The Holy Mass celebration was led by the apostolic nuncio in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Msgr. Francis Assisi Chullikatt, and concelebrated by: Archbishop of Vrhbosna Metropolitan Msgr. Tomo Vukšić, bishop of Mostar-Duvno and apostolic administrator of Trebinje-Mrkan, Msgr. Petar Palić, Archbishop of Vrhbosna in peace Vinko cardinal Puljić and the seminary educators and professors at the Sarajevo Catholic Faculty of Theology of the University of Sarajevo headed by the dean Dr. Mario Bernadić. Among the believers were: Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria Valerij Yotov, students and representatives of benefactors and contractors of the renovation of the theological seminary building.

At the beginning, the rector of VBS, Rev. Zdenko Spajić greeted and welcomed everyone present. Among other things, he said that "in Europe, 80 years after the end of the Second World War and the mutual reconciliation of many peoples who had been in conflict until then, on this continent only the Slavic peoples are still at war with each other, threatening each other with new conflicts and wars and digging into the distant past in order to harm their neighbour in the present". That's why he called for prayers, "not only for this community, but also for peace among these peoples and in these areas" and thanked the many benefactors who made the renovation of the seminary possible.

Slavic apostles

At the beginning of the appropriate sermon, which Msgr. Chullikatt pronounced in the Croatian language, he emphasized the deep heritage and spiritual wealth left by St. Cyril and St. Methodius, "Slavic apostles" and enlighteners, whose life story, intertwined with courage, devotion and deep faith, became a symbol of the evangelical mission among the Slavic peoples, but also a model for all Christians around the world.

"St. Cyril and St. Methodius teach us that language is crucial for the transmission of Christ's message to every nation", the nuncio emphasized, noting that their example of enculturation of faith is especially important in today's pluralistic world because "with their devotion, wisdom and patience, they embodied the idea that faith cannot be fully accepted until it is heard in the mother tongue".

"Emerging Church"

In the second part of the homily, Msgr. Chullikatt pointed out the importance of missionary activity and evangelization. Referring to the example of these holy brothers, he pointed out that these missionaries set out on a journey towards the Slavic peoples, which represents the "Church on the way out", that is, the "Church on the way". This dynamic and creative approach to the Church, as the nuncio said, "is very dear to Pope Francis in the context of synodality".

He then explained that "the Holy Brothers, facing unknown spiritual and cultural spaces and devoting themselves daily to the work of evangelization, left indelible memories in the heart of the Slavic peoples and the entire Church". "They were convinced that if faith did not take root in every culture, like yeast that permeates it with the gospel, not even the heart of Christ could beat in the heart of every human being of every culture", said the nuncio and with a special expression of admiration and gratitude he emphasized the importance of celebrating patron saint of the seminary church and the feast of Slavic apostles and educators. He said that they left an example of a life worthy of true disciples of Christ, a life worthy of the mission of the Church and worthy of the glory of All Saints.

He concluded the sermon with a call to pray for the intercession of these holy missionaries so that all those present could fruitfully, faithfully and effectively serve the evangelizing mission of the Church.

During the Eucharistic celebration, the VBS theologians assisted and animated the liturgical singing, under the direction of the professor of liturgy, Rev. Ivan Rako.

The gathering continued during a joint meal in the premises of the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary, when Rector Spajić reminded that this occasion marks the completion of the renovation of the facade and the theological wing and expressed his gratitude to benefactors and contractors.

Otherwise, the reconstruction was made possible by: Government of the Republic of Croatia - Central State Office for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia, Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning, Federal Ministry of Displaced Persons and Refugees, Stari Grad Municipality, Kirche in Not, Renovabis, USCCB, Vrhbosna Archdiocese Foundation, various ministries and institutions.