The Feast of the Precious Blood was solemnly celebrated on July 1st at the Reconciliation Center in Prozorje, Zagreb, in the presence of many believers. The solemn mass celebration was presided by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Drazen Kutlesa. At the beginning of the mass celebration, the relic of the Precious Blood was brought into the church in a solemn procession.

Speaking about the theological meaning of Christ’s blood sacrifice and comparing Old Testament and New Testament sacrifices, Archbishop Kutlesa said that in the Old Testament “sacrifices were only a shadow of what was to come. They preceded the perfect sacrifice of Christ that will be offered once and for all for the sins of the whole world” and that “in the New Testament Jesus Christ becomes that perfect sacrifice. His Blood is not only the blood of an innocent person, but the Blood of the Son of God; […] the Blood of Christ calls us to faith, which is manifested through the sacraments, and in the Eucharist, we receive the very Blood of Christ, which constantly cleanses and sanctifies us.”

The Archbishop concluded his homily saying: “Before these relics, let us always ask ourselves how our faith affects our personal decisions, behavior and the way we live. As God’s redeemed people, we are called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s sacrifice and love. We should ask ourselves: How can we be a light in the world? How can we show Christ’s love for our neighbors? Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Are we answering that call? When we bear witness to the Blood of Christ, we show the world the power of God’s love and redemption. We can witness it through spiritual and physical works of mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation, living in righteousness and honesty.”

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Ilija Grgic, thanked Archbishop Kutlesa and presented him with an icon of St. Gaspar del Bufalo.