Zagreb, (IKA) – The thirtieth anniversary of the canonization of the Croatian Capuchin Leopold Bogdan Mandić (1866–1942) was formally celebrated on October 16 in the Zagreb-Dubrava parish dedicated to the saint. The celebration of the Mass, preceded by the parish’s annual all-day adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, was led by the Archbishop of Belgrade, Stanislav Hočevar, in concelebration with the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Belgrade, Fra Leopold Rohmes; the Provincial of the Franciscan Province of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Fra Željko Železnjak; the Pastor and Guardian, Fra Ivica Vrbić, and a number of priests. On this occasion, a declaration of brotherhood between the Parish of St. Lepold Bogdan Mandić, run by Franciscan Capuchins, and the Archdiocese of Belgrade, was signed, which stresses the common aspirations of growth in faith and unity in pastoral and spiritual endeavors. The idea for this brotherhood was created based upon the charism of St. Leopold, who dedicated his whole life to unity among Christians. Since his religious superiors did not allow him to devote himself to missionary work among Orthodox Christians, he accepted everyone who came to him for confession with love as an “eastern brother or sister.”
During the homily, the Archbishop of Belgrade spoke about adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, commenting that prayer was the focus of St. Leopold’s, who although physically small, was spiritually great. The Archbishop especially commented on the connection between St. Leopold and the Blessed John Paul II, who was elected as the head of the Catholic Church 35 years ago on October 16 and 30 years ago declared the sainthood of this Capuchin from Herceg Novi, who, like himself, advocated the unity of Christians. St. Leopold can serve as a model for today’s world, especially Europe, which seeks unity because as a Croat he spent his whole life in Italy, serving his neighbors in the confessional and offering prayer and sacrifice for the unity of Christians. He can also be a model of strong faith and immersion in the mystery of the Resurrected Savior, and, like Pope John Paul II, truly believed in God’s mercy, said the Archbishop of Belgrade. After the signing of the declaration of brotherhood, Fra Ivica Vrbić presented Archbishop Hočevar with a book, Povijest franjevaštva [Franciscan History], who reciprocated with the gift of Mass vestments made for the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan in Niš.
The first reading of the Mass was read by Stipe Zeba, who at the Mass of the Canonization of St. Leopold Bogdan Mandić in Rome had also read the first reading.