Drvar Catholic community consecrates new St. Joseph Church

The Catholic community in Drvar is celebrating the consecration of the new St. Joseph Church, led by Bishop Željko Majić of Banja Luka. The event marks a dual anniversary: 120 years since the establishment of the parish and 30 years since the restoration of religious life in the area.

The new building replaces a structure that was destroyed in 1949, ending an 85-year period where believers lacked a proper church building and were forced to hold services in community centers. The parish priest, Don Davor Klečina, noted that the community currently consists of approximately 300 to 500 Croats, a significant decrease from previous decades due to historical conflicts and migration.

The ceremony includes the presence of retired bishops Franjo Komarica and Marko Semren, and will feature relics of Blessed Miroslav Bulešić integrated into the new altar.