BANJA LUKA CATHOLICS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

( Editorial: --> 1041 ) BANJA LUKA, 26 Dec (Hina/Habena/IKA) - The Banja Luka Bishop Franjo Komarica conducted a solemn Christmas mass in the Banja Luka cathedral of Saint Bonaventura. Komarica spoke of peace and Christmas as a day of forgiveness. Speaking about the exiled Banja Luka Catholics, Komarica said: "We want to continue to be true peacemakers and makers of better future for all people without any difference". Catholics who remained in the wider Banja Luka marked Christmas by participating in masses in two thirds of their parishes. In one third of Banja Luka parishes, masses were not held because all Catholics had been expelled from them. No incidents or harassment of believers were registered during Christmas holidays, the Catholic Information Agency (IKA) reported. (hina) rm 261925 MET dec 97