ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP GIVES A MESSAGE AHEAD OF POPE'S ARRIVAL

( Editorial: --> 4278 ) ZAGREB Sept 30 (Hina) - In anticipation of the second visit by Pope John Paul II to Croatia, the president of the Croatian Bishops' Conference, Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic addressed the public on Wednesday. "Pope John Paul II is visiting Croatia again after four years. During the 13 centuries of special relations between the papacy and Croatian people, Pope John Paul II's visits to Croatia and its people are of outstanding importance", said Bozanic. The Pope's visit to Croatia commemorates two martyrs, St. Domnius, a martyr from early Christian times, and Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, a martyr of the modern age, emphasised Bozanic. The visit will be held under the motto "You will be my witnesses". "Croatia is once again invited to commemorate its Christian roots, its martyred history and through the examples of its most excellent sons and daughters, to seek inspiration for the march into the future", said Bozanic emphasising that the Catholic Church in Croatia has confronted communist persecution followed by war and today finds itself facing new challenges. The troubles that have overcast our country are well known to us. In the first place, it is necessary for lost moral values to be revived. It is necessary to rediscover and intensify the sense of solidarity that accompanied the difficult war period. Inner moral strength is needed as the foundation for courageous choices. The pastoral visit in the war-time year 1994, was named 'Peace Pilgrimage'. Pope John Paul II (then) shared with us numerous temptations and showed us the road of hope. "Today is a new beginning. The new voice of Croatia testifies that the Republic, nation and society have become sovereign. This is an expression of joy because of rediscovered freedom. Croatia is preparing for the Pope's messages that are aimed at the heart of the individual and the social systems, because without God only the remnants of human morals remain. Today it is necessary to renew faith, to renew hope, and to renew love. "The visit by John Paul II and the beatification of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac provide an excellent opportunity to open a new page in the history of the Catholic Church in Croatia and the entire Croatian nation", said Msgr. Bozanic. Pope John Paul II will be visiting Zagreb, Marija Bistrica, Split and Solin from October 2 to 4. (hina) jn it/rml 301721 MET sep 98