memory of the Croatian nation.