ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

ZAGREB, Dec 19 (Hina) - Croatia needs people of good will: people who will rise above all kinds of ill will and incomprehensible and painful indifference and be able to build a world in which every man will feel welcome and fulfilled, Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic said in his Christmas message, published in the latest issue of the Catholic weekly "Glas Koncila". #L# In this context, the dignitary calls on everybody to show confidence in younger members of the Croatian society who are not burdened with personal and group disputes. "There is no such position, no such honour, no such power or such assets that can absolve us from our every-day human responsibility which is also God's and Son's responsibility," he added. "At Christmas time we are all called to be open to peace as the new- born King's gift. Peace is built on the pillars of truth, justice, love and freedom. The Croatian society needs and longs for peace. Enough of self-accusation! Let us stop futile attempts to settle accounts with the past! It will be judged by God," Bozanic wrote in the message. He added that social peace could be achieved only with great solidarity, as otherwise life could not be marked by justice, peace and freedom. "Peace is a fruit of human solidarity and a God's gift," the archbishop said, wishing everybody merry Christmas and all the best in 2003. (hina) ms sb