In concelebration with Archbishop Vukšić were: Archbishop of Vrhbosna in peace cardinal Vinko Puljić, charge d'affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in BiH, Msgr. Amaury Medina Blanco, Provincial of the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena, OFM Jozo Marinčić, Vicar General of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese, Msgr. Dr. Slađan Ćosić, Rector of the Chapter of Vrhbosna and Rector of the Cathedral Msgr. Anto Meštrović, rector of the Sarajevo Vrhbosna Theological Seminary, rev. Dr. Zdenko Spajić and five other priests.

The biblical readings and the proclaimed gospel were followed by a homily.

In the introductory part, Msgr. Vukšić reminded that after the mourning of Good Friday we entered into the joy of Easter and therefore, he explained, at the beginning of this discussion we can say that the statement of the Holy Scripture came true: “Evening brings tears and morning cheers” (Ps 30: 6).

“In human nature, nothing is as strong as the desire for life, and in nothing is man so strong and persistent as in defending his life. Indeed, in the same human nature is embedded the desire that death is not the end. It is a completely natural feeling and desire that precedes every religious belief”, he emphasized and added that even those who do not consider themselves believers hope that they will last in some way and that they will not be forgotten.

“This effort against oblivion and the desire for some kind of duration, at least to last in the way of remembrance, is shown by man and the ancient custom of carving his name into a hard stone from which, he hopes, it will never be erased”, explained Msgr. Vukšić.

The Archbishop further said that because of all this, Easter is truly a celebration of hope and a response to man’s natural desire for life, which is the most primordial hope of man. In addition, he explained that man, and even a believer, because he is also a man, on his path of ascension to the resurrection is often not consistent with himself and his fundamental commitments, which is simply a sign of human existence.

At the end of the Holy Mass, Msgr. Vukšić shared the blessing with a general pardon. Liturgical singing was animated by the cathedral mixed choir Josip Stadler under the direction of Rev. Marko Stanušić.