MARKO CULEJ - FIRST VARAZDIN BISHOP - ORDAINED

VARAZDIN, Sept 28 (Hina) - The Varazdin Diocese was established and the first Varazdin bishop ordained in the town of Varazdin, 60 km north of Zagreb, on Sunday. After cardinal Franjo Kuharic greeted the present, apostolic nuncio to Croatia Giulio Einaudi in particular, texts of a decision on the establishment of the Varazdin Diocese and a charter on the ordination of bishop Marko Culej were read. Congratulating the newly ordained bishop, apostolic nuncio Einaudi conveyed the greetings and the blessing the Pope forwarded to Culej. Einaudi recalled that the Holy See had decided on 5 July 1997 to divide the Zagreb Archdiocese into the Varazdin and Pozega Dioceses (the latter established yesterday) at a proposal of the bishops' conference with the aim to achieve a better and more successful pastoral service. Einaudi ended his speech with bishop Culej's motto - Life And Peace. Addressing the present, bishop Culej thanked everyone for the important event, all bishops in particular. In attendance were all bishops and archbishops of Croatia, bishops from Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, envoys of bishops from European countries, numerous benefactors from abroad, and representatives of Caritas. Bishop Culej expressed special thanks to the Pope and the apostolic nuncio to Croatia, to Croatian parliament president Vlatko Pavletic, the attending members of the Croatian government, the Varazdin City Authorities, the prefects of Varazdin and neighbouring counties. Culej in particular thanked cardinal Kuharic. Also in attendance at today's ceremony were Croatian vice premier and president of the State Commission for Relations With Religious Associations Jure Radic, ministers of the interior, Ivan Penic, of culture, Bozo Biskupic, and of education and sports, Ljilja Vokic, diplomatic corps representatives, and Varazdin County prefect Marijan Mlinaric. (hina) ha 282003 MET sep 97