Easter in Janjevo, pastor Palic: May new hope be awakened in every heart

With a festive mass in the church of St. Nicholas in Janjevo, Croats and Catholic believers from this village celebrated Easter, which is celebrated today by believers of the Catholic, Protestant, and Anglican faiths, as well as numerous smaller churches that respect the Gregorian calendar.

Pastor Don Matej Palic says that the preparation for the holiday lasted 40 days, and that the believers first of all prepared spiritually for the holiday.

"There are special customs here in Janjevo, even though the Catholic community is small. Customs are respected. Tradition is respected. The house is decorated, and Tuesday and Wednesday are the days when children are bought something new. Well, due to the difficult economic situation, our people from Zagreb sent some money that we distributed to the families. Everything was accompanied by a spiritual element so that in addition to the external shine, you can also see that inner shine," Pastor Palic said.

Don Matej says that although the weather is bad today, it should not disturb the significance of today's Easter.

"I want everyone to feel the truth today and tomorrow, even though this time is more reminiscent of Christmas than Easter, it should not disturb the meaning of today's holiday. I want everyone to feel that spiritual resurrection and for everyone to gain some new strength, that despite all the bad news that surround us, that this joyful news of the resurrection, echoes in every human heart, that it awakens new hope in us, that neither the grave, nor death, nor pain, is the end, but that there is always something, and that is what God gave us - a hope for a better life, a better tomorrow," Don Matej said.

In addition to the residents of Janjevo, relatives and friends from Zagreb also attend the Easter celebration.

Mario Brkic from Janjevo went to Croatia a couple of years ago. Today he came to spend Easter with his family. As Brkic says, the feeling of celebrating Easter in your hometown is indescribable.

"I try to come for every holiday. Because here there is a special Easter, a special mass. That attracts us, we don't have that in Croatia, here you can feel that spirit, for God, for Jesus, there is that in Croatia too, but it's not the right one," Brkic said.

Nikola Colakic, a resident of Janjevo, said that he celebrated Easter with his family, with a rich meal.

"We celebrate Easter with the greatest joy and merriment. Happy Easter to everyone; I want there to be health, joy, and freedom, for everyone to live and earn. Easter is a holiday, the greatest holiday, if it wasn't for Easter, our faith wouldn't exist," Colakic said.

The mass was also attended by soldiers of the Croatian KFOR in Kosovo.

Don Matej Palic mentioned that the second day of Easter was dedicated to socializing and visiting friends and relatives. Pastor Palic also announced that May 9 would mark 720 years since the first mention of the arrival of Croats from Dubrovnik to Janjevo. About 156 Croats live in Janjevo today.