Herzegovina dioceses introduce new confirmation program

The Mostar-Duvno and Trebinje-Mrkan dioceses in Herzegovina have introduced a new, comprehensive two-year parish catechesis program for the sacrament of confirmation. Authored by Bishop Petar Palić, the 92-page document, titled ‘Živite po Duhu’ (Live by the Spirit), establishes the theological and pastoral foundations for this updated preparation.

A key change in the program is the shift in timing: the two-year preparation will now take place during the 8th and 9th grades of primary school. This moves the sacrament back to the end of the primary education period, whereas it had recently been celebrated during the first year of secondary school. The decision is based on pastoral experience suggesting that the final years of primary school are an ideal time for systematic faith growth and integration into parish life.