ZADAR, June 9 (Hina) - "Croatia, May God bless you," are the words with which Pope John Paul II bid goodbye to the citizens of Zadar and Croatia at the end of Monday's liturgy prayer in Zadar's Forum Square and his third pastoral
visit to Croatia.
ZADAR, June 9 (Hina) - "Croatia, May God bless you," are the words
with which Pope John Paul II bid goodbye to the citizens of Zadar and
Croatia at the end of Monday's liturgy prayer in Zadar's Forum
Square and his third pastoral visit to Croatia. #L#
Celebrating the Hour of Sext, the pope called on Croatian bishops
and more than 100,000 believers in a packed square, to look for a
role model in Virgin Mary.
"Dear brothers and sisters, learn from Mary how to be credible
witnesses and generous apostles, as you make your own contribution
to the great enterprise of the new evangelization," the pope told
the faithful.
Zadar Archbishop Ivan Prendja welcomed the Holy Father on behalf of
the faithful, stressing that the day of his unforgettable visit
would be "a source of new inspiration" in the life of Zadar
archdiocese.
During the liturgy, the Holy Father warmly welcomed Cardinals
Angelo Sodano, Miloslav Vlk and Vinko Puljic, the Serb Orthodox
Bishop of Dalmatia, Fotije, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, and
representatives of civil and military authorities.
During the celebration of the liturgy, the faithful presented the
pope with gifts, including money for the purchase of equipment for
brain research. The Holy Father presented Zadar archdiocese with a
chalice in return.
"May God bless Croatia," said the pope bidding goodbye to Zadar and
Croatia at the end of his visit.
"I am particularly grateful to you, beloved Croatian people, who
welcomed me with open arms and hearts in the streets of Dalmatia,
Slavonia and Kvarner," said the pope, to which the gathered
responded with a long applause, shouting his name.
"I remember your suffering caused by the war," the Pontiff said,
adding he was familiar with the strength and courage of people and
was certain that the Croatian people, too, would see better days.
"Thank you, Croatia's youth, may God bless you," he said, causing an
eruption of joy among the youth, who added a sport fans' tone to
their cheering, shouting "John Paul" and "We are the Pope's, the
Pope is ours".
John Paul thanked all who participated in the organisation of his
five-day visit and his hosts.
He thanked the state authorities, in particular President Stjepan
Mesic, for efforts invested in preparing and organising the visit.
He also expressed gratitude to those in charge of security, media
workers, and all others who in different ways, more or less visible,
worked together so that his third visit to Croatia could be
completely successful.
During his visit to the country, between 5 and 9 June, the Pope
visited Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Osijek, Djakovo and Zadar.
(hina) rml sb