As the Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul is currently undergoing renovation, the Holy Mass was celebrated in the parish Caritas hall—located near the spot where sister Danka was killed—and was led by Msgr. Miro Relota, the Military Bishop in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Concelebrating were the parish priest, rev. Ivica Mršo, and rev. Božo Odobašić, a retired professor from the Catholic Faculty of Theology at the University of Sarajevo.

The Holy Mass was attended by Sisters of the Daughters of Divine Love, the family of the late sister Danka, numerous parishioners and friends, as well as representatives from political and public life.

A Sacrifice That Does Not Fade

In his homily, Bishop Relota highlighted that this commemoration carries within it deep human pain, yet an even deeper Christian hope: "Exactly thirty years have passed since the life of Sister Danka was violently extinguished on this very spot, at the doors of the parish Caritas. In human terms, that is a long time: new generations have grown up, the city has changed, and wounds have healed to some extent. Yet, the memory of her sacrifice does not fade."

Reflecting on the Gospel for the 26^th Sunday in the year - the parable of the two sons whom the father sends to the vineyard—the preacher emphasized that a ready word is not enough for God. "Concrete acts of love and faithfulness are required. Sister Danka’s response to God was written in years of self-sacrificing work, in bread provided for the displaced and the hungry. As a Daughter of Divine Love, she recognized that the Father was sending her to this city—to a vineyard that, in the 1990s, was steeped in fear and uncertainty. I would like to highlight one word: she did not flee. Her only weapons were the rosary in her hand and a heart ready to help. She extended a hand to everyone, regardless of their name or how they prayed to God.

Religious sisters and priests, like soldiers on a spiritual battlefield, often stand as guardians of humanity in places from which everyone else flees. It would be wonderful if someone were to write the history of the role played by priests and nuns in parishes across Bosnia and Herzegovina", said Msgr. Relota, noting that the murder took place in peacetime, after the guns had already fallen silent. He linked this to the words of the prophet Ezekiel from the first reading: "God does not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he turn and live." "As we remember her suffering, we must not allow bitterness or a desire for revenge to fill our hearts (...) Forgiveness is the true weapon of peace, for only it can break the spiral of evil and violence. Sister Danka possessed that weapon. She sealed her ministry of mercy with her own blood", the preacher said. "Dear brothers and sisters, today, here, let us forgive so that we may receive God's grace. Let us never allow hatred to enter our hearts. We are a light to this people. Let us be a light in our Bosnia. Let us be a light of hope and a light of love", said Bishop Miro at the conclusion of his homily.

Sister Danka’s work continues

At the end of the Holy Mass, sister Nevenka Jurak, Provincial Superior of the Province of Divine Providence of the Daughters of Divine love Congregation, addressed the gathering. She noted that the hearts of those present were touched by sorrow", but even more so filled with deep faith, hope, and gratitude."

Among other things, she thanked Bishop Relota for presiding over the celebration and delivering the homily, Parish Priest Mršo for his open heart and care in organizing the event, and the sisters who continue to serve in Kakanj today, carrying on the ministry begun by sister Danka.

Afterward, the parish priest, rev. Ivica, spoke about the memorial park dedicated to sister Danka, which is planned for the site of her martyrdom.

The commemoration concluded with a prayer service for sister Danka, followed by a communal meal for all those present.

As a reminder, sister Danka Jurčević was born on January 29^th, 1950, in Jardol (in the parish and municipality of Vitez) to parents Jozo and Lucija (born Frljić). She laid her perpetual religious vows in Zagreb on August 15^th, 1970. After completing her studies at the Catechetical Institute of the Faculty of Catholic Theology in Zagreb, she served as a catechist and choir director in parishes across Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She served in Kakanj, Pula, Zapolje, Sarajevo, Derventa, and once again in Kakanj. She was killed on the evening of September 30^th, 1996, in the parish courtyard in Kakanj—next to the parish Caritas building—having been stabbed eight times. Her killer served his sentence, yet the true motives and circumstances of the crime remain unresolved even after three decades.