Translated by: Ksenija Ninić

The holy mass, within the International conference of Catholic Theological ethics in the World Church (CTEWC), was led by cardinal Peter K. Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for the promotion of Integral Human Development, with the concelebration of the Archbishop of Vrhbosna cardinal Vinko Puljić, auxiliary bishop of Vrhbosna Msgr. Pero Sudar and 70 more priests.

All present were greeted at the beginning by host, Archbishop Puljić, by calling them to pray for peace, not just in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but for peace in the world. A brief Cardinal’s addressing was translated to English by venerable Darko Tomašević, canon and dean of Catholic Theology University.

This mass celebration was supposed to be led by cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, but because of the delayed flight he was not able to attend, so his prepared sermon was red by p. James Keenan, DI, vice-president of CTEWC and professor at the Boston College in the USA. In his pre prepared sermon, cardinal Cupich firstly thanked cardinal Puljić for his hospitality in the cathedral, reminding of the first Archbishop of Vrhbosna Josip Stadler, who was born in Slavonski Brod, just like cardinal Cupich’s grandfather who emigrated to the USA as an adolescent.

He also wrote that he is honoured by the fact that in a small way he could be a part of the effort that is being shown by Catholic ethics theologians. “Ethics are known as a science that helps the humanity to understand and be more authentic human (…) This conference is an opportunity to take in consideration that God is present and found in important work that you do every day”, wrote the Archbishop of Chicago and then reflected the readings from the Holy Scripture that were read.

Further, he said that theologians came here to act together and take responsibility. “I hope this encourages you and offers you a new paradigm on how to continue your profession of ethic’s theologians, and especially to implant it to the new generations and understand that God invites man to be more human”, wrote cardinal Cupich among other things in his sermon.

In the end, in the full cathedral, p. Keenan thanked cardinal Puljić and all gathered for their hospitality, and thanked all those who animated and participated in the Mass celebration.

KT