A mass celebration in honor of Saint Hedwig was held in Marija Zvijezda Abby near Banja Luka. She is a saint, little known in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but widely respected in Poland. She is a Polish queen who, according to historical sources, is of the Bosnian Royal Kotromanić Dynasty.
The mass celebration was led by Monsignor Karlo Višaticki, General Vicar of the Diocese of Banja Luka, who in his sermon spoke about the life and heritage of Saint Hedwig.
“Hedwig was a great guardian of learning and culture. She recognised that the strength of people and the church lies in education. She founded hospices for the poor, helped those in need, and was famous for protecting the weak from powerful,” Višaticki said.
Many Historical Links between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland
“Mak” Polish Association of Gradiška emphasized that Saint Hedwig was not the only historical link between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland.
“There is also a legend, ‘Banja Luka, the Princess’, as well as the stories about Polish knights who lived in this area, such as Zoviša Crni. The links between Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Balkans, and Poland go far back into the past and have lasted through different historical periods,” said Marija Buganik Pranjić from the “Mak” Polish Association.
A peaceful celebration was enriched by the members of the vocal group “Wisła” from Zagreb, who are part of the “Nicolaus Copernicus” Polish Cultural Society.
“Almost everyone is familiar with Saint Hedwig in Poland, but we are especially happy and surprised to see she is respected here, in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Krystyna Simić from the Polish Cultural Society “Nicolaus Copernicus” from Zagreb.
Familiarization with the Significance of Saint Hedwig
Members of the Committee for the Promotion and Preservation of the Life and Legacy of Saint Hedwig, through the celebration of Mass and other activities, aim to familiarize the public in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the significance of this historical figure.
“When speaking about Saint Hedwig, people in these areas are often not aware of how much Bosnia was linked to Europe over 600 years ago. It indicates the significance Medieval Bosnia had in Europe at that time,” emphasized Mladen Miletović from the Committee for the Promotion and Preservation of the Life and Legacy of Saint Hedwig.
Jadwiga of Poland, known as a “good queen”, is one of the most respected historical figures in Poland. Believers associate many miracles with her, and she was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1997 in Krakow, BHRT writes.
