ASSUMPTION DAY CELEBRATED IN MARIJA BISTRICA

( Editorial: --> 3859 ) MARIJA BISTRICA, 15 Aug (Hina) - Assumption Day was celebrated in the shrine of Marija Bistrica near Zagreb on Saturday. The Holy Communion was conducted by Zagreb Archbishop Msgr. Josip Bozanic and the head of the shrine of Marija Bistrica, Msgr. Lovro Cindori. The Zagreb Archbishop called on all believers to "live more intensely their faith" and to prepare spiritually for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Croatia. Bozanic recalled words from the Shepherd's Message sent by the Croatian bishops to the faithful on spiritual preparations for the Pope's second visit to Croatia. By visiting Zagreb, Marija Bistrica and Split, in honour of two martyrs - Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac and Dujim Solinski - the Pope connects and beatifies to whole Christian history in our country marked by martyrdom, Bozanic said. The authorities are permanently responsible to their voters and the public because responsibility prevents any self-willed abuse of authority and improves satisfaction and readiness of all citizens for general well-being, Bozanic said. (hina) rml 151548 MET aug 98