Patron in the Maglaj shrine with a much smaller number of believers


Memorial day of St. Leopold Bogdan Mandić on May 12th, whose shrine is located in Maglaj, was more modest than usual - due to the still current pandemic, and was celebrated among the parishioners along with several pilgrims.

Due to mandatory measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebration of the patron saint of the Maglaj parish and sanctuary did not take place in the usual way, but with a much smaller number of believers and pilgrims from Žepče and Usora surroundings, who traditionally make pilgrimage to Leopold. From the early morning there was also an opportunity for holy confession, and several priests were available, in compliance with the prescribed measures.

The morning Holy Mass at 8 a.m. was led by rev. Mario Oršolić, a priest from Vrhbosna who was the head of the Croatian Catholic Mission in Innsbruck for eight years.

The central Holy Mass celebration at 11 a.m. was led by rev. Josip Jelić, former parish priest of Maglaj, who now holds the parish service in Doboj. With him in concelebration were the local parish priest, rev. Franjo Tomić; parish priest in Radunice, rev. Ilija Orkić and 10 other priests, while more than 200 believers gathered in and in front of the church. Masks were distributed to all who needed it and wanted it.

The celebration of the Holy Mass was animated by the parish choir, and at the end the parish priest Tomić addressed the present and thanked all those who participated and helped organize the celebration of the patron saint, especially the mayor of Maglaj and the local Civil Protection Headquarters.

Due to the current state of the pandemic, the Eucharistic celebration was not followed by the usual popular festivities, but the believers quickly went home.