It is the Feast of All Saints

The Feast of All Saints is a public holiday in the Republic of Croatia, on which citizens traditionally visit cemeteries in memory of their deceased loved ones. While the church liturgy on All Saints Day emphasizes life and the calling to eternal fellowship instead of death, the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, or All Souls' Day, one day later – on Monday, November 2.

Christians initially gave special honor to martyrs, and over time, ascetics, virgins, and bishops were highlighted as exceptional testimonies of faith. The concept of saints and canonization in the modern sense has only been spoken of since the 10th century. The first official canonization was led by Pope John XV in the year 993, when Saint Ulrich was proclaimed. According to the Second Vatican Council, the veneration of saints stems from the permanent connection between the earthly and heavenly Church, whose members share the same love for God and neighbor.

On the occasion of the holiday, solemn masses are served throughout Croatia:

• Zagreb: The central Eucharistic celebration and prayer for the deceased at the Mirogoj city cemetery was led by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Dražen Kutleša.

• Đakovo: The Archbishop of Đakovo-Osijek, Đuro Hranić, led the mass celebration at the City Cemetery.

• Rijeka: The Archbishop of Rijeka, Mate Uzinić, led the mass in the parish church of St. Romuald and All Saints in Kozala, followed by a prayer of absolution at the central cross in the cemetery.

• Zadar: The Archbishop of Zadar, Milan Zgrablić, led the mass celebration in the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.