Numerous guests at Cardinal Puljić's Easter reception

(Patria) - Vrhbosna Archbishop Metropolitan Cardinal Vinko Puljić and his associates hosted an Easter reception at the premises of the Priests' Home of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese in Sarajevo.

Congratulations from numerous representatives of religious and socio-political life, as well as representatives of diplomacy, science, culture and other spheres of public life, were received alongside Cardinal Puljić and his associates by the Apostolic Nuncio to BiH, Msgr. Luigi Pezzuto. Also present at the reception were representatives of religious orders and church institutions.

After everyone had extended Easter greetings with a handshake and appropriate words to Cardinal Puljić and his associates, as well as to other representatives of church life, a suitable address followed. Cardinal Puljić extended words of greeting and welcome to all and thanked them „for the Easter greetings and good wishes sent either in writing, through the media, or expressed during meetings at the reception.“ He especially greeted religious representatives, then representatives of authorities at all levels, starting with two members of the Presidency of BiH and the Council of Ministers of BiH, as well as representatives of entity, district, cantonal, municipal and all other structures of society, and individuals from charitable, cultural, scientific and other institutions.

He also greeted all representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the doyen, Apostolic Nuncio Msgr. Luigi Pezzuto, as well as all representatives of international military and civilian institutions.

„Our faith and our hope are founded on Christ's resurrection. Therefore, I wish, not only for us believers but for all people, that every religious celebration strengthens a person in hope but also enables them to be more human, more humane among people. I mention this because, as a son of this land, I am sincerely concerned about the dark clouds of hopelessness that oppress many people, leading them to despair to the point of raising a hand against their own lives. We are particularly shaken by the tragedies brought by crime, when people raise a hand against the lives of others, usurping what belongs to God - mastery over others' lives: murder, robbery, killing of unborn children, child abuse. How can one not be concerned by so many departures from our beautiful and dear homeland?“, asked Cardinal Puljić, adding that „people are fed up with this wrangling in public political life“ in which they often have no chance for a dignified life.

„We talk about religious freedoms, yet we pass laws that limit our right to teach God's and natural laws by introducing gender ideology. In our country, so many declare themselves believers, yet that faith is denied at every step by violating basic God's commandments, and so much immorality, crime, and corruption have crept in. We all want a process of reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration of trust. But without truth and justice, there is no trust. As long as every event is not called by its proper name, that crime is crime, it is difficult to restore trust. All who justify crime or deny it become participants in crime.

The right to personal dignity, freedom, and human and civil rights - this is not given but built into society. The right to work is not given, but conditions are created for these rights to be realized. The right to private property - the state does not give this but respects it and ensures the realization of these rights. The right to religious, cultural and national identity - this is not given by any party or state, but ensures the realization of these rights. This country must be loved and built so that everyone feels safe and at home in it. In that spirit, I wish that such gatherings create a climate so that celebration becomes life,“ said Cardinal Puljić in his address.

After the greeting, Cardinal Puljić went among the guests carrying a basket full of colorful eggs. The reception continued in pleasant socializing and conversation.

Before and after Cardinal Puljić's address, two Easter compositions were performed by the Caritasovac Choir, consisting of employees of Caritas of the Vrhbosna Archdiocese, led by director Sister Kata Ostojić, director of the „Holy Family“ kindergarten in Sarajevo. (kta)