On Saturday, February 20th, in the Banja Luka cathedral of St. Bonaventura, Holy Mass was celebrated for all those who died in that diocese and Europe as a result of the effects of the coronavirus.
The Eucharist was led by the Bishop of Banja Luka, Msgr. Franjo Komarica in concelebration with the rector of the cathedral, venerable Pero Ivan Grgić. In his introductory speech, the bishop thanked the faithful for their trust in God and prudent behaviour during the pandemic.
In his homily, he said that a wounded society longs for healing and a normal way of life for all its members, and pointed out that the Bible, especially the New Testament, offers clear and comforting answers. „St. Paul did not experience something like a pandemic, but he struggled with all kinds of difficulties, anxieties, dangers and threats, efforts and disappointments”, said the bishop, emphasizing, among other things, that hope must not be lost because God sent his Son among people.
During the Eucharist, candles were lit in front of the altar – one for the deceased from each European country.
Also, in front of the cathedral, 85 lamps were burning for the deceased members of the diocese from 20 parishes – out of a total of 48 – as many as there are in the diocese. Unfortunately, these victims are 12% of all deceased members of the diocese during the past year.
KT
www.nedjelja.ba
Banja Luka – February 20, 2021
