With the reading of the Laus, the offering of gifts, the raising of the Saint’s banner accompanied by the singing of the patron saint's hymn "Čuj sv. Vlaho", and the release of doves, the 2025 Festivities of Saint Blaise was officially opened by Dubrovnik Bishop Mons. Roko Glasnović.

“The banner waves, and white doves take flight, spreading the joy of our Feast of Saint Blaise across the world. Our society and individuals alike face various problems and challenges in seeking answers to many existential questions. We witness threats to life, human and Christian values. From all corners of the world, we hear about natural disasters, wars, violence, internal and external enslavement, various diseases, and we ask ourselves how to find meaning in it all. Without God, we cannot. We need Jesus and the intercession of Saint Blaise to heal us from all afflictions and protect us from all evil,” said the bishop in part of his opening address.