date: 24.04.2019.
The Archbishop Henryk Hoser was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass on Holy Thursday that led us in the Holy Triduum of Jesus’ Passion, Death and Glorious Resurrection. In his homily, he reminded us that Jesus on this day instituted the Eucharist as the memorial sacrifice of His death and resurrection, asking of His disciples to celebrate His death and resurrection to His second coming.
''Jesus ministered them the first Communion and ordained them as priests'', said Mons. Hoser and added that the Communion in Latin (communio) means to be together, to live together and to love one another.
''Love that He gives to our human heart is making us able to love like Him, to love even our enemies. As He was erected on the Cross, He said about His executors: 'Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing'. Holy Communion brings many fruits in our lives, unites us more to Jesus and detaches us from sins. The Eucharist is the Church, moving us to be engaged to the poor and finally, as St. Augustine said, it is the sacrament of devotion and the sign of unity, bondage of love'', said Mons. Hoser in his homily.
Archbishop Hoser washed feet to the apostles, represented by the faithful of various callings and missions in Medjugorje parish and communities from Medjugorje, and Fr. Marinko Sakota, the parish priest, was among them too.
On Good Friday the traditional Way of the Cross took place on Cross Mountain. Starting very early in the morning, all faithful took part in this devotion, either climbing in the groups or individually. Fr. Marinko Sakota, the parish priest, led the Way of the Cross for Croatian pilgrims and parishioners. The Veneration of the Cross service was in the evening and this was led by Fr. Zvonimir Pavičić.
The Archbishop Henryk Hoser, along with 48 priests concelebrating, led the Easter Vigil on April 20, in the parish church of St. James and began the celebration of Resurrection of the Lord. Mons Hoser in his homily said that the liturgy we celebrate tonight is the highlight of all the liturgical celebrations throughout the year.
''For two thousand years there is no better news than this one, Risen Jesus, Son of God, is looking for us where we are. He is not afraid to come close to us, to touch us in our depths and to take us up, to the fullness of life. This miracle takes place each day here in Medjugorje. We come back to the grace of our baptism and become able to spread the faith of the Church and to walk on the path of holiness and salvation'', said Mons. Hoser and added that St. John Paul II, in the year 2000, introduced the first Sunday after the Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday, the greatest fruit of His Death and Resurrection''.
Archbishop Hoser wished everyone to live the joy of the Resurrection always and everywhere. “For true Christian, disciple of the Lord, there are no hopeless situations as the Christ is the centre of the universe and the history. He is the centre of our existence and our life”, said Mons. Henryk Hoser.
Easter – the Solemnity of Christ’s Resurrection was solemnly celebrated in Medjugorje. Holy Mass at 11 was celebrated by Fr. Ivan Dugandžić, with thousands of parishioners and pilgrims from Croatia present. After the Holy Mass, there was the traditional gathering at the ruins of the old church, while Fr. Ante Kutleša was the main celebrant at 6 pm Holy Mass. (photo)
