Banja Luka, February 23, 1999 (IKA) – Archbishop Josip Bozanić of Zagreb visited the Banja Luka Diocese in the Republika Srpska of Bosnia-Herzegovina from February 20 to 21. The archbishop was met at the border of the Republika Srpska by Bishop Franjo Komarica of Banja Luka. On the trip to Banja Luka, Archbishop Bozanić and Bishop Komarica visited several parishes, including Gradiška, under the administration of Pero Ćolić, the convent confiscated from the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Aleksandrinovac where there is now a retirement home, the parish of Trn that is now administered by Fra Dujo Ljevakčija whose church was completely demolished and whose fire-damaged rectory is being rebuilt, a church in Petrićevac that was completely demolished by explosive devices in 1995 and the monastery in Petrićevac where the guardian Fra Tomislav Jurić and five Franciscans serve a parish from which the faithful were expelled in 1995 and the church and chapel demolished. According to unofficial data, approximately 36,000 Croats used to live in what is now “Serbian” territory, and now there are only approximately 7,000. During the war, approximately 15 priests and 11 nuns remained in the Banja Luka Diocese with Bishop Komarica. Today, there are 20 priests and 17 nuns.
Upon arriving in Banja Luka, Archbishop Bozanić and Bishop Komarica prayed at the Cathedral of St. Bonaventure for all the deceased and for the needs of the Banja Luka Diocese. At the Diocesan Ordinariate, following introductory greetings by Bishop Komarica, Archbishop Bozanić met with the diocesan priests, monks and nuns. Also present were parish priests. The archbishop addressed those present, and each parish priest spoke about the situation in his parish. Archbishop Bozanić#!s pastoral visit to the Church in Banja Luka and Bishop Komarica continued on Sunday, February 21, with a Mass in the Banja Luka Cathedral. The Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Bozanić together with Bishop Komarica and a number of priests. At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Komarica welcomed Archbishop Bozanić on behalf of the faithful of his diocese. He pointed out that the Catholics in this region had always supported peace and, inspired by the gospel of Christ, never resorted to violence. Additionally, Bishop Komarica noted the historical links between the Banja Luka Diocese and the Zagreb Archdiocese. “This is not the first time that a shepherd of the ancient Zagreb Archdiocese has come to Banja Luka. Several years ago, we had an encounter with the unforgettable Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, who has visited us several times. For six hundred years, half of the territory of the present Banja Luka Diocese belonged to the Zagreb Archdiocese. The bishops and archbishops of Zagreb have always shown compassion for the hungry and disenfranchised and for those exiled from the territory of the greater Banja Luka region.” Addressing the archbishop of Zagreb, Bishop Komarica said, “We pray and thereby heal ourselves spiritually from the temptations of hatred, vengeance and enmity toward our fellow man.” In words of greeting, Archbishop Bozanić said, “Today I am a pilgrim. I am making a pilgrimage to this Church that lives in the city of Banja Luka, the Church of the Banja Luka Diocese … to the saints of this Church, as the apostle Paul would say … We know that during difficult times you remained faithful to God,” added Archbishop Bozanić. He continued, “Thus, I come as a pilgrim with particular reverence. We express our gratitude to God and pray together with you, because we believe that God is with us, that God loves everyone who does good.” In the sermon, Archbishop Bozanić expressed encouragement to all present and urged them during the Year of God the Father to allow the love of God the Father to live and be implemented in their works.
Before Archbishop Bozanić returned to Zagreb, the bishops issued press statements. Bishop Komarica noted the symbolism of the visit by Archbishop Bozanić to Banja Luka. He made special reference to the solidarity of the Church and added: I would particularly wish for Croatian politicians to be a little more concerned with the welfare of the members of their nation, wherever they may be.” Archbishop Bozanić stated that in Banja Luka, he had “found a Church that illuminates, a Church that bears witness, a Church that need not be ashamed of its works and efforts during the recent difficult war years.” Archbishop Bozanić also told journalists that the Church is open toward the future but needs help. He expressed his respect and desire “for others to become better acquainted with the situation the local Church in order to strengthen our community further.”