BETHLEHEM LIGHT ARRIVES IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Dec 19 (Hina) - The Bethlehem Light arrived from Vienna in Zagreb on Sunday, being carried by scouts of the Koprivnica-based "Kamengrad" unit. Croatian scouts have brought the Bethlehem light in their homeland for the eight consecutive year. On Sunday they were welcomed by brass music in front of the Zagreb Central Railway Station from where they headed toward the Zagreb Cathedral. Upon their arrival at the church, a Mass was said by Zagreb Auxiliary Bishop, Vlado Kosic. After the service, lanterns were lit by this light for each diocese and archdiocese in Croatia. The lanterns will be carried to their destinations by scouts as well. The Bethlehem Light will be kept in the Cathedral by Christmas. At Christmas, a procession, led by Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic, will set forth from the nearby church of the Virgin Mary on the market place of Dolac toward the Cathedral. On that occasion the Roman Catholic Primate in Croatia will deliver the Bethlehem Light to all parishes within Zagreb Archdiocese, and after that a Mass is to be held in the Cathedral. This year also, the transfer of the Bethlehem light from Vienna to Zagreb was organised by the Association of Croatian Scouts. Last Thursday, about 50 scouts from all Croatian dioceses and archdioceses travelled to the Austrian capital to fetch that light which symbolises the arrival of the child of Jesus Christ, the light of this world. (hina) ms