At the solemn Holy Mass celebration, the Archbishop was joined by: Archbishop Coadjutor of Vrhbosna, Msgr. Tomo Vukšić, Apostolic Nuncio to BiH Msgr. Luigi Pezzuto, Provincial of the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena, OFM Jozo Marinčić, Vicar General of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese Msgr. Slađan Ćosić and more than 50 other priests, including the heads and professors of the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary (VBS), the Catholic Theological Faculty (KBF) and Franciscan Theology (FT).

Welcoming those present, cardinal Vinko also invited them to pray for the priests, and especially for the 11 ordained ones. He wished that on the feast of the apostolic champions “personal faith be strengthened so that we may move into the future with full confidence in God”.

After the reading and the proclaimed gospel, the rector of VBS, rev. Zdenko Spajić presented the candidates for the Vrhbosna Archdiocese, and the Master of Theologians at the FT, OFM Danijel Nikolić presented candidates for the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena. After their response and with the assurance of the chiefs of the parish communities from which they came and the opinions of those responsible for their suitability to receive the holy order, the archbishop elected them to the order of presbyters.

To proclaim authentically

At the beginning of the sermon, the Cardinal first explained what springs from the feast of St. Peter and Paul, and that is the courage and breaking of the shackles after which the apostles could begin to proclaim the Word of God. He pointed out that the public today “shackles” the priests so that they would not be free to testify. Addressing the ordained, he encouraged them to free themselves from these shackles and be authentic witnesses. Speaking about the priests who were ordained on St. Peter’s Day, he emphasized that this was a period of a kind of recapitulation of what had been done, and addressing the newly ordained, he said that their pastoral work was just beginning. “Recognize yourself and your mission. You need faith and the conviction that Christ can count on you”, said the Cardinal, emphasizing the need to proclaim, not only in words, but also in life. “Let it shine from your eyes that you live what you say”, he urged 11 deacons, warning them that a “turbulent sea of life” awaited them. He explained that at no time in history have people said that it is beautiful and good, but always difficult. “God gave us that time, so we should swim against the current. The international community has created a climate of ignoring the views of the Catholic Church, they even want to impose guilt if morals and traditions are preached”, said Archbishop Vinko, adding that he felt it during his stay in Germany when he saw “Europe mocking its heritage”.

He repeated that it is necessary to swim against the current in such an atmosphere and reminded that there are those countries that do not even allow Christians to “breathe”, let alone testify.

“Our strength is in the confession of Christ the living God. The apostolic leaders signed the faith with blood. Will they ask us to sign with blood, I don’t know, but you will have to make a sacrifice. Nothing worthwhile can be done in life without sacrifice, but as long as you love the vocation, Christ and the Church, you will be realized”, said cardinal Puljić addressing directly the newcomers, he encouraged them, as a young generation of priests, to bring hope and the light of the Gospel among the people they meet. Speaking about how he would encounter various negativities during his pastoral work, he wished that they were not guided by them, but by Christ.

In the end, he encouraged them to love the Church as a mother who gives birth to the kingdom of God and reminded them of the words of the servant of God, missionary Ante Gabrić, who encouraged young men in preparation for the priesthood to “not only produce smoke, but burn”. “It is very important to understand the need of burning for that what we are dedicated to. Resist the spirit of the times, which wants to oppress the Church so that she cannot witness”, said the Archbishop at the end, wishing that St. Peter and Paul encourage the new priests to bear witness to their faith and burn to the last moment.

New workers in the Lord's field

A rite of ordination followed, and then the newly ordained priests concelebrated for the first time with the archbishop and fellow priests.

The following were ordained for the Vrhbosna Archdiocese: rev. Domagoj Matijević, rev. Ivan Matijević and rev. Ivan Mijać; and for Bosna Srebrena: OFM Antonio Baketarić, OFM Antonio Gašić, OFM Dario Matanović, OFM Fabio Badrov, OFM Josip Jazvić, OFM Nikola Matošević, OFM Zdenko Frljić and OFM Zoran Topalović.

Eventually, the newly ordained priests gave their blessing to those present, and the Cardinal handed out confession permits valid until September 2022 and a testimony as a reminder of the ordination, followed by a joint photo shoot.

The Eucharist was attended by many theologians, nuns, as well as relatives and parish priests and believers of the parishes from which the ordained come. The combined choir of theologians of VBS and FT Fra Nenad Dujić, animated this solemn event with singing.

The Holy Mass was broadcast live by Radio Marija BiH.

Proclamation on holding synod sessions

After the Eucharistic prayer, cardinal Puljić read the Proclamation on holding synod sessions of the First Synod of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese. He first reminded that exactly nine years ago, from the same place, he announced the holding of a Synod under the motto Renew Everything in Christ. He pointed out that according to the Code of Canon Law, he established a Preparatory Commission for organising of the Synod composed of priests and lay people. He further explained their task which was successfully completed. Thanking everyone for their wholehearted cooperation, and especially the Secretary General of the Synod, rev. Marijo Bernadić, he announced the beginning of the session.

“The solemn Holy Mass of the opening of the Synod will be in the cathedral on September 11th, starting at 9 am, followed by the opening of the synod sessions in the hall of the Priestly House of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese”, said the Cardinal and pointed out that the calendar plans all together five sessions on Saturdays, from September 18th until October 30th, and the synod sessions will be concluded on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8th, in the Cathedral.