CROSS AGAIN PUT UP AT MOUNT SRDJ OVERLOOKING DUBROVNIK

DUBROVNIK, Oct 12 (Hina) - A cross at Mount Srdj overlooking Dubrovnik, that had been pulled down during the Serbian and Montenegrin aggression against the southernmost part of Croatia in 1991, was again put up at its place on Sunday. The raising of the cross was celebrated by the blessing and a Mass held at Mount Srdj. The new cross was blessed by Croatian Roman Catholic Bishops of Dubrovnik and Hvar, Zelimir Puljic and Slobodan Stambuk respectively, whereas the service was held by the retired Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Franjo Kuharic. Addressing several thousand pilgrims who climbed to Mount Srdj to attend the ceremony, Cardinal Kuharic told them to remember this day and mark it ceremonially every year as the day when the renovated Cross, the sign of love of their Saviour, Jesus Christ, shone over the ruins. He added that "on behalf of Jesus' Cross and his pierced heart" they could tell those who had damaged the cross and shelled besieged Dubrovnik that they do not hate them but love and pray for them, in accordance with Christ's love. The cross is the school of selfless love, Kuharic added. Present at the ceremony were Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, Msgr. Giulio Einaudi, county and local authorities and Croatian Army representatives. (hina) rm mš 121546 MET oct 97