THE POPE'S ANGELUS FROM SPLIT

( Editorial: --> 5574 ) SPLIT, Oct 4 (Hina) - This Sunday's Angelus, angelic greeting - Urbi et orbi - by the Holy Father was today given at Znjan near Split and forwarded to the faithful around the world. (Unpffocial translation) My dear brethren! At the conclusion of this Celebration of the Eucharist we direct our thoughts to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, who is worshipped in countless larger and smaller shrines dedicated to her in various corners of this Croatian land. We too, wish to greet her with the words with which the angel brought the good news of the salvation that God had prepared for his people. After yesterday's pilgrimage to Marija Bistrica, this afternoon I am going to the shrine to Our Lady of Otok in Solin which is a thousand year old witness of the faith of your people. In the light which radiates from the supple face of the Virgin Mary, I especially greet the dear people of Split who are celebrating 17 centuries of their city's existence. I also greet the faithful of the Split-Makarska Church province and all the other faithful who participated in this Holy Mass together with their pastors. I most especially evident my closeness to all those who with anxiety in their heart await some news about the fait of their loved ones who were violently torn from their homes and still cannot return to them. Or, if they have returned, are in need of assistance to reconstruct and rebuild their homes and renew a peaceful life with their families. How can we not but with the deepest empathy mention the tragedy which is occurring not too far from here, in Kosovo? May understanding, mutual respect, forgiveness and reconciliation finally replace the violence and devastation. For this to occur it is necessary for the international community to undertake matters of solidarity and not let the opportunity facing them, fall through. May we recommend these wishes to the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin and in Her protection we place our families,the ill and the elderly, those who are suffering as a result of the recent war conflicts. Offer Her your villages and your cities. Let us pray to the Most Holy Virgin for the whole of south-eastern Europe and that the nations which dwell here finally reconcile themselves and come to know peace and enjoy the same rights and obligations while participating in the life of our large human family. Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, (sv. Franjo asiski) the great protector of peace. To him we pray for peace, my dear people who dwell in the Balkans. There are many of you who carry the name Franjo, the president of the republic, Cardinal Kuharic, Archbishop Franic, Bishop Komarica and so many others. I greet you all on your names day. St. Francis pray for us, pray for Italy whose patron saint you are. Thank you! (Hina) sp 041414 MET oct 98