In communion with Msgr. Vukšić were the Apostolic Nuncio in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, the economist of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna, Rev. Vladimir Pranjić, the rector of the cathedral, Rev. Marko Zubak, and about 10 other priests.

Introducing to the Holy Mass, Archbishop Vukšić greeted the faithful present and addressed "a prayer to our dear God to bless us with conversion so that we may prepare our thoughts, consciences, and our lives for our Savior".

God is Coming

At the beginning of his sermon, Archbishop Tomo explained that this Holy Mass celebration solemnly ends the time of expectation and preparation and begins joy and gladness, “because expectation has reached its peak and fulfilment.”

He then spoke about the importance that the Church attaches to this holiday, in such a way that the church community celebrates this important holiday with four Christmas masses – the Vigil Mass, Midnight Mass, Dawn Mass, and the Day Mass celebrated on Christmas morning.

He then referred to the mystery of the Christian faith, which confesses that the second person of the Holy Trinity became man. “With its content and meaning, it far surpasses the playfulness of decorations on the Christmas tree, the romance of verses, and the atmosphere of the music of the silent night. It is not expressed by all customs, nor by long traditions, nor by other forms of joy with which people express their joy on the occasion of this holiday (…) The basic meaning of the Christmas vigil, which has brought us together, is found in the short introductory hymn of this Holy Mass, which reads: 'Today you will know that the Lord is truly coming to save you, and tomorrow you will see his glory'. He has yet to come, therefore," the preacher emphasized, stating that the most important message of this vigil is that God always comes to meet every person as his Saviour, that God is always on the move, that he is always on the initiative, that he thinks of everyone. But for this encounter to truly happen, it is up to man to long for Jesus", the Archbishop of Vrhbosna reminded.

Salvation is in hope

He further referred to the jubilee, speaking about man's need for hope.

"Man permanently lives in hope. Through it, even his desires and plans, although not yet fulfilled and realized, are in some way already present in his life. They are present in the way of hope. They are already there as hope. That is why hope is an important human driver, motive and often even indicates a purpose. Hope is one of the greatest and most important treasures that a person can have. And in contrast, the lack of hope is a very great misfortune both on a personal level and on the level of every community", said Msgr. Vukšić, concluding that hope is salvation and calling on believers to lead them through the Christmas days and on the right path, especially when troubles come, to uphold the words of the Holy Scripture: "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that! We also rejoice in tribulations, because we know that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance experience; and experience hope. And hope does not disappoint. This love of God has been poured out in to our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us!" (Rom 5:1-5).

The Holy Mass celebration was animated with harmonious singing by the Cathedral Choir Josip Stadler under the direction of Rev. Marko Stanušić, and the Holy Mass was broadcast live by BHT1.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that 15 minutes before the Holy Mass, which began at 9:00 p.m., a short musical performance by the first communicants of the cathedral parish was organized, prepared by sister Petronila Kovačević.

Christmas greetings to the Archbishop

Priests, religious men and women working in Sarajevo and the surrounding area gathered on Christmas Eve, December 24^th, at the Priests' Home for the traditional Christmas greetings to the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Msgr. Tomo Vukšić.

On behalf of the clergy, the greetings were delivered by the canon and rector of the Sarajevo Cathedral, Rev. Marko Zubak, who sent a message of hope and faith, with a call to gratitude to God for the past, present and future, and the strength provided by God's providence.

After the usual official part of the congratulations, moderated by the spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna, Rev. Dražen Kustura, refreshments and socializing followed.