Scouts Bring Bethlehem Light to Zagreb Cathedral

Annual tradition continues.

In an annual tradition, members of the Croatian Scout Association on Sunday brought Peace Light of Bethlehem to the Zagreb Cathedral. In front of the Zagreb cathedral, the light was handed over to Speaker of Parliament Božo Petrov and Rector of the Cathedral Josip Kuhtić.

“The arrival of the Bethlehem Light is a wonderful event and a message of peace, love and unity in anticipation of joy. The message to the world, a message that does not recognize borders, nations, religions, but is really a true message of peace”, said Petrov after the mass.

Kuhtić told the faithful that they should light the Bethlehem light in their hearts as well, and bring it to their families across Croatia. “The light that is now burning in the Zagreb Cathedral, the Peace Light of Bethlehem, should burn in our hearts and our consciences. Let us take this Bethlehem light to our families and spread joy, love, light and goodness”, said Kuhtić.

President of the Croatian Scout Association Željko Roglić pointed out that the arrival of the Peace Light of Bethlehem was something special for all scouts and a tradition which has been maintained in Croatia since 1992. Each year, Croatian scouts go to Vienna to pick the Peace Light of Bethlehem, and then bring it to the Zagreb Cathedral and to many other Croatian parishes so that the message of peace, solidarity and friendship would arrive in as many homes and families as possible.

The initiative of the Peace Light of Bethlehem was born in the context of a charitable TV show for children with disabilities and those in need. It was first mentioned on Christmas 1986 by one viewer of the Austrian TV show “Licht us Dunkel”, which decided to thank donors by giving them lights instead of traditional Christmas gifts. This idea was accepted by the Austrian scouts, who turned it into a tradition. The movement has grown into a large international event, not only in Europe, but also in Asia, North and South America, and northern Africa.

On the first Sunday of Advent, a representative of the Austrian Scouts visits the cave of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, receives the light and carries it to Vienna. In Vienna, scouts from around the world gather, and after attending a mass they carry the light to their countries, cities, institutions, hospitals, homes…

Peace Light of Bethlehem carries a message that people of good will wish each other peace and well, and that is the task of everybody to spread peace among people.

 

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