Zagreb, (IKA) – “Since the canonical period as been completed and we are commemorating the tenth anniversary of the death of the late Cardinal Franjo Kuharić of blessed memory, as we observe the perseverance and growth of believers’ bond with the late Cardinal in prayer, as well as on the basis of personal acquaintance, especially from the period of living in his proximity and in community with him from 1997 to his death in the early morning hours of March 11, 2002, I have decided to undertake what the Church requires in order to determine the possibility for initiating canonical proceedings concerning the life and Christian virtues of the late Cardinal Kuharić. Therefore, these days I shall appoint a postulator for his cause,” reported the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, who conducted a Mass for the late Cardinal Kuharić on March 10 in the Zagreb cathedral.

The faithful, who greeted Cardinal Bozanić’s decision with spontaneous applause, were urged by him from this day forward to deliver their testimonies about Cardinal Kuharić to the Postulate Office of the Archdiocese of Zagreb. “This will assist the systematic preservation of the memory of this great son of the Church and Croatian nation. The collected material will also provide the foundation for the procedure by which the Church evaluates the life of a believer in the light of the gospel and judges its value in the sense of an example for the imitation of such virtues,” said Cardinal Bozanić, recalling that the late Cardinal Kuharić had written the following in his will: “As the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Zagreb, I ask my great spiritual family—the Archdiocese of Zagreb and the entire Church among the Croatian nation, to keep and live the full Catholic faith in personal, family and national life.”

In the homily, Cardinal Bozanić pointed out that there are many virtues that adorn our pastor and should be considered more profoundly. “We recall his goodness, arising from fidelity to Christ and the Church. His Christian peace and inner joy remain vital. History will easily remember him as a promoter of the truth and defender of justice. The Croatian nation recognizes him as a guardian of Croatian hope and stronghold of national unity. In the light of faith, we recognize him as a mirror of God’s mercy and love,” said Cardinal Bozanić, adding that there are many reasons why Cardinal Kuharić is considered a defender of the rights of the Croatian nation and lives in remembrance as having contributed to the freedom of the Croatian Homeland. He had a keen sense of justice, which constantly reminds us of the importance of conscientiousness, honesty and investment in the good of the community because “the future of Croatia will depend on how the people act.”

“Cardinal Kuharić did not only comfort us faithful and the whole Croatian nation in distress but also provided correction, even when pride was too strong, in order for us to accept his voice, which was always full of hope. He urged us not to fall into despondency and encouraged us to rise up and go toward the source of joy. He encouraged us not to tire on the long and difficult path toward the Father’s house, even if we were tempted by evil and burdened by the cross. He sincerely rejoiced when he felt that God had spoken and shown the presence of his open arms that offer renewed love and the new garments of a life of grace. His whole life was entwined with this mystery,” said Cardinal Bozanić.
Cardinal Bozanić also recalled that Cardinal Kuharić attributed an important role to the family. He recognized that his life in his family was modest and that it was precisely the family, in addition to humility, that cultivated and developed sensitivity to others, upbringing as a gift and joy at being together. In his family, he learned to pray and accept prayer, with which he associated work and responsibility.

“The Cardinal of blessed memory fondly recalled joys, despite his painful experiences. This is the evangelical strength that sincerely confesses what it believes, without hatred or selfishness. Therefore, even at times when one is deprived of freedom he can still be free,” said Cardinal Bozanić, recalling that this attitude was later in evidence when Cardinal Kuharić rejected the false accusations and condemnations of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, which reflected not only upon the defense of human dignity but also the freedom of the Church in confronting communist ideology. “He never doubted that Cardinal Stepinac was a holy man. Many honest people felt the same way. However, this was far more than the defense of the innocence of one man. This spilled over into the life of the Church and the pastoral ministry of “Stepinac’s Church”: powerful in the consciousness of the faithful, Catholic in every meaning of the word; testimony in simplicity and fearless in communion,” said Cardinal Bozanić.

“Dear believers, we are heirs to that wealth. Also today, we are being tested by attempts to introduce strife in the same body of Christ. Cardinal Kuharić knew what a pearl had been given to us and that its brilliance could only be seen if believers remained united in the immense power of mind and spirit. He was acquainted with human sinfulness but always emphasized God’s greatness and mercy that only performs wonders. He experienced wonderful examples of the responsibility of the faithful for their Church. His statement, ‘We are responsible for our Church,’ also applies to us, as to all the faithful. Similarly, he knew that he was not alone in his office, about which he often said: ‘An archbishop cannot do much alone.’ When the faithful fulfil their mission, they make the Church present in the world, on all human paths. All of us are called to be humble and grateful before God,” said Cardinal Bozanić.

The Mass was concelebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari; the Military Ordinary, Bishop Juraj Jezerinac; Auxiliary Bishops Valentin Pozaić, Ivan Šaško and Mijo Gorski of Zagreb; and approximately seventy priests.