Homily on the Feast of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac
Zagreb Cathedral, February 10, 2003
Readings: 2 Cor 1,3–7.8b–9.12, Jn 12,23–28

My very dear Brothers and Sisters,

The gratitude, prayer and consolation of the faithful depend only partially upon the circumstances under which the Church exists. This is confirmed every February tenth, which has not remained a day for the mere remembrance of the past and is not even the anniversary of an act of opposition during the communist period, but it is a month-long celebration of God in the holiness of the life of our exemplary Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, who is so near to us. Today’s date has become a powerful day of commemoration and tribute by Croatian Catholics throughout the homeland and world, particularly for the people of Zagreb and those who are in Zagreb on this date. Tonight, in thanks to God, we prayed to Him and experienced the consolation with which only God can provide encouragement. The apostle Paul refers to this in the Second Letter to the Corinthians which we heard in the first reading: “Through Christ does our encouragement overflow.” The words “encouragement” and “encourage” are repeated ten times in this short passage. These words do not denote unfocused emotions, through which pain and life’s crises are shared, but signify effective support based on God’s strength and consolation. We call the Holy Spirit by the name of Paracletos, the Consoler. This concept embodies the gentleness that strengthens, the certainty that does not turn into violence, the proximity that provides impetus for overcoming evil and the “vigorous hope” that surpasses all human consolation. These are the gifts of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul writes to the Corinthians about this.
The genuine extensions of God’s consolation are the saints and the blessed ones. The image before us today is of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, whose life and death as a celebration of God and evangelic or spiritual speech has much to say to our Church, even at the present moment under the circumstances of this year’s celebration. We have seen from encounters with believers, but also with those who are not believers, that Croatia is easily recognizable in Europe and the world and is spoken about easily thanks to the Catholic Church. In this current recognizability, the Blessed Alojzije occupies a privileged place. In speaking about modern Europe and Croatia within it, it is not possible to ignore this bright spot, in whose brilliance it is easy to recognize Christ’s heirs, regardless of to which nation they belong. In the figure of the Blessed Alojzije there is contained, as witnessed by John Paul II “the entire tragedy that afflicted Europe during … the (twentieth) century, marked by the great evils of fascism, nazism and communism.” (You Shall be My Witnesses, 54). In Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, the evangelical response shines in its fullness. He embodies those virtues upon which we as Christians and Catholics are called to build a new Europe.
The Catholic Church is a part of the European heritage because Christianity is an intrinsic part of the roots of European culture and civilization. Therefore, Christianity remains a constant of European identity. In 1998, this Christian identity with the Croatian sub-identity was described by the Holy Father, following the beatification of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, as follows: “I have seen a society which desires to build its present and future on solid democratic foundations, in complete fidelity to its own history, which is permeated by Christianity, in order to take its rightful place in the assembly of the other European nations” (You Shall be My Witnesses, 50–51). Therefore, reference to Christianity as something that does not belong to contemporary Europe is incorrect, especially from the lips and pens of those who support the so-called progressive ideas without God and those for whom a united Europe is a recent discovery.
Nevertheless, this European Christian constant does not preclude the Church from expressing clear Christian positions, criticisms and critiques in the search for a European path. The concept of Europe still cannot be used within clearly defined frameworks, since Europe is itself emerging and seeking its own points of departure. Therefore, the prophetic words of our Blessed Alojzije should not be ignored, as they were not mere laments at the dawn of the Second World War. On Easter Monday 1939 — several months before the outbreak of the war, he stated the following on Zagreb radio: “… and we can say in good conscience with the disciples from Emmaus ‘quoniam advesperascit et inclinata est iam dies — for it is nearly evening and day is almost over’ for Europe. Although those who suggested that Europe was on the brink of ruin decades ago were laughed at, today even the greatest optimists must say that those dire prophets were correct, if Europe continues as it has up to now.”
Archbishop Stepinac also spoke about the need for Europe to turn to Christ: “When Christ once again will be the center of European life, Europe will again burn with a holy flame, born from contact with God. But then the automatic fire that flares up within the soul will be transferred to the exterior surroundings, and order will be established among nations, peoples, economic and social relations, for which all statesmen and experts in these questions have been striving in vain for decades. European culture can be healed only under the condition that its soul is restored, that Jesus Christ the Lord returns to it!” (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940. [Sermons, Messages, Speeches 1934–1940], p. 309).
Today, we can say the same thing, although the social and political circumstances are entirely different. This is also the case for Croatia. The Blessed Alojzije perceived life then as being borne by the waves of two extremes, “between international communism and pagan nationalism.” Speaking to a group of young students on April 14, 1940, he emphasized the following: “The greatest patriots in the history of the nation were rocked in His lap — the Catholic Church! However, love of the homeland and nation is not a generalized feeling, a vague passion, but an act, unselfish sacrifice! […] However … there is no truth so holy, there is no ideal so exalted, that human limitation or malevolence would not attempt to taint, distort or even disfigure it. […] Unfortunately, this also applies to patriotism and nationalism” (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940., p. 392).
These words of the Blessed Alojzije are so precious that they should be endlessly pondered, especially because they are the warnings of a genuine believer and shepherd, which went unheeded by the left or the right at the time of the rise of the anti-Christian ideas of nazism and the spread of communist lies. We still feel the consequences of one and the other on the life of the people today. The Blessed Alojzije continued with words of a freshness that not a single objective analyst could ignore in this context: “Try using the most obvious facts to prove that communism is a lie and pernicious. Try to open the eyes of the spiritually blind. All your efforts will fail before the irrational depths of human nature that have become infected by the terrible contagion of communist messianism. On the other hand, the epidemic of pagan nationalism is nearly equally powerful and dangerous. […] Try to show the fanatics of nationalism how ridiculous their attempts are to place other teachers who have just arrived yesterday upon the altars before which our nation has bowed to the Divine Teacher! Show the fanatics of nationalism that for the members of small it is insane to exhibit enthusiasm for the pagan nationalism of great nations (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940., p. 393). Archbishop Stepinac saw through all the godlessness of both systems, in which he did not see the genuine fulfillment of the Croatian person and believer.
His words of warning, followed by testimony until his death, provide consolation for all of us. Through his life and work, he demonstrated that the Gospels are open for all people, but he also sought unity among his own nation based upon the Gospels. He addressed the Croatian nation with sincerity and warmth, yearning for unity among brothers and sisters in the same faith, which did not thereby exclude others. He believed in Christ as the Truth, the Way and the Life, and therefore raised his voice in protest against any political excess, conflicts and polarization, because he knew they lead not only to the ruin of believers but of nations. He knew he would be forced to serve as a lightning rod for attacks from the left and right. For him, the Church was a meeting place of unity, a place where no one owned the Truth but served it; a place where every person bowed to God alone. Such an attitude creates the most profound of bonds, ending pernicious disputes arising from the special interests of individuals and groups. The Church as the meeting place of a community within a culture of conflict was Stepinac’s heritage. The Church in Croatia also wants to be this today, because the Croatian people are tired of division. Nonetheless, Croatian division seems to suit some.
We are called to be a place for the promotion of unity, for the creation of an environment conducive to a life of dignity for each person. We were accused of having a privileged place in society as Catholics, due to our desire to structure relations in society in a civilized manner and at the legal level. As the majority in this country during the immediate post-communist period, we merely attempted to open new paths to all for the democratic and legal recognition of churches and religions in our society. Today, such accusations are practically nonexistent; they have become nonsense. We can rightfully state that we Catholics, as the majority in this country, have steadfastly worked toward this goal and today we thank God for all the agreements that have been achieved. We merely wish to live in our country under the same freedoms that we seek for others, and therefore we should not be falsely accused of being an intolerant majority. The Church today also urges all responsible persons in our country to reach a clear and indisputable consensus regarding the fundamental values and goals of the Croatian nation, country and society. There are values to live and die for, with which there can be no bargaining and which cannot be questioned.
Perhaps our desire to serve and our offer of the Church as a place of unity are disturbing to some, when the influence of the Catholic Church in Croatia is alleged to be excessive. Influence over what? Are some displeased that we seek unity, peace, forgiveness and sacrifice; that we preach honesty, justice and dignity for all; and that we point to the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus as the path to the genuine fulfillment of human life? When a nation lives its Christianity, it is more difficult to engage it in a quarrel, it is difficult to disunite it, it is more difficult to sell it an ideology according to one’s own taste. Is this excessive influence? Is the voice of the Church exercising excessive influence when it protects families, young persons and raises up against the evils of drugs and other addictions, urging all the responsible parties not to ignore this bitter problem which the Blessed Alojzije perceived with equal clarity. During an address at the opening of Croatian Social Week, October 25, 1937, he said: “The foundation on which a nation and mankind rests is undoubtedly the family. […] The Catholic Church, which has always been a proponent of order and peace, shall not fail or remain on the sidelines regarding questions of such importance as the family (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940., p. 191).
Two years later (at the beginning of the 1939/40 academic year, during an address to Associations of Catholic Action), he lamented: “It is with fear and sadness that we regard the breakdown and ruin of our Croatian families” (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940., p. 341). A speech dated November 1940 also addresses this subject: “I want it to be ultimately clear to everyone that Croatia has no future if the entire public, especially our banking authorities, with all the power and assets available, fails to oppose the crimes that afflict the Croatian family, even if these crimes are being committed in the name of science, social indications or alleged health. […] There can be no strong and happy Croatia without strong, physically healthy, morally sound and content Croatian families” (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940., p. 480).
Although these words were uttered over sixty years ago, it seems that they are referring to the current formulation of the new family law. Similar words were also spoken by Pope John Paul II in a speech on the occasion of the Fourth World Meeting of Families in Manila on January 25 of this year, urging Christian spouses to bear convincing and consistent witness for “the truth about the family.” The family is the heritage of humankind. It is a great and very precious good, a necessity for the life, development and future of a nation, said the Pope. This is a call to all, including politically responsible persons, to defend the institution of the family and respect the attitudes of the faithful when decisions about the family are being made. It is not clear how the largest legislative body in a country where the great majority of its citizens profess themselves to be Catholics can issue laws that are not in keeping with the Catholic faith. Although it can be asked to what extent someone shares the positions of the Church, although he professes himself to be a Catholic, it is also legitimate to ask whom the representatives are representing and what their religious profiles are.
This is also a call for Catholics to be more active in public life and express their positions in a clear manner. Archbishop Stepinac spoke to young people about this in the following words: “Many rejected their Catholic names and convictions long ago. […] They are more impressed by a job that lasts from today to tomorrow than to remain Catholic and Christian and preserve the eternal heritage of heaven, promised to the sons of God. They are more impressed by someone who is shouting, who does not know what he wants himself, than by Jesus Christ, the Teacher of the world. […] Others behave as if it would diminish their reputations if they openly declared themselves as Catholics. […] Catholic student youth! Greater Catholic pride in life! That is what is needed for our time! You have nothing to be ashamed of!” (Propovjedi, Poruke, Govori 1934. – 1940., p. 402).
At the end of one period and in a state of uncertainty before the coming period, Catholics can become confused. It almost seems that all types of pluralism are allowed. Moreover, there are those trying to convince us that this is a prerequisite for democracy. Such an attitude not infrequently inhibits believers from undertaking democratically justified measures to promote their own positions and champion the general good on the basis of their religious convictions.
For the purpose of providing guidelines to Catholics in connection with some questions regarding the engagement and behavior of Catholics in political life, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recently issued a Doctrinal Note, signed on November 24, 2002, emphasizing that there are ethical principles that cannot be the subject of negotiation (cf. No. 3). The Holy Father’s words uttered at the Shrine of Marija Bistrica about the Blessed Alojzije echo in our ears: “He was well aware that no bargains can be made with truth, because truth is nonnegotiable” (You Shall be My Witnesses, 19). In this document (No. 4), among other things, Catholics are urged to safeguard the family based on monogamous marriage between a man and a woman, that must be protected in its unity and stability. It also notes that no other forms of cohabitation can be placed on the same level as marriage nor can they receive legal recognition as such.
A certain sense of relativism is also contributed to by some types parallelism in the lives of politicians who are believers, who most often make the excuse that religion is “a private matter.” Religion is a private matter but it always has public consequences! For a believer, it is not possible to divide the spiritual life from the secular life, to build one life with spiritual demands and values and another, the so-called “secular life,” that is expressed as life within a family, at work, in social responsibilities, in the responsibilities of public life and in culture (cf. No. 6). At the end of the Note, it states: “It is insufficient and reductive to think that the commitment of Catholics in society can be limited to a simple transformation of structures, because if at the basic level there is no culture capable of receiving, justifying and putting into practice positions deriving from faith and morals, the changes will always rest on a weak foundation. ” (No. 7).
The Blessed Alojzije Stepinac promoted peace during all the wars of his time — the Second World War and the wars before and after it. As a man of God’s peace, he stood by those who suffered at all times. He never placed others at risk but only himself. It was never his way to sacrifice or renounce anyone for the benefit of the good of his nation, which he loved. He knew that there is nothing for which one person is permitted to sacrifice another. In God’s world, there is nothing more precious than a person. Moreover, he understood that this means the individual person — every person — the pearl for whom Jesus renounced his equality with God, dying so that the person could truly start to live.
Therefore, we must not become reconciled, as Stepinac was not reconciled, to any wars whatsoever, with the sacrifice of anyone, not only the obvious ones but those who are victimized in various ways. Therefore, in the complex international questions of the present moment, we stand firmly beside the Holy Father, who tirelessly promotes peace and a peaceful resolution to serious problems. We repeat his words: “The grave challenges confronting the world at the start of this new Millennium lead us to think that only an intervention from on high … can give reason to hope for a brighter future. (Rosary of the Virgin Mary, No. 40). Through the intercession of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, we pray for the immense gift of peace.

Dear Brothers and Sisters! Facing the new challenges of Christ and His Church, on the path of Stepinac’s heritage and example, we can say that he is a genuine channel that leads to the source of life. He leads us to the consolation that strengthens hope, because in his identification with the Croatian nation he did not remain a slave to secular ideologies, as every person of good intentions recognizes. He had the virtues of human, pastoral and evangelical openness and sought to bring an end to conflicts and disunity among the people. He was a defender of the fundamental values of mankind and society, and could not be swayed by the disorientation and intentional obfuscation that pushed God from the center of human events. He encouraged the Catholic faithful to participate in political issues, so that Christ’s joyful news would live in the hearts of the people, bringing them comfort and guidance for eternal life.
This, brothers and sisters, is Stepinac’s heritage. This is the heritage of the blessed one of Croatian Catholic consolation! This is the heritage that binds us!
Last year on this date, I announced the intention of holding the Second Synod of the Zagreb Archdiocese and inaugurated preparations, thus symbolically placing our Archdiocesan synod under the particular protection of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac. Last fall, the preparatory bodies of the Synod and archdiocesan workshops were established. Today, I invite every believer and every person of goodwill to contribute to the task of the renewal of our archdiocese.
We want the Church to be a place of comprehensive dialogue, which has become too narrow and exclusive in our society, and to create a culture of community and trust. We want every believer to be able to give his or her contributions, proposals and criticisms, so that the voice of everyone can be heard who desires the good of the Zagreb Church and who believes that his or her engagement can contribution to its growth. This joint effort that we have begun has room for everyone. It is up to us to make it meaningful, to take advantage of the opportunity, continuously opening the treasure of the Holy Spirit, who has so much to say to our contemporaries and to us. Therefore, in conclusion, I offer a prayer for the good preparation and fruitful work of the Synod, the boundaries and horizons of which we still cannot see.

God, Almighty and good Father!
You chose us in Christ before the ages,
to be your holy nation.
Open our hearts to the hope and grace of the Synod
as your call to the renewal of our common home,
our holy Zagreb Church,
so the sign of your love,
which accepts, forgives and saves,
will be visible in the world.

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd!
You lead the Church to life’s pasture.
May we share the joyful labor of the Synod together,
as a path of the new proclamation of the Joyful News.
May hunger grow in the religious communities
for your word, borne witness to by life,
transforming the world into the image of your Kingdom.

Holy Spirit, gift of Love!
Your were sent by the Father and Son to lead us toward mature faith.
In the hearts of all believers, awaken sincere desire for solidarity,
so that the Synod will be an effective response to people’s expectations.
Grant us the strength to bear witness.
Be the pledge of our unity,
the source of consolation and hope, and the certainty of recognizing the truth!

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church!
In communion with the saints who conveyed the Gospels
in the Croatian homeland,
guide our steps,
for us to experience the event of the Synod together
as a gift of a new Pentecost
so that every Christian community
may become the leaven of human society.
In the name of Christ, our Lord.
Amen.