CARDINAL KUHARIC SERVES EASTER SUNDAY MASS IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Mar 30 (Hina) - Archbishop of Zagreb Cardinal Franjo Kuharic on Sunday served Easter Sunday mass at the Zagreb cathedral. The cardinal called on the present to fortify their faith, especially on the day of Christ's resurrection, and to remember those who died during the Homeland War. Let us wish Christ's peace, the source of hope, love and resurrection, to everyone, Kuharic said. Ours is a century of many sacrifices, but also a century of technology and wonderful possibilities. Today's civilization needs Jesus Christ, Kuharic said, because he is synonymous with peace between nations and people. Only when man accepts this peace can he be free. Speaking about the forthcoming celebration of 2.000 years of Christianity, Kuharic agreed with the Holy Father's proposition that the jubilee be an examination of Europe's conscience. Christianity is rooted in Europe, but today's Europe opposes Christ, the cardinal said, adding that the Croatian people is also part of Catholic Europe, that it belongs to the western civilization where the presence of the Church is strongly felt. 76 percent of Croatians declare themselves Catholics and if they all led a truly Christian life, we could oppose all difficulties and everything that destroys the moral values of our people, Kuharic said. He pointed out to the importance of educating youth and to all the dangers of democracy. There were situations when democracy trespassed into anarchy, anarchy into violence against the good and the magnanimous. As witnesses of Christ's eternal light, we must examine our conscience in a time when family is being torn apart and when human life is destroyed in our people, Kuharic said, adding that we all must stand for the welfare of everyone. Cardinal Kuharic concluded the Eucharist celebration by wishing a happy Easter and peace in the hearts to all believers. (hina) ha 301414 MET mar 97