Zagreb, July 22, 1999 (IKA) — On the occasion of the unexpected death of the distinguished Croatian theologian and Franciscan Capuchin Tomislav Šagi-Bunić, who died this morning, July 21, in his Capuchin monastery in Zagreb, the archbishop emeritus of Zagreb, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, sent a letter of condolences to the Capuchin provincial, Father Jure Šarčević. We present the letter in its entirety:
“Upon learning of the sudden death of Father Tomislav Šagi-Bunić, I wish to express sincere condolences to you and your entire religious community. The deceased of blessed memory invested his life as a priest, Capuchin and theologian in the life of the Church among the Croats for renewal through the conciliar messages and freely proclaimed the Word of God during a period when there was no freedom. Tomislav was profoundly engaged in the work of the Second Vatican Council and as the private theologian to our Cardinal Franjo Šeper. He, thereby, had the opportunity to become acquainted with the teachings of the Council and implement them in his calling of theology, as a professor at the Catholic School of Theology and in our religious journalism which had begun to acquire public affirmation during the time of the Council. He loved the Church and wanted it to be as successful as possible in evangelization, the defense of human dignity and genuine freedom. He promoted the spirit of the Council so that Christ#!s faithful could truly morally and spiritually renew themselves in the world at a time when the negation of God and moral values had won over many people. After completing his temporal mission, he has now gone to Eternity. May the Lord open the gates into the Light and into the Love of the Triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and may his profound faith as a believer be now exchanged for the eternal contemplation of the beauty of God! In the community of the pilgrim Church, Father Tomislav has completed his pilgrimage and we pray for his joyful entry into the heavenly Church.”