POPE'S SERMON AT MASS IN DUBROVNIK

DUBROVNIK, June 6 (Hina) - After beatifying Marija of Jesus Crucified Petkovic at Mass in Dubrovnik, Pope John Paul II gave a sermon which was several times interrupted by the long rounds of applause of some 60,000 pilgrims at the service. #L# Greeting the faithful who arrived with their priests and bishops from many parts of Croatia and some neighbouring countries, the pontiff recalled a memory of his predecessor Pius IV who used to be the archbishop in Dubrovnik. Pope John Paul II said he was happy to be able to come to "this ancient and famous city of Dubrovnik, which is proud of its history and its legacy of freedom, justice and promotion of general weal". The evidence of this, as the pope said, can be found in a statement engraved in a stone on the gate of the fort of St. Lawrence in Dubrovnik saying that "Freedom Cannot Be Sold for All the Riches of the World," and by the inscription above the entrance to the Dubrovnik city hall saying "Forget Your Personal Advantages and Take Care of Common Weal". "My wish is that the heritage of human and Christian values, accumulated over past centuries, continue to be, with God's help, and the help of your patron saint, St. Blaise, the most valuable weal of the people of this country," the pontiff said. Speaking about Marija of Jesus Crucified Petkovic, whom he beatified at the service, the pope said that her image inspired him to think about all Croatian women, wives and happy mothers as well as those who would for ever suffer because of having lost somebody from their families in the terrible war in 1990s or because of some other bitter event that affected them. "The fast pace of the temporary human life can lead to the blurring or loss of what is human," the pope said adding that this age more than previous times required the common sense and prudence of women that will guarantee sensitivity for man on every occasion. "Your presence is needed in family, society and the church community," the pope told women. (hina) ms