Holy Mass at the grave of “saint Mara”


At the old town cemetery of St. Francis of Assisi in Žepče, on October 4th, Holy Mass celebration was led by parish priest of Žepče, rev. Fabijan Štedul, with attendance of a large number of believers. In this 19th century cemetery, next to the chapel, is the tomb of Mare Jukić, who passed away in Žepče on November 2nd, 1979., at the age of 51 and who was considered a saint.

In his sermon, rev. Štedul briefly recalled the life path of the Saint of Assisi who was called by the Lord to repair the Church. He emphasized that the Lord calls upon every believer to do great things, as St. Francis did them, and reminded that many today gathered around Mara's grave, who truly loved Christ.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Mara's death, and two years ago, material began to be collected systematically about her. At the end of the mass, Msgr. Petar Jukić, spoke and presented the book God Will give, it will Be Good - words that Mara often repeated.

Mara Jukić was remembered for having been at Holy Mass every day from 1948. to 1979. She had problems with her legs and it took her more than seven hours to reach the church and back. Later, she lived next to the church where she used to spend, in the summer and winter, almost all days in prayer, from five in the morning to late at nigh.

Numerous believers have approached her for prayer and counsel. She owned nothing, and her funeral was attended by many people.