"This year, just as in previous ones, we can hear about inclement circumstance, crises and problems and all of this causes tensions in the society," the dignitary said at the mass attended by the state leadership including President Ivo Josipovic, Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic and Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor.
Bozanic called on generosity and readiness to make sacrifices for the common good.
The cardinal said that it was unselfishness that was demonstrated in the defence of the homeland.
Those who had no social influence or power, stood up for the Croatian people's right to freedom when that right should be defended, he said in her sermon.