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Dear people of Banja Luka and all believers of good will!
On behalf of the parish of The Blessed Virgin Mary's Visitation to Elisabeth and as a parish priest of the God's Mother's church which is well known to our people, I ask you for help with restoration and rebuilding of our church built in 1890.
In 1753 Fra Marijan Ili} was again appointed as a parish priest in this parish. Ever since the parish has had its shepards. In 1737, Mato Delivi}, apostolic vicar in the parish, visited the parish of Banja Luka and mentioned that although there was no church there, it used to exist not so long ago near Lau{. Later, in 1878, Fra Stjepan Orlovac located it. He said that there was the Church of St. John the Baptist beneath Lau{.The exact location of it was a place where, in his time, was so called Eski mosque. Crkvena stream flowed through the church vestibule so the stream was named after the word 'church'. On that place, near by the stream, there were about twenty beautifully carved stones originating from the razed church on which Turkish women washed their laundry at that time. So, this year (2003) we celebrated 250th anniversary of continuity of parish priests' existence, i. e. the existence of pastoral workers of this parish and it is not the case with any other parish in Banja Luka.
During these 250 years the number of believers increased or went down and it depended on economic and political circumstances. A great number of believers had to leave these regions and the homes of their ancestors and go in search of better life. They would leave the graves of their relatives and friends hoping they would meet them in the eternal homeland. We could speak about generations which started a new life in their new homes. But, in the bottom of their heart they were connected with those who they were to thank for their lives. And the one that they are to thank for it is the very Creator. So, we owe love to our origin and also to our birthplace that is connected with it. So, I appeal to all those who are emotionally connected with their dear deceased persons and their origin, as well as those who are connected with our parish of Banja Luka in a way, and also all the people of good will to help us to unite in action of love and try to restore our parish church.
This year (2003), the honourable servant of God, well known Catholic layman who was baptized in our parish church, Dr Ivan Merz was proclaimed saint.
The parish church was built in 1890. Now it is in dilapidated condition. This war left some trails that have to be restored. By present estimate, 130.000,00 E should be set apart for the restoration of the parish church. So, I use this letter to induce all our dear people of Banja Luka, as well as those who owe their origin to these region and also all the people of good will to recall their grandfathers and ancestors and to unite and try to help this parish which is now in a difficult economic and political situation.
I send my regards to all of you and ask God and Holy Mother of God to give abundance of their blessing to you.
The publisher:
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WISH
