Cardinal Puljić Celebrated Solemn Vigil Mass

(Patria) - The solemn Vigil Mass on Easter night, from April 20 to 21, 2019, in the Sarajevo Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Cardinal Vinko Puljić, in communion with the Apostolic Nuncio to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto, and with the concelebration of seven priests and the devout participation of nuns, seminarians, and the entire community of believers.

Metropolitan of Dabrobosna, Mr. Hrizostom, was also present at the Vigil Mass, arriving at the cathedral accompanied by two Orthodox priests.

At the beginning of the Vigil Mass, Cardinal Puljić blessed the fire on the cathedral steps and carved the cross and the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet – alpha and omega – into the Easter candle as a sign of Christ to whom "time and eternity" belong. He then imprinted five grains of incense onto the arms and center of the cross, bearing the numbers of the current year 2019, symbolizing the five wounds of the crucified Christ. After lighting and incensing the Easter candle – a symbol of Christ, the light of the world that illuminates the darkness of the night – it was taken by Deacon Štefan, who, carrying it in procession, raised it three times, each time singing: "Light of Christ," and everyone would respond: "Thanks be to God." After the Easter candle was placed on the stand in the cathedral sanctuary and incensed, Deacon Štefan sang the Easter Proclamation, which begins with a call to joyful exultation addressed to the choirs of angels, the earth "bathed in brightness," and the transfigured Mother Church, which "shines with so much light."

All those present listened attentively to the Old Testament readings, including the reading about the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites, as well as the sung psalms. This was followed by the solemn singing of Glory, accompanied by the ringing of bells and the playing of the organ, which had been "silent" during the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday. After the New Testament reading, Deacon Štefan announced the "great news, which is – alleluia," after which Cardinal Puljić sang Alleluia, joined by the choir and all those present.

In his homily, Cardinal Puljić thanked Nuncio Pezzuto for his participation in the Mass and greeted Metropolitan Hrizostom, expressing his gratitude for coming to the cathedral to share the Easter celebration with the Catholic community.

Cardinal Puljić then stated that on this holy night, as believers, they celebrate Christ's resurrection and that the liturgy on Easter night is full of symbolism.

"We have come to this vigil to ignite within us the fire of Christian love that God showed us through His Son Jesus Christ. Let the fire be a symbol of the fire that, as believers, we should carry into our daily lives. This baptismal candle, which symbolizes the light of faith in our souls given by Christ, the Risen Lord, is lit from it," said Cardinal Puljić, adding that the Easter candle also symbolizes the candle received at baptism. "We are here tonight to renew that Easter faith and to nourish our souls with His word as we reflect on how God guides salvation history," said Cardinal Puljić, emphasizing that Christ lives with them.

"Today, we want to become aware: Christ is alive; the tomb is empty," said Cardinal Puljić, emphasizing that Christ's light illuminates the life of every believer, especially the mystery of death, to which no science has provided an answer. "Christ has provided the answer. Christ is risen and said, 'Whoever eats my flesh will have eternal life.' That is the faith, that is the fire that should be kindled at the Easter vigil," said Cardinal Puljić, adding that through baptism, every believer is grafted into Christ's mystical body.

Cardinal Puljić stressed that the Risen Christ dispels fear, just as he did with the apostles after they saw the empty tomb and believed that Christ had risen. He also pointed out the importance of Christian hope in the life of believers, as hope directs one's gaze towards the light of the Risen Christ, which shines even in moments when one's spirit is darkened. He urged believers to always be aware that God is with them on their life's journey and to always be open to God, who is the source of joy. He invited everyone to rejoice in this spirit of Easter and in Christ who is alive.

After the homily, Cardinal Puljić blessed the baptismal font and sprinkled all those present with holy water. This was followed by the prayer of the faithful and the Eucharistic service.

The ceremonies were led by Mons. mr. Tomo Knežević, and the liturgical singing was animated by the Theological Choir Stjepan Hadrović, conducted by Rev. Marko Stanušić.

After the Holy Mass, the cathedral parish priest, Rev. Mato Majić, blessed the food that the faithful had brought and would eat on Easter. (kta)