Gromiljak Parish celebrates 150 years of establishment

The Name of Mary Parish in Gromiljak, Bosnia and Herzegovina, celebrated its 150th anniversary of establishment. Founded in 1876 after separating from the Brestovsko parish, the community held a central mass led by Archbishop Metropolitan Tomo Vukšić, with Cardinal Vinko Puljić also in attendance.

The celebration drew numerous religious, political, and social figures, including Dragan Čović, President of the Croatian National Assembly of BiH, and Darijana Filipović, a representative in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH. Filipović emphasized the importance of preserving religious and national identity, noting that the parish's history is built on the sacrifices and faith of many families.

Historically, the parish has served as a significant spiritual and social center for the local Croatian community. The celebrations also reflected on the parish's role during the 1993 war period, when it served as a refuge for many. The parish was initially led by Franciscans from Bosna Srebrena for its first 32 years before transitioning to diocesan priests.