Along with the archbishop, eight priests concelebrated, including the parish priest, rev. Slaviša Stavnjak and the national director of the Pontifical Missionary Works in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Msgr. Luka Tunjić, a native son, as well as other priests from that parish.

Faith and doings

In the appropriate sermon, Msgr. Vukšić first pointed out that on the occasion of the dedication of the altar, the parish community should be especially grateful to God's providence. Then he explained that in the Holy Mass readings, the apostle Jacob interpreted the importance of matching what is confessed with words in relation to the actions that accompany them.

"It's easy to see here as well. Many times what we call faith comes down to confessing certain religious truths in words and interpreting them. On the other hand, it is very often unconscious and does not see the need for it to be accompanied by actions", said the archbishop, noting that the apostle Jacob noticed this temptation already in the first Christian community.

"Today, when we gathered to consecrate the altar and bless the church, first of all we thank God that they, together with the church, have been preserved and are proof that what this community confesses with words, it will show with deeds", said Archbishop Tomo, emphasizing that one should be grateful to God "for encouraging the hearts of the believers of this community and the people of the wider social community so that the consecration and blessing could take place".

He ended his sermon with the message that good deeds are the only right way to open the gates of paradise.

After the homily, Msgr. Vukšić prayed a consecration prayer, anointed the altar and the walls of the church with holy oil, performed the incense ceremony of the altar and the church, and lit the candles, which are a sign of Christ "a light for the enlightenment of the people". At the same time, the powers of the holy martyrs Bono and Bazilije were re-incorporated into the altar, which were found in 2023 during the renovation work, and were placed in it in 1862, while the wooden altar was still in the church in Kraljeva Sutjeska.

Thorough renovation

At the end of the Holy Mass, the parish priest thanked everyone who helped in the renovation of the exterior and interior as well as the acquisition of art. On the eve of the dedication of the church, among other things, the following were done: renovation of the parish house and stone walls in the yard, installation of 14 stained glass windows by academic painter Tomo Hrgota, thermal insulation, installation of heating and lighting in the church according to the project of architect Josip Ledić, new oak benches, statue of St. Anthony in bronze and a cross made of maple wood for the presbytery, the work of the academic painter Zdenko Jurišić.

The liturgical celebration was animated by the parish choir under the direction of sister Maruša Brkić.

Among others, numerous political representatives of Croats in BiH were present at the Holy Mass, led by the President of the Croatian National Assembly, Dragan Čović, who is also the godfather of the newly renovated church.

Let us remind you that in Central Bosnia, about 10 km from Kakanj, under the Ravan mountain, there is a religious community of Vukanovići, which was canonically founded in 1963. The church was built much earlier - in 1925 and was renovated several times, the last time this year. The parish is rich in spiritual vocations, and about 50 families currently live in its area.