As in previous years, the organizers were the Archdiocesan Centre for Youth Ministry John Paul II and the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Komušina. The celebration of the Youth Day of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna in this Marian shrine began the day before, on Friday, May 29^th, with a vigil Holy Mass led by Rev. Mislav Alerić, educator at the KŠC Don Bosco in Žepče.

Penitential service

According to a long-standing tradition, the faithful first gathered at the external altar behind the parish church where a penitential service was held, led by Rev. Sandro Jurešić, parish priest in Brčko. This was followed by an invitation from the parish priest and guardian of the shrine, Rev. Boris Salapić, to pray before the image of Our Lady of Komušina, led by Msgr. Vukšić.

Then the Archbishop of Vrhbosna blessed those carrying the image, and a solemn procession began, in which a large number of believers from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as from Croatia and other European countries, participated. On the way to Kondžilo Hill, the image of Our Lady was carried, the rosary was prayed, and Marian songs were sung. Upon arrival at the elevation - Kondžilo Hill, where the external altar and chapel are located, there was another opportunity for confession before the beginning of the Holy Mass celebration, led by Archbishop Tomo concelebrating with Rev. Salapić and about 10 other priests.

Doctrine as a Lighthouse

In his homily on the occasion, Msgr. Vukšić recalled that this pilgrimage to Komušina, which is located on the western border of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese, traditionally marks the end of a month-long spiritual journey that begins with a gathering in Olovo in the east of the archdiocese, which, as he said, "significantly expresses the connection of all parts of the Archdiocese, all its pastors and believers into one whole".

Referring to the motto of this year's Youth Day, the Archbishop emphasized that these were Jesus' words spoken at a very difficult moment - during the Last Supper, on the eve of the Passion and Death. "The Lord, in fact, did not promise his first disciples a life without difficulties, nor does he promise such a life to us, his disciples today. In contrast, all who follow him, and who find themselves facing the challenges of life, Jesus encourages with his words, the example of life and his victory over sin, evil and death", Mons. Vukšić added that the Church thereby wants to bear witness to the faith “that God has a solution for every difficulty and challenge, that God raises us even through difficulties and that no darkness is stronger than the light of the risen Lord”.

Addressing the young people directly, the Archbishop said that Jesus Christ, the Church and the world need them because of their faith, youth and readiness to courageously bear witness to the Gospel among their peers, at school, at university, in families and society.

Interpreting Jesus’ words about victory over the world in greater depth, Msgr. Vukšić explained that the world in Jesus’ speech means an unjust human society distant from God, and that Jesus conquered that world with his teaching and example which “remain a beacon in every form of moral darkness and are a call for the entire human race to follow them”.

He then spoke about the Church as the body of Christ that continues His mission, emphasizing that the members of that body have never been defeated by the world, nor can they, because they find peace in Christ even when they are suffering in the world, and Christ continues to conquer the world that is opposed to God through them.

He concluded his homily with the call: "Be courageous! Christ the King reigns, Christ the King conquers, Christ the King reigns forever."

The prayer of the faithful was read by five young people from the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prozor, from where the Lux Aeterna choir, which animated the Holy Mass celebration, also came.

At the end of the Holy Mass, Rev. Salapić expressed his gratitude to all who contributed in any way to the organization of the celebration of Youth Day.

Youth Program

After the Holy Mass, the believers again made their way to the church in a dignified procession, during which the rosary was prayed and Marian songs were sung, where Archbishop Vukšić concluded the prayer part of Youth Day.

Refreshments were organized for everyone there, and after lunch there was a program for the youth that included a concert by the Lux Aeterna choir, animation games, and a Vocations and Missions Fair where the young people could learn more about the Travnik Seminary, various religious orders, and Catholic Scouts.