SIBENIK DIOCESE MARKS ITS 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION

( Editorial: --> 4041 ) SIBENIK, Sep 29 (Hina) - Celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Sibenik closed on Tuesday in the central Adriatic town with a grand procession in honour of Sibenik's patron St Michael. A mass was also led by the former Croatian Catholic primate Cardinal Franjo Kuharic, and co-celebrated with Kuharic's successor Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic and all Croatian bishops. After addressing church dignitaries, the clergy and representatives of the Government and other institutions, Sibenik Bishop Ante Ivas spoke about the important role that the diocese played since it was founded through a Bull issued by Pope Boniface VIII. "Today we confirm our communion with the church as a whole and God, who has been protecting us for 13 centuries and calling on us to keep proving our faith in him," Bishop Ivas said, among other things. (Hina) jn mro /mbr 291834 MET sep 98