Our Lady of Grace Receives Water

Pipeline Built from Đurašević Coast to Our Lady of Grace Island

The Tivat Municipality Investment Directorate has completed the construction of a new water supply system to Our Lady of Grace Island, finally providing running water to the religious site located there. The pipeline, stretching 1,200 meters from the Đurašević coast to the island—including 800 meters underwater—was built by Indel Engineering at a cost of €101,000.

To mark the completion of the works, which began in March, the island was visited today by Bishop of Kotor Fra Mladen Vukšić, Tivat Mayor Željko Komnenović, Vice Mayor Jovan Brinić with associates, representatives of the construction company, citizens, and media, at the invitation of the sanctuary’s administrator don Ivo Ćorić.

Addressing the attendees on behalf of the Diocese of Kotor, don Ivo Ćorić stated that the pipeline installation is “an event of historic significance for the restoration and future life of this UNESCO-protected island.”

“It is believed that the island has been a sacred site since Roman times. Over the centuries, it has hosted Benedictines, Franciscans, and Jesuits. It houses the only statue in Europe depicting the Blessed Virgin in a blessed state. We are all enriched—spiritually, emotionally, and culturally—thanks to this island, whose restoration is ongoing. So far, 45 meters of the roof with gutters have been replaced, 12 rooms have been fitted with bathrooms, and the building is regularly maintained. Restoration continues with the goal of making the island shine fully as a center of spirituality, prayer, interreligious and cultural dialogue,” said Ćorić. He thanked Tivat Municipality, the construction company, and the divers who laid the pipeline.

Mayor Komnenović emphasized the importance of the project: “Today, we repay a debt to the faithful who visit this sanctuary and to all citizens of Tivat, because drinking water is a civilizational act, and we were obliged to fulfill don Ivo’s request. According to don Ivo, this is a historic event. I must add that water, roads, electricity… are public interests. As a society, we have forgotten what public interest means and often prioritize individual interests,” he said, noting that the completion of the water supply works should serve as a symbolic call for society to embrace public interest and Christian values.

The mayor symbolically opened the tap, and Bishop Fra Mladen Vukšić blessed the water flowing from the new pipeline. The ceremony was followed by a guided tour of the island for all attendees. Eco Boats contributed by providing electric-powered boat transport for some of the guests.