This year Dubrovnik celebrates the 1050th year of our Holy Patron, Saint Blaise, looking over our City and protecting us from harm, thus this year’s Feast is truly something every Dubrovnik soul is looking forward to with joy and excitement.
Opening of the Feast of St. Blaise will be on Our Lady of Candles or Candlemas on February 2 in front of the Church of St. Blaise at 3:30 p.m. After reading the ancient Laus, offering the gifts of the markets, raising of the Saint’s flag with the hymn, and releasing of the white doves, all eager to receive the traditional blessing of the throat will be able to get it respecting all epidemiological measures.
The opening of the Feast will be followed by a solemn prayer in the Dubrovnik Cathedral at 5.30 p.m., where the relics of St. Blaise will be on display for all to see. The liturgy is followed by the traditional concert of the Cathedral choir. All those who won’t be able to attend the events on the opening day of the Feast can watch them live on the website www.festa.hr.
Central Eucharistic celebration
The central solemn Eucharistic celebration will be in front of the Cathedral at 10 a.m. on February 3. This year it will be presided by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago. At the Eucharistic celebration, all present will enjoy the performances by the Cathedral choir, and the Choir of the Parish of St. Cross from Gruž, led by prof. Maja Marušić.
After the Eucharistic celebration, a glorious procession will be led through the City, with a limited number of participants. Given the epidemiological situation, participation in the Eucharistic celebration and procession will be possible only with accreditation, therefore those interested will be able to apply from February 1 to pick up accreditation via link prijave.festa.hr or phone 091 / 323-3927.
In the afternoon, the traditional presenting of the flags to the bishop and the Cathedral will occur at 3.30 p.m. in front of the Cathedral, culminating with the Eucharistic celebration in the Church of St. Blaise at 6 p.m., led by Fr. Leopold Mičić.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, procession and presenting of the flags will be broadcast on www.festa.hr as well as on other television and radio stations.
Feast of St. Blaise on Gorica will be celebrated on February 6, with Eucharistic celebration at 9 a.m. in front of the Church of St. Blaise on Gorica. It will be led by the new Bishop of Dubrovnik, Msgr. Roko Glasnović, and will also be available for streaming on www.festa.hr. After returning from Gorica to the City at 12 o’clock, all present will be able to witness the lowering of the flag and immediately afterwards the Eucharistic celebration in the Church of St. Blaise, which will mark the end of this year’s Feast.