USCCB - (AEE) - Our Work in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Our Work in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Since 1992, generous American Catholics have provided millions of dollars for projects which were submitted to our office by the bishops of Bosnia-Herzegovina. These efforts have helped the Church in Bosnia-Herzegovina rebuild itself and begin to live and serve in freedom. The following are just a few examples of past, ongoing, and new projects sponsored through our office.

With your help, we have …

… Provided scholarships for two priests for graduate studies
We sponsored two priests at the Catholic University of America for graduate studies to prepare them to teach and form future priests and teachers in their home dioceses.

… Contributed to construction of retirement home for priests
After years of faithful service, the priests of Bosnia-Herzegovina deserve the best care and full support of the church. We helped the church in Bosnia-Herzegovina provide a home for their retired priests.

… Provide funds for Ukrainian Catholic (Eastern Rite) schools in Prnjavor
The Ukrainian Catholic community in Bosnia-Herzegovina comprises over 1,200 families. We continue to support these schools which are so necessary to serve the needs for this community. Request submitted: $100,000

… and we continue to …

… Support Catholic newspaper Glas Koncila
The Communist regime suppressed the Catholic newspaper, Glas Koncila in May, 1945. With our help, it is being published and distributed again, spreading the Good News, as well as current events and theological reflections, throughout the region. Request submitted: $25,000

… Support running costs for expanding Catholic “Radio Vrhbosna”
Our funds would cover expenses for technical equipment and maintenance, studio restoration, and daily expenses. Request submitted: $44,000

… Provide a scholarship for a priest to study in the U.S.
Our efforts to provide scholarships for seminarians and priests have been bearing good fruit. This scholarship to send a priest from Bosnia to the Catholic University of America is another step in this important aspect of rebuilding the Church. Request submitted: $18,000

We hope in the future to …

… Contribute to restoration of seminary chapel in Travnik
Built in 1882, St. Aloysius church was used after 1945 by the communist regime as a sports hall and building material hangar. Today, in addition to serving as chapel for the seminary, it is also a place of pilgrimage. A former seminarian, Peter Barbaric, died at 23-years old and his cause for canonization is moving forward. We hope to help restore this chapel as befits its holiness and purpose. Request submitted: $50,000

…Help purchase equipment for the archive of the diocese of Sarajevo
This ancient diocese was founded in the 7th century. The communist occupation wreaked the most havoc on the ecclesiastical records, which had to be hidden to save them from distortion and confiscation. In the mid-nineties the records had to be moved for fear of bombing. As peacebuilding continues, the work of preserving the Church archives is vitally important. Amount requested: $40,000.