Tonights evening mass in Gospić cathedral, was like they say here, puna kao kutija šibica (as full as a box of matches). Probably more than you would get for Christmas mass.
Mass was held for the homeland war victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja. Before mass each of us were given a red lantern in the form of the Vukovar water tower which is a symbol of the three month siege of the city and a symbol of the courage and unity of the Croatian Heroes that defended Vukovar.
After mass we all said a prayer in front of the war memorial, then placed our lanterns around it in the form of a cross.
Gospić has always had a strong emotional connection to Vukovar as it too was a city that was under siege in the war. In solidarity another tradition kept every year is the lighting of lanterns in Vukovarska Ulica and many also light one in front of their homes.
Next week the year 8 students of Gospic primary school will be going on a two day excursion of Vukovar. This is a tradition for all year 8 students in Croatia.
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