Hip_Urednik
Mostar’s Cathedral of Mary, Mother of the Church, was the scene of a significant spiritual event on Monday, September 14, as 16 candidates were officially installed into the ministries of lector and acolyte. The solemn occasion took place during the celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which also marked the 46th anniversary of the cathedral’s consecration. Bishop Petar Palić of Mostar-Duvno and apostolic administrator of Trebinje-Mrkan presided over the Mass, which saw the historic establishment of these ministries for lay faithful in the dioceses for the first time.
In his homily, Bishop Palić underscored that the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross leads believers to the very heart of Christian faith, emphasizing God’s ultimate love and Christ’s path through self-giving, obedience, and service. He connected the day’s readings, from the Book of Numbers and the Gospel of John, to illustrate how the cross, seemingly a defeat, became a place of victory and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. The Bishop highlighted the particular importance of this day for the newly installed lectors and acolytes, noting that “the cross gives every ecclesiastical service its true measure: what we receive, we receive for the building up of others.”
Addressing the new lectors, Bishop Palić stressed the responsibility of serving God’s word, urging them to first allow the Holy Scripture to take root in their own lives, to listen before reading, and to live in accordance with what they proclaim. This service, he added, demands preparation, knowledge of the Scriptures, recollection, and a life consistent with the message. For the acolytes, the Bishop explained their special connection to the altar and the celebration of the Eucharist, which teaches self-giving and fosters particular attention to the sick, elderly, weak, and all who need the Church’s closeness, linking the Eucharistic table to human life through Christ’s love.
Seven individuals were installed as lectors: Marijana Gagro from the Parish of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist – Mostar; Mario Goluža and Daniela Raguž from the Parish of All Saints – Aladinići; Karla Mikulić from the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi – Rasno; Mateo Milićević from the Parish of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist – Mostar; and Marko Sesar and Mate Zelenika, both from the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Široki Brijeg.
Nine candidates were installed as acolytes: Ivica Barbarić from the Parish of St. Thomas the Apostle – Mostar; Ivo Bevanda, Marko Čuljak, and Darko Zelenika from the Parish of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist – Mostar; Ivan Džalto and Blaženko Tikvić from the Parish of Mary, Mother of the Church – Mostar; Danijel Rakić from the Parish of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist – Mostar; Iva Soko from the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Široki Brijeg; and Sister Renata Vukadin from the Parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – Kongora.
The solemn Mass was concelebrated by several priests. Liturgical singing was led by the cathedral’s Mixed Choir “Marija” under the direction of Don Luka Cvitanović, with organ accompaniment by Don Ivan Marčić. Seminarians of the Mostar-Duvno Diocese served during the celebration.
