April 28, 2020 - Marin Barisic, Archbishop of Split-Makarska, announced the upcoming Day of the City of Split celebration - Sv. Duje.
Marin Barisic said that, because of the coronavirus pandemic, on the feast of the patron saint of Split and Split-Dalmatia County, May 7, there will be no traditional procession and mass celebration on the famous Split waterfront, reports Dalmacija Danas.
Mass, however, will be held at 10 am at the Sv. Duje Cathedral and broadcasted directly through the media.
"Due to the special circumstances we are in, there will be no traditional procession and Eucharistic celebration on the waterfront this year. However, on the feast day, Thursday, May 7, from the Sv. Duje Cathedral, you will be able to follow the Holy Mass from your homes - your home churches. At 10 am, it will be broadcast by HRT, Laudato TV, Jadran TV and social networks," Barisic in a statement.
He recalled that, according to ancient tradition, before the feast, on Tuesday, April 28, the April novena begins.
According to him, the patron saint of Split, bishop, and martyr Dujam, in his Salona from the time of the persecution of Christians, has a vast experience of connecting life at home - our small churches - with Christ and his Church. "May his example also bring to our attention that the family is truly a small church and let his intercession follow all our families," said Barisic.
"The dear Split citizens and representatives of cultural, social and sports associations will have no rich program this year, which each of you regularly prepares in honor of our patron saint. However, know that we won't be without the love and protection of the Holy Spirit for all of us," said Barisic.
He recalled the deep and lasting connection between Sv. Duje and the city of Split, that is, his worshipers.
"He is our memory for all generations of this city and our local Church. That is why the people of Split always have, with confidence, called upon their faithful protector in all dangers: war, plague and hunger. We are also calling him today, in danger of the coronavirus pandemic that has affected not only our environment, but the entire world. We ask him for bravery and to follow those who make political decisions, then our doctors, medical staff, pharmacists, volunteers, shopkeepers and all those who care about our common good. In particular, we pray for him and the sick and their families and express their closeness to them, and for all the deceased, may the Lord, according to Dujam's intercession, share the fullness of the joy of eternal life," said Archbishop Barisic.
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