Solemn ceremony on 27th June in all churches across Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatian bishops have made a historic decision to consecrate the Croatian nation and homeland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This will be solemnly performed on the upcoming feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 27th June 2025.
According to an announcement from the Secretariat of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference (Hrvatska biskupska konferencija – HBK), the act of consecration will be carried out simultaneously in all churches throughout Croatia. It will also occur within the framework of the Bishops’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina. https://dok.hbk.hr/crkveni-dokument/cin-posvete-hrvatskoga-naroda-i-hrvatske-domovine-presvetomu-srcu-isusovu-2025_word/
Unified celebration
The programme of ceremonies provides that on 27th June at 7.00 pm, all churches will begin a five-minute ringing of church bells. This will be followed by the Eucharistic celebration. A special prayer of consecration will be recited after the post-communion prayer. It will occur immediately before the conclusion of Mass.
“This consecration comes as a response to the spiritual needs of our time. It is an act of dedication, trust and faithfulness to the Heart of our Lord,” explained Monsignor Petar Palić, Bishop of Mostar-Duvno and Apostolic Administrator of the Trebinje-Mrkan Diocese.
Historical tradition and current challenges
Bishop Palić emphasised that the Sacred Heart of Jesus has always held a special place in the devotion of the Croatian people. “In historical moments of trials and tribulations, the Croatian people sought refuge precisely in the Heart of Jesus,” he stressed.
The current social context further justifies this initiative. “Today, when many values are under threat, when families and young people are exposed to various challenges, we need more than ever a spiritual renewal. This renewal should be based on faith, trust and love for Christ,” the bishop explained.
Special venues
For the area of the Mostar-Duvno and Trebinje-Mrkan dioceses, the main celebration will be held at the Shrine of the Heart of Jesus in Studenci. Meanwhile, in Medjugorje, the consecration will take place at evening Mass at 7 pm.
Jubilee as additional occasion
The consecration takes place in a particularly significant year – the Jubilee Year 2025. This year marks the 1,100th anniversary of the Split Church Councils and the beginnings of the Croatian Kingdom. This gives the act additional symbolism and historical weight.
Bishop Palić called upon all the faithful that “our consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus should be a sincere act of love, faith and hope for the future of our nation.”