Đakovo, (IKA) -The secretary for relations with states of the Holy See, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, visited the Đakovo and Srijem Diocese on June 5. He began his visit in the city of Vukovar, where he met with his host bishop, Marin Srakić, and the mayor of Vukovar, Tomislav Šota, at the city hall. Those attending the meeting also included the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Holy See, Dr. Emilio Marin, and the apostolic nuncio in the Republic of Croatia, Archbishop Francisco-Javier Lozano.

Archbishop Lajolo pointed out that he could not have come to Croatia without visiting Vukovar, emphasizing that great suffering cannot be in vain. If suffering is transformed into wisdom, the creation of a new world begins. This wisdom was also conveyed by Pope John Paul II, who loved Croatia very much. Archbishop Lajolo then took a tour of the city and visited the Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of the Homeland War, where he lit candles and laid flowers.

Archbishop Lajolo then visited Osijek and expressed his admiration of the central parish Church of SS. Peter and Paul. He continued his visit to the Đakovo and Srijem Diocese in its see, Đakovo, where he toured the Catholic College of Theology, the Diocesan See and the college library, in which a pastoral meeting of priests was being held in the formal auditorium. Expressing his admiration for the renovated residence of the bishop and the figure of Bishop Strossmayer, Archbishop Lajolo said that the current bishop, Marin Srakić, is a worthy successor to Strossmayer on the cultural level and in holding a diocesan synod. A diocesan synod is an event of the Church but also a contribution that can be made to public life.

At a press conference, Archbishop Lajolo pointed out that he saw that Croatia is a country that is renewing itself and has been renewed. “Considering everything that has occurred, I see that a deep impetus is present to create a better life, not only a better material life but that which is humane, which particularly delights me. I do not doubt that Croatia could give the European Union a new inner impetus for the advancement of the entire world. If I consider the present reality from the Church aspect, I can say that I have seen the great liveliness and conviction of this nation in faith. I see that the Church is an essential component of the Croatian nation. I am also profoundly impressed by the cultural undertakings of the Church in Croatia. I see obvious evidence of the cultural undertaking of the Church in the establishment of the Catholic College of Theology in Đakovo, which will have a great role in the future of Croatia.”

Together with Archbishop Lajolo, the Đakovo and Srijem Diocese commemorated the third anniversary of the Apostolic Visit by Pope John Paul II. In the foyer of the bishop’s residence, Archbishop Lajolo unveiled a commemorative plaque in honor of the Pope’s visit.

Archbishop Lajolo concluded his visit to the Đakovo and Srijem Diocese with a celebration of the Mass that he conducted in the Đakovo Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter. Five bishops and 78 priests concelebrated. Those attending the Mass included deacons, theology students, nuns, many faithful, the mayors of Đakovo and Vukovar, and other distinguished political, educational and cultural figures of Đakovo.