About 70 people from the clergy gathered for the congratulations, including: the Bishop of Banja Luka, Msgr. Franjo Komarica, Charge d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in BiH Msgr. Amaury Medina Blanco, Provincial of Bosna Srebrena OFM Jozo Marinčić and Provincial Head of the SMI sister Ana Marija Kesten.

The name day congratulations were expressed by the Vicar General of Vrhbosna Archdiocese, Msgr. Slađan Ćosić. Mentioning that the Church on this day remembers St. Vincent, deacon of the Church in Zaragoza, who died a martyr’s death in Valencia during Diocletian’s persecution, pointed out in the introduction that following Jesus Christ are inevitably followed by misunderstanding and slander. “However, a disciple who always keeps his eyes on his Master knows even better that ‘God works well with those who love him’ (Romans 8:28), and therefore remains even more wholeheartedly with Jesus and in union with him, he comes out of his comforts, interests, worries and glory in the desire to give himself completely to God and others”, said Msgr. Ćosić and as an example gave life testimony of St. Vincent.

Congratulating the Cardinal on his name day, he expressed his gratitude for his “pastoral ministry, which you have performed since the beginning and until now with love, joy, devotion and courage (...) in all pastoral, charitable, social and other projects and endeavors, of which you have initiated many of them yourself, and among them it is worth mentioning the recently concluded First Synod”.

Wishing him a long life and good health, Msgr. Ćosić asked cardinal Puljić to continue praying “God for all of us so that in this age we too can be sincere and stable followers of Jesus Christ”.

In his address, cardinal Puljić first thanked everyone for coming and congratulating. “You have sent me wishes for good health and a long life. God, let me live in honesty, no matter how long it is”, said Archbishop Vinko at the beginning, reminding that celebrating the name day is an opportunity to connect in a positive atmosphere through noble wishes, but more importantly in praying for each other. He emphasized that bearing the name of a saint is not the merit of the one who celebrates the name day. “It is a gift to pray and follow this saint as an example of courageous and persevering witness to Jesus Christ. We can learn from St. Vincent how to deal with dangerous seductions”, the cardinal emphasized, emphasizing that these seductions are threats and fear, as well as flattery and pampering of the body. “Let us not be scared by temptations, but through them let’s pass the test of fidelity and try to persevere in seeking and doing the will of God”, said Archbishop Vinko especially emphasizing the importance of witnessing this in our calling and mission because it is the way of dedication (consecration).

The gathered continued their name day congratulations at the family table.