14 priests concelebrated with OFM Damir, among whom were: Definitor of Bosna Srebrena OFM Vinko Sičaja, Guardian in Rama OFM Andrija Jozić and parish priest of St. Elijah the Prophet in Doljani, to which the locality of Kedžare on Vran mountain belongs to, OFM Stjepan Pavličević. At the beginning of the Holy Mass, he welcomed the faithful, who numbered several thousand. According to tradition, the Holy Mass celebration was preceded by public devotions, vows and a prayerful tour of the Diva’s grave and the memorial statue. Pilgrims also had the opportunity for personal confession. After the opening song sung by the members of the ethnic group Čuvarice from Rama, under the direction of mag. Biljana Glibo, the text of "Diva’s speech" was recited this year by Katarina Markešić, dressed in national costume. 

Let's be proud of our martyrs 

OFM Damir, in an appropriate sermon, outlining the life example of Diva Grabovčeva, spoke about good and love, which have their foundation in living and witnessing faith. Quoting the words of Jesus that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends, he pointed out that the Croatian Catholic people in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be proud of their martyrs. On that trail, he briefly presented the "martyrs' map" starting from Posavina and OFM Lovro Milanović, through Sarajevo and the ten Franciscans who perished 500 years ago (1524) during the persecution of Christians directed by Gazi Husref-bey; then Uzdol and OFM Stjepan Barišić; and Eastern Bosnia and Bl. Martyrs of the Drina; up to the friars of Široki Brijeg who were executed by the communist regime. From there he came to the "pearl of the martyrdom of the Croatian people": Diva Grabovčeva. He then presented his own intimate experience of how, while thinking about what to say about her, he saw three images in the host: a young, beautiful girl with eyes that sparkled like pearls, staring into the distance as if waiting for something; the second scene that the girl has a rosary around her hands; and the third her face, shining like an angel's, while the priest's hand is giving communion to her. In these pictures, OFM Damir pointed out a message that can be read based on the life of Diva Grabovčeva. "Diva says that the most important thing is to carry faith in the heart and not to be afraid of it and to testify with your life", said the preacher and illustrated this with the example of eucalyptus wood, which regenerates even after a severe fire because it has strong roots. He further referred to the value and sanctity of the family. "If there is no healthy family, there is neither a healthy nation nor a healthy country. Today, the dignity of women is attacked in various ways. Before, when a pregnant woman entered the room, everyone would get up. Because there is nothing more sacred than a full-term life. The authorities at all levels should do everything to respect the woman who gives birth", said OFM Damir and mentioned the efforts of the demographic renewal of the Croatian people, which were carried out tirelessly by the late priest Rev. Anto Baković. Then he referred to the value of prayer, quoting what Bl. Alojzije Stepinac: "When everything is taken away from you and when you think you have nothing, fold your hands in prayer and you will have everything and you will be the strongest." And as the climax of that, he pointed to the vital importance of the Holy Eucharist, which is "the source and pinnacle of our life." "Let us receive the Eucharist with dignity; we are careful how we come to the Holy Mass; and let's not lose the sense of the Mass vestments", encouraged OFM Damir. At the end of the Holy Mss, rev. Pavličević gave words of thanks, mentioning in a special way the four theologians who took their vows at the same place, next to Diva's grave, five years ago, and the pilgrims who came from Uskoplje, Sarajevo (Briješće and Stup) and Požega (Ramska zajednica Požega). After the Eucharistic celebration, those present stayed for lunch in the shade of the Kedžara site.  

The sung chastity of Diva Grabovčeva 

Let us mention that the vigil Holy Mass, when a record number of believers gathered, was celebrated by OFM Mladen Vukšić, parish priest in Posušje. By the way, the sung Diva Grabovčeva was the daughter of Luka and Luca Grabovac from Rama, who lived in the 17^th century, during the Ottoman rule in Bosnia. Young Tahir-beg Kopčić from Kupres wanted to take her as his wife. He proposed when she was about 20 years old, but then, with the consent of her family, she rejected him on several occasions and ran away to the mountains. The offended bey found her, attacked and killed her with a knife. The body of Diva Grabovčeva was buried at the place of her death on Vran Mountain and has been a place of pilgrimage since ancient times. Today, there is a large stone stećak on the grave, next to which is a bronze statue, the work of the sculptor Kuzma Kovačić. According to tradition, Diva's day is celebrated on the first Sunday after the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul.