Zagreb, (IKA) – ‘The Church in Croatia from the Perspective of European Society’ is the theme of the 52nd Theological-Pastoral Week, which opened on January 24 at the Interdiocesan Seminary in Zagreb. This unique scholarly-pastoral meeting was organized by the Catholic Faculty of Theology of the University of Zagreb. In introductory remarks at the opening of the TPW, the Grand Chancellor of the Catholic Faculty of Theology, Archbishop Josip Cardinal Bozanić, said that this week in a special way is a manifestation of the Catholic communion of bishops, priests, deacons, religious and the Christian lay faithful of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Srijem, Bačka and Boka Kotorska. Cardinal Bozanić welcomed all the meeting participants, expressing the hope that their work on the consideration of the journey and role of the Church among the Croatian people would be blessed.
In greeting the meeting participants, Archbishop Vinko Cardinal Puljić of Sarajevo said that the topic of the meeting on the Church in Croatia from the perspective of European society is important and it is important for the Church in Croatia to assume a clear, strong and organized position on this matter. ‘This will then help the Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina from its perspective to support your positions and attempt to defend and promote Christian views and roots in our region,’ explained Cardinal Puljić.
The Apostolic Nuncio in Croatia, Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari, said that the theme is very current and important. In this context, he recalled the words of Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Croatia: ‘From its earliest days, your Nation has formed part of Europe, and has contributed, in its unique way, to the spiritual and moral values that for centuries have shaped the daily lives and the personal and national identity of Europe’s sons and daughters.’ Welcoming remarks at the opening of the meeting were also delivered by the Rector of the University of Zagreb, Dr. Aleksa Bjeliš, and the Mayor of Zagreb, Milan Bandić. Greetings were read from the minister of Science, Education and Sports, Dr. Željko Jovanović. In keeping with tradition, a telegram was sent to the Holy Father from the TPW, signed by Cardinal Josip Bozanić.
Opening the TPW, the Dean of the Catholic Faculty of Theology, Dr. Josip Oslić, said that following the referendum on Croatian accession to the European Union, a new page is opening for the Church in Croatia and two important questions are rightly asked: what will the role of the Church be in the new situation and will the Church as it is have the strength and all the necessary resources to respond to the challenges of the times that are articulated at the level of the ubiquitous secularization and globalization processes that have become an integral part of contemporary European history. He said that the Church, even in a new situation, always remains faithful to its fundamental mission, which it has cultivated through the centuries, and will continue to attempt to build in the future. This mission consists of the proclamation of Jesus’ salvific and liberating message that is addressed to all the nations of the world.
‘As much as we are different from each other in terms of culture and civilization, all of us are actually oriented to Jesus Christ as the sole foundation that supports everything. All our diversity and uniqueness should contribute to the richness of European culture in which Christianity is reflected as the heritage that obligates us all,’ said Dr. Oslić.
The opening ceremony of the TPW was attended by the President of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Archbishop Marin Srakić, Croatian archbishops and bishops, representatives of religious communities in Croatia, representatives of the academic community in Zagreb, representatives of state and municipal authorities, deans and professors of the Catholic theological faculties in Croatia, and priests and religious from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries.