The Eucharistic Celebration was attended by numerous believers, among which were nuns and the theologians and seminarians of the Vrhbosna seminary who animated the liturgical singing and were in the assistance.

In an appropriate sermon, Cardinal Puljić said that the time of Lent is an encouragement to believers to purify their hearts through the penance, the acts of love and prayer.

“It is no accident that this Wednesday, ‘Ash Wednesday’, we also call ‘Clean Wednesday’, because we  begin our cleansing from evil habits, from the evil tendencies, from all that has put dirt on us beginning with evil mouth, eyes and intentions… which tainted us in our baptismal grace”, said Cardinal Puljić, urging all the people to open their hearts to God's mercy at this time.

Speaking of the name '’Ash Wednesday’ as well as the symbolism of ashes, Cardinal Puljić explained that the rite of ashing is an external sign of accepting the Lent penance and Lent conversion.

Interpreting the origin of the word “Lent”, he said that the word was rooted in the Latin name “Quadragesima”, meaning a period of 40 days. He emphasized that the meaning of the Lent is to return to the path of grace, conversion and acceptance of God’s Word.

After the Sermon, the ceremony of ashing followed. All the believers who were present were ashed by ashes made by burning of olive branches that were blessed last year on Palm Sunday.

KT