The celebrated patron saint of St. Vitus


Parish of St. Vitus the Martyr in Vidovice near Orašje, in Bosanska Posavina, celebrated its heavenly patron on June 15th.

The central Eucharistic celebration was led by a local son and professor at the KBF in Sarajevo, Dr. rev. Drago Župarić in concelebration with 25 priests who were greeted at the beginning by the parish priest rev. Josip Senjak.

Rev. Župarić in his sermon, reminded of the life of St. Vitus, a martyr from the beginning of the 4th century, in the time of Emperor Diocletian when there were great persecutions of Christians. Following the Holy Mass readings, he emphasized that martyrdom is the vocation of every Christian, and then referred to martyrdom throughout the history of the Church. He further reminded that from the end of the Middle Ages until today, most of the martyrs worshiped in the Church belong to the history of missions. Speaking about martyrdom itself, he stressed that it has ethical and practical implications and pointed out that it is “rowing against practical relativism that creates a lifestyle in which man is placed at the centre”.

During the Holy Mass, the parish choir sang.

After the Eucharist, a gathering was organized, and the parish priest Senjak hosted a lunch of priests and the retired Bishop of Kotor, Msgr. Ilija Janjić, a native of Vidovice. The Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ who work in this parish also joined the gathering.