FAITHFUL ARRIVE TO MARIJA BISTRICA IN DROVES

( Editorial: --> 5238 ) MARIJA BISTRICA, Oct 3 (Hina) - A huge number of faithful from all over Croatia have been arriving since Friday evening to the Marija Bistrica sanctuary, near Zagreb, where on Saturday Pope John Paul II will beatify late Croatian Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. They faithful are arriving by buses and trains which drive to Zlatar Bistrica, 6km from the sanctuary. From there, singing hymns, the faithful are heading towards the "Church In The Open" where the Pope will celebrate mass and declare Stepinac beatified. Policemen are directing the faithful towards entrances through which they have easiest access to the fields where they will attend mass. The police are thoroughly checking the arrivals, which has accounted for crowds at the entrances, but the faithful are patiently waiting in lines singing hymns. Many medical crews are stationed within and outside the "Church In The Open" and are ready to offer medical assistance. The faithful started arriving in Marija Bistrica in groups on Friday evening, even though mass arrivals commenced around 5am on Saturday. All 14 entrances to the "Church In The Open" will be closed at 8am. (hina) ha 031012 MET oct 98