Friar Marinko Leko, pastor in Rakitno at the beginning of the memorial mass for the tragically killed young people on New Year's Eve near Posušje, said that he did not dream that the Bishop of Mostar Petar Palić would come to this parish on such an occasion, which surprised everyone.

This parish needs your prayer, your word to lift us up a little from this severe oppression and difficult situation - said friar Leko.

He thanked the provincials of Herzegovina and the province of Bosna Srebrena, as well as all the priests who, he said, are participating in the suffering of this parish.

In his address, Bishop Palić said that "all of us gathered here today feel our helplessness."

- We try to find words that are able to express pain and we remain silent. We try to offer comfort to the parents of these young people and nothing comes out of our mouths. Gestures of compassion seem empty. This suffering is simply too great, too difficult for families and too much for parents. We often say that God does not give a bigger cross than we can carry. He did it. And as if we don't know how to proceed, as if we don't have more courage to live, as if there is no sense or sincere hope.

Mia, Marija, Žana, Ivan, Stipe, Stipe and Mirela and Stjepan, from whom we said goodbye yesterday, celebrated Christmas with their families. With their youthful joy and open future, they wanted to welcome the beginning of a New Year. However, death knocked on the door and took them away from our environment ... - said, among other things - Bishop Palić.