The motto of this year’s charity concert and sales exhibition was Imaj srce… (Have some heart…) Organized by the Sisters Servants of the Little Jesus (SMI) and Friends of the Little Jesus, and it all happened on the 140^th anniversary of the appointment of the Servant of God Josip Stadler as Archbishop of Vrhbosna and his arrival in Bosnia.

In the way of the servant of God Stadler

At the beginning of the concert, the host of the program, the parish priest of the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Čardak near Modriča, rev. Ivan Dragičević greeted those present and spoke about the servant of God Stadler, reminding that coming to take over the office of archbishop on January 13^th 1882, through Busovača and Brestovsko, “in the harsh winter conditions, he passed through this area as well”. He mentioned that he was greeted on the bridge by the Fojnica river by OFM Grga Martić with the people from Kreševo, Fojnica, Gromiljak and nearby villages. “It is this historical fact that took place 140 years ago that connects us tonight and with deep respect we remember the arrival of Joseph Stadler in this area (...) This servant of God tells us all: ‘Have a childish heart for God; a mother’s heart for your neighbour; a judge’s heart towards yourself’”, said rev. Dragičević.

Then the attendees, who were later joined by the advisor of the Apostolic Nunciature in BiH, Msgr. Amaury Medina Blanco, were welcomed by the Provincial Head of the Sisters of the SMI of the Sarajevo Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, sister M. Ana Marija Kesten. She also thanked the parish priest of the parish of Gromiljak, rev. Ilija Karlović. “Let’s give tonight our love, our song and the gift of heart for children and young people who want to learn a lot. They are also looking forward to life and want to learn, study, realize their dreams. Let's help them grow in faith, love and hope”, she said and thanked everyone for the gift of time, love and sacrifice.

Lots of performers and quality performances

The concert was opened by the children’s choir Ime Marijino from Gromiljak under the direction of sister M. Jelena Jovanović, followed by: the Frama band Profetes from Kiseljak; 6^th grade student of the Elementary Music School Katarina Kosača-Kotromanić from Žepče Marija Magdalena Marković (violin); the youth choir of the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from Prozor, led by sister M. Marinela Zeko; baritone Siniša Markanović, accompanied by organist Blaž Protuđer; then the ethno group Čuvarice, which this year celebrates its 10^th anniversary, and are extremely active as parishioners and Friends of the Little Jesus, making a special contribution to the organization of a missionary exhibition organized by the SMI sisters in the parish of Prozor; the parish choir Ime Marijino from Gromiljak; the choir of sisters and the candidate of the Servants of the Little Jesus, under the direction of rev. Marko Stanušić; and the final song was performed by a parishioner from Prozor and a long-time member of PMI, singer-songwriter Vlado Kudić.

After the concert, which ended with a joint performance of the song Padaj s neba roso sveta… (Fall from the Sky, holy dew…), those present headed to the Spiritual Centre of the Sisters of the SMI for a humanitarian sales exhibition. There were many happy gifts, joyful meetings, joy and physical refreshment. In such a beautiful mood one could hear the thinking of many who said that they received much more than what they’ve donated during the evening. Because, they gave materially, and received spiritually; gave measurable, and got immeasurable.

The unanimous conclusion could be read: Thank God for this year’s charity concert and sales exhibition, as well as for the Sisters Servants of the Little Jesus, their external associates Friends of the Little Jesus and for all who support the charisma of Stadler’s spiritual daughters.