Written by: Željko Ivković
Translation: Ksenija Ninić
 
The central Eucharistic celebration with the procession was presided over by the Archbishop of Vrhbosna metropolit Vinko cardinal Puljić.
 
The pilgrims from the Sarajevo parishes participated in the celebration as well as the believers that came from abroad.
 
The ceremony began with a procession from the parish church to the outer altar with the image of Our Lady of Stup where the parish priest, rev. Miroslav Ćavar, adressed the gathered believers wishing everyone welcome, especially cardinal Puljić who already traditionally celebrates a Mass at Stup for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
 
By introducing into the Eucharist, the Archbishop of Vrhbosna emphasized that today God has given an excellent day to dignifiably mark the ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary to heaven.
 
In his homily, the Cardinal spoke of today's time and state of faith in Europe.

 "People today live without God and die like that. They are uninterested in eternal life. They behave as if Jesus did not come. The churches are empty, here that is because of one reason, and in Europe for another. Churches serving for cultural manifestations and are even rented out for restaurants. Mortality is growing, births are reduced, and a large number of children end their life in the womb. The European Parliament issues laws against the ten commandments", said the Cardinal at the beginning and he spoke of the present age when man has no time for anything even for God.
 
He then pointed out that today's celebration is a man's roadmap for a proper life. He stressed that a man in his earthly home should walk to get to that eternal one.
 
Then he spoke of Jesus who took everything from a man, except for sin.
 
"The patriotism of Jesus was expressed in faithfulness of the homeland, Nazareth and Galilee, which had been despised at that time. Like that, today they say what Croats are doing in Sarajevo", said the Cardinal, and repeated that Jesus knew the heritage of his people who had not abandoned him.
 
He stressed that a man leaving his country and the people becomes worthless and talked about selling the country and despising it.
 
He wished that the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary day, inspired people to walk the earth dignifiably for easier access to heavenly homeland.
 
Before the final blessing, parish priest Ćavar thanked the believers, pilgrims and those who helped organize the patron celebration.
 
After, there was a traditional procession with Our Lady's image and candlelight to the cave with the statue of Our Lady, where the cardinal prayed litany and blessed the gathered pilgrims.
 
It is worth mentioning that the parishioners prepared for the celebration of their patrons with novena prayers and three day prayers.
 
The mass was led by rev. Oliver Jurišić, a professor at Catholic Theology University and new parish priest at Marijin Dvor.
 
At the day of celebration the Masses were celebrated from the early morning: at 6, 7, 8, 9 (healing mass) and 11 o’clock which was also led by rev. Jurisic.
 
It is particularly joyful the fact that a large number of believers and pilgrims during those days approached to the sacrament of reconciliation.
 
Let us also note that the celebration of the Our Lady was also a farewell to the parish chaplain rev. Dražen Kustura who goes to study in Rome, at the same time in his place came rev. Ivan Ivančević.
 
The Mass was also attended by Roma population, who in a special way honor Our Lady of Stup.