Gospić, (IKA) – The 35th regular autumn plenary session of the Croatian Conference of Bishops was held at the bishop’s residence in Gospić from October 16 to 18. The host, Bishop Mile Bogović of Gospić-Senj, said that this session of the CCB was of historical importance for the Gospić-Senj Diocese, as well as for Lika-Senj County and the city of Gospić. Recalling that seven years had elapsed since the diocese was founded and he had received the crosier from Cardinal Bozanić as the first bishop of Gospić-Senj, he emphasized that much had been done during this period regarding the organization and establishment of the institutions of the young diocese. He especially thanked the city of Gospić for the donation of the building of the bishop’s residence, which has been extensively renovated and is now suitable for hosting sessions of the CCB.
The apostolic nuncio to Croatia, Archbishop Lozano, said that he was pleased to participate in the session and have the opportunity to share moments of unity and devotion with the Croatian bishops, firmly united with the successor of Peter. He emphasized the importance of preserving the Christian identity of the Croatian nation and culture amidst the contemporary sociopolitical events, both in Croatia and Europe, where the Church led by its bishops has always had a crucial role.

At the session, elections were held for the offices in which the officeholders had completed their mandates. The bishops elected Bishop Marin Srakić of Đakovo-Srijem as the new president of the CCB. Cardinal Josip Bozanić, the former president of the CCB, had completed his second consecutive mandate and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutes of the CCB could not be re-elected.

The bishops discussed the final version of the document “Pastoral Sacraments in the Parish Community,” with the goal of applying documents and standards in pastoral practice in order to preserve the original significance of the sacraments. They also discussed the possibilities for organizing Catholic schooling in the Republic of Croatia, with particular attention to the opening of Catholic elementary schools. It was emphasized that the legal regulations based upon Croatian legislation and the contracts between the Republic of Croatia and the Holy See should be supplemented in this area. The bishops prepared a statement on the occasion of the parliamentary elections in Croatia, which will be addressed to the Croatian public.

The bishops spoke about the Motu Proprio Summorum pontificum of Pope Benedict XVI, the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the reform of 1970, as well as the Pope’s letter accompanying this document, and expressed the opinion that the conciliar liturgical reform in our country did not cause any division whatsoever and that the bishops, each in his own territory, would be vigilant and follow the repercussions of this Pontifical document.

The bishops were informed about the Plan and Program of Catholic Catechesis in Elementary School and the textbooks for religious instruction for elementary school, adapted to the requirements of the Croatian National Educational Standards (HNOS), and acknowledged the contributions of all the participants. They also spoke about cooperation between Croatian Caritas and the Caritas of the Bishops’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including preparations for further joint campaigns in order to help those most in need.