In concelebration with the cardinal, there were five other priests, among whom were the cathedral parish priest and the dean of the Sarajevo deanery, venerable Mato Majić and the rector of the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary, venerable Zdenko Spajić.

At the beginning, the Archbishop mentioned that he was presenting this Holy Mass for all those who died of coronavirus in BiH and Europe. He explained to those present that at the 27^th session of the Permanent Council of the Bishops’ Conference of BiH, held in early February, the proposal of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) to celebrate a Holy Mass in every European country during Lent for the deceased who were infected with the coronavirus, was supported.

In a sermon, cardinal Vinko stated that the victims of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe are so numerous that “one is horrified listening to statistics”.

“Thank God that number has decreased recently. However, it is a shocking moment. It is true that people are dying from heart disease, cancer… but these diseases are not contagious”, he said, emphasizing that the coronavirus in the human body destroys those places that are already “hurt”. He pointed out that the disease should not be taken lightly, noting that there are people who make frivolous comments in public.

“It is a serious and contagious disease that takes lives, and many families have experienced the loss of their loved ones”, said the archbishop, noting that there are restrictions in the hospital when it comes to people with coronavirus. Following this, he encouraged those who had symptoms to receive the sacraments so that they could give in to medical care in peace.

“Not only patients died, but also doctors”, he said, adding that among the hundreds of thousands who died in Europe were many priests, monks and nuns. “Today we pray for all their souls - may God have mercy on them”, said the Cardinal, noting that in a special way he wants to pray for those who were victims of the pandemic by serving the sick, namely priests and medical workers.

“May God be their reward for all the sacrifice they have shown in serving the sick. It is a great heroism that in those difficult moments, they did not leave people, but took care of them. This pandemic should educate us for solidarity with the living and the dead by praying for them”, he said, emphasizing that the Eucharist celebrated is an expression of solidarity and closeness to those who are grieving and a desire to be in solidarity with the dead through prayer.

The Archbishop of Vrhbosna noted that the infection should not be taken lightly, but stressed that “a block of fear should not be created” which spreads unnecessary panic through the media. “We need to be serious and responsible, but we must not allow fear to block our communication. If we cannot shake hands, come and meet each other, we can preserve communication in many ways“, said cardinal Puljić, emphasizing the need that despite the measures, people must cultivate closeness to each other.

He then described his time in hospital when he was being treated for coronavirus and mentioned that he had experienced the impossibility of coming to visit. He once again encouraged those who felt the contagion to call a priest in time to give them sacraments.

Finally, he prayed to Christ the Lord who came into the world for sinners to “enter into the human sick reality, save them from evil, free them from fear, and make them noble and of solidarity in all temptations”. During the Eucharist, theologians from the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary assisted. The Holy Mass was animated by the Cathedral mixed choir Josip Stadler under the direction of rev. Marko Stanušić, and the faithful could hear it through the waves of Radio Marija BiH

By the way, during Lent, the celebration of Holy Mass for coronavirus survivors is planned every day except Sunday. Thus, on Ash Wednesday, February 17^th, the Albanian and Austrian Bishops' Conferences were first in line. The cycle of Holy Masses and Prayers for the deceased in Europe will end on Maundy Thursday, April 1^st at CCEE headquarters in the Swiss city of San Gallen.