The solemn vows in Medjugorje

date: 16.09.2014.

On Sunday, September 14, 2014, four brothers of Herzegovina Franciscan Province: Fr. Augustin Cordas, Fr. Ivan Maric, Fr. Alen Pajic and Fr. Ivan Penavic gave their solemn life vows. The solemn Holy Mass began with the procession and it was celebrated by the Provincial of Herzegovina Franciscan Province, Dr. Fr. Miljenko Steko at the White Dome of St. James’ church with 87 priests concelebrating. The singing of young seminarians conducted by Fr. Stanko Mabic made it even more beautiful. The Provincial expressed his joy because these solemn vows are being given in Medjugorje, place of Our Lady, in Her vicinity which was the choice of brothers who gave vows. He especially emphasised the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross that was celebrated on Sunday: “What does this Feast here in Medjugorje, parish with Cross Mountain say to us? That we decided to follow not just anyone, but crucified Lord, and at the same time we are on the path of Resurrection. Our life has been marked with His life. Our ‘career’ is in higher climbing along the Cross Mountain, to the Cross, in readiness to be crucified and in further bending down to wash feet to our brothers. We will be able to open the doors of resurrection only with the key of the words on the cross: ‘It is done!’(John 19,30), ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit’(Luke 23, 46). May the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross purify our gazes so that we may look at Jesus how he before His passion and death bends before the disciples and washes their feet. Let us boldly stand on that path being compassionate and united with our Master! Let us look into our own heart and seek in it profound solitude where the love of God speaks. Let us immerse ourselves with whole of our lives into the embrace of our Heavenly Mother that helped so many here to open their own hearts and to begin with the change of the world by first changing themselves”, said the Provincial. After the homily, the solemn vows followed when brothers gave their solemn vows in the Franciscan Order and completely surrendered themselves to the service of fraternity. Fr. Marinko Sakota greeted all faithful at the end of the Holy Mass and congratulated brothers who gave their solemn vows. After the Holy Mass, dinner and socialising in the Hall of St. John Paul II followed.