In the Archdiocese’ residence in Sarajevo, on March 26th, taking over the service of coadjutor archbishop of Vrhbosna of msgr. Tomo Vukšić was organised.
This modest ceremony, which had to be organized like this because of the pandemic of the coronavirus, was attended by Archbishop of Vrhbosna cardinal Vinko Puljić, Advisor to the Apostolic Nunciature in BiH Msgr. Henryk Jagodzinski and members of the Ordinary and the Consultants’ Council.
First, the audience was addressed by the cardinal, who greeted those present and briefly talked about his pastoral service, outlining particular highlights and bringing up-to-date statistics. He wished the new Archbishop Coadjutor abundance of God’s blessing in the service which he is taking over under the Code of Canon Law.
Then Msgr. Jagodzinski read the appointing papal bull in Latin, and the chancellor, venerable Mladen Kalfić read it in Croatian.
In this document, which is together with Pope Francis signed by the apostolic protonotary Msgr. William Millea, in the introductory part is emphasized the image of mustard seed, which depicts the effect of faith in the human soul, and recalls that Cardinal Vinko asked to receive coadjutor assistance, which he was replied with by the appointment of Msgr. Vukšić.
“We have thought of you, our honourable brother, who, having accumulated merit in the performance of your pastoral service with the Military Ordinance, has earned you the special respect and at the same time the voice of expertise and spiritual and human virtues that make you fit to perform these tasks. Therefore, by consulting with the Congregation for Bishops, with our and apostolic government, we dismiss you of the duties and services of the said Ordinary, and appoint you as the Archbishop Coadjutor, with the appropriate rights and obligations. We want you to with this decree, get to know the clergy and believers of that church community, and we encourage them to accept you as a father, guardian and teacher very worthy of respect. You, our Honourable brother, at last, with our special endeavor, we encourage, by keeping in mind the principal benefactions of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ our Lord, from the same source of gifts you deserve, to receive excessive grace for the good of the people of God”, says in the papal bull given in Rome, on Lateran, on January 22nd 2020.
Then, minutes of meeting were read and signed by the consultants, and then the Archbishop Coadjutor Msgr. Tomo Vukšić, addressed the present.
In his concise speech, he noted that circumstances dictate that this ceremony be organized in a modest manner.
“We were able to perform this act thanks to your courage to come together at this difficult time. Thank you all for this personal testimony of love and respect for the Church in the Archdiocese of Sarajevo! God bless and protect you!”, pointed out Msgr. Vukšić noting that in less dangerous times this act would have been much more solemn with a liturgical dimension and many guests.
“On the other hand, it is a time for solidarity: spiritual, material, emotional and every other one. Therefore, this is an occasion to at least donate the amount, which I would regularly spend for a reception, to the humble support of the Archdiocese’ Caritas, whose courageous staff as well as the staff of other charitable and humanitarian institutions, also at this time, are visiting, nourishing, dressing and warming the needy and hungry”, said the Archbishop Coadjutor, and thanked everyone who at this time is taking care for the common good, calling on God to give them perseverance and wisdom.
“Lord God! I leave all my future days and actions with confidence in Your hands and providence in brotherly willingness and openness to assist Cardinal Vinko. In God’s glory, for good of people, for increasing of the Church and building social harmony through readiness for dialogue and cooperation. And to you dear brothers, priests, monks and nuns, priestly and monastic candidates, and all the people of God, I recommend myself in prayers, advice and help. God bless you! And may you be healthy and cheerful”, said Archbishop Tomo.
At the end, Cardinal Puljić announced that the Archbishop Coadjutor is by the power of service taking over the role of Vicar General, and previous Vicar General, Msgr. Slađan Ćosić becomes Archdiocesan Vicar for Personnel.
At the end of this modest ceremony, a short session of the Council of Consultants followed, discussing the current situation and the additional measures and pastoral activities that this local Church could take.
KT
www.nedjelja.ba
Sarajevo – March 26, 2020
