ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP CONDUCTS CHRISTMAS MASS AT ZAGREB CATHEDRAL

ZAGREB, Dec 25 (Hina) - Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic served Christmas mass at a packed Zagreb cathedral on Saturday night. Calling on the faithful to pray in the holy Christmas night, Bozanic said to celebrate Christmas meant to spread the word of the Father, testify to God's fatherhood by loving all people, helping and sympathising with the neediest ones and serving peace and reconciliation. Msgr. Bozanic welcomed all attending the mass, including representatives of the authorities. Christmas has linked the Heaven and the Earth and Jesus is the fulfilment of all world religions which strive for man to see God and live in unity with God. "Tonight we celebrate the event which is not closed in itself but is the beginning of a new path," Bozanic said adding the call coming form the Bethlehem cave urges us to consider and embrace the values of life Jesus started on the Earth. At the end of the mass, the Zagreb Archbishop offered his best wishes for Christmas to all, wishing the faithful the joy of God's closeness. Attending the mass along with numerous believers were Parliament Speaker Zlatko Tomcic, First Vice Premier Goran Granic, Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic and others. Christmas masses were held in other Croatian towns as well. (hina) rml