Bishop Ranko Vidović celebrates feast of St. Stephen I in Hvar

Bishop Ranko Vidović celebrated the feast of St. Stephen I in Hvar, honoring the city's heavenly patron. Before the Mass, the bishop greeted the gathered community and prayed that the love witnessed by St. Stephen would be active among the people.

During the homily, Monsignor Martinović described St. Stephen as a bishop who led the Church during the mid-3rd century. He noted that despite a short pontificate during a time of persecution, St. Stephen maintained the traditions of his predecessors regarding faith and practical love.

Martinović explained that St. Stephen defended the Church's teaching that baptism does not need to be repeated. The preacher stated that St. Stephen's life demonstrates that holiness involves seeking truth and maintaining unity even during difficult debates and disagreements.