ZAGREB, August 15, 2018 – Celebrating Feast of the Assumption mass in the national Marian shrine at Marija Bistrica on Wednesday, the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, addressed young people in particular, urging them not to settle for mediocrity but to bravely and persistently demand “the so eagerly anticipated changes in Croatian society.”
Cardinal Bozanić dedicated his sermon to the family and youth, calling them a sign of hope in Croatian society, and recalled the hope and pride awakened in the Croatian people by the silver won by the national football team at the recent World Cup in Russia. “Thanks to the extraordinary successes of our young athletes, notably the Croatian football team, in recent weeks we have been witness to a renewed love for the homeland, Croatian togetherness, life and family. On the national front, that is an event of immeasurable importance,” he said.
“You, young believers… are a recognisable sign of hope in Croatia’s future. Don’t, therefore, settle for mediocrity, but bravely and persistently ask of those older and in charge the so eagerly anticipated changes in Croatian society,” he added.
Speaking of the family, the cardinal said “every birth is an annunciation of God’s blessing” and that Croatian society should be “friendly towards families with children.” He added, however, that Croatian legislation discriminated against such families in some sectors.
Speaking of the gathering of pilgrims in many Croatian Marian shrines on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, including 20,000 at Marija Bistrica, Bozanić said it was evidence of Mary’s presence in the history of the Croatian people.
About 40,000 pilgrims are expected at Marija Bistrica today, including from Hungary, Slovenia, China and Hong Kong.
About 100,000 pilgrims are expected in the coastal town of Sinj, many marching barefoot.
