MARIJA BISTRICA MARIJA BISTRICA, Oct 6 (Hina) - The Croatian police and army gathered in Marija Bistrica on Sunday for the tenth pilgrimage to the shrine, while military ordinary Juraj Jezerinac conducted Mass.
MARIJA BISTRICA, Oct 6 (Hina) - The Croatian police and army
gathered in Marija Bistrica on Sunday for the tenth pilgrimage to
the shrine, while military ordinary Juraj Jezerinac conducted
Mass. #L#
Upon their forming into ranks in front of the altar of the Church of
Blessed Alojzije Stepinac in the open, the army, police,
firefighters and historical units were addressed by Defence
Minister Zeljka Antunovic.
She reminded that the Croatian army today was facing a major
challenge of reorganisation, which many feared, yet it was just
another battle to be won. "I believe that the Croatian Army is fair,
consistent and brave and that it will win that battle," Antunovic
said.
Vladimir Faber, head of the Police Administration, greeted the
gathered on behalf of the Interior Ministry and called on them to
remember and pray for those who had given their lives for the
homeland.
Military ordinary Juraj Jezerinac conducted Mass in the presence of
representatives of Croatian dioceses, military chaplains and
representatives of military ordinariates.
Croatia will be forever indebted to its soldiers, Msgr. Jezerinac
said, adding that the country's international recognition had
confirmed the legitimacy of the fight for its sovereignty and the
freedom of the Croat people, and "no subsequent decisions and
objections can challenge that".
Commenting on priorities in the development of society, Jezerinac
said that "the priority of a nation which is becoming extinct should
be spiritual transformation".
(hina) rml