The solemn Eucharistic celebration was led by the Bishop of Mostar-Duvno and Apostolic Administrator of Trebinje-Mrkan, Msgr. Petar Palić, in communion with the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Metropolitan Msgr. Tomo Vukšić, Cardinal Vinko Puljić, the Apostolic Nuncio in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatto, Bishop of Banja Luka, Željko Majić, and about 10 priests.

Introducing the Holy Mass, Archbishop Tomo greeted the leader, wishing him the Heart of Jesus to accompany him with its blessing in his apostolic ministry, and then he also greeted the other priests who were concelebrating.

Neither division nor fear have the last word

At the beginning of his homily, Bishop Petar said that there was something deeply moving in the fact that it was the Heart of Jesus, that pierced Heart from which blood and water flowed, that was chosen as the heavenly protector of this cathedral and archdiocese. "In a city that has known both periods of unity and moments of difficult trials throughout its history, this cathedral rises as a permanent reminder that neither division nor fear has the last word, but love that springs from the Heart of Christ", the bishop said, recalling how the servant of God, Archbishop Josip Stadler, built this cathedral more than 100 years ago and dedicated it to the Heart of Jesus, with the deep conviction that it is precisely from the love of Christ that this local Church will draw strength for its life. Furthermore, Msgr. Palić emphasized that dedicating the cathedral to the Heart of Jesus means saying: here, in the centre of this city, may the message that God never stops loving man forever resonate.

"Before we uttered His name, He knew ours. Before we raised our eyes to heaven, His mercy had already bent over our lives. This is the great message of today's feast and of all the readings we heard: God loved us first", explained Bishop Petar, noting that in the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the chosen people of this great truth.

Example of the image of God's Joseph Stadler

He further spoke about the servant of God Stadler who, as he said, knew that great works are not built by human strength, but by relying on God, and in the difficult circumstances of his time, he did not give in to discouragement, but worked persistently, praying and serving. "His example reminds us that Christian hope is not optimism that closes its eyes to difficulties, but trust that sees God's faithfulness even through difficulties", the preacher emphasized, adding that the call that the Heart of Jesus addresses to believers today is: to live with trust, to persevere on the path of faith, and not to let fear take over.

The liturgical singing was animated by the cathedral's mixed choir Josip Stadler under the direction of Rev. Marko Stanušić. The seminarians of the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary (VBS) assisted at the altar under the leadership of the rector of the VBS, Rev. Ivan Rako.