Požega, March 30, 1999 (IKA) – In an Easter message, Bishop Antun Škvorčević of Požega, the general secretary of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, mentioned the Kosovo crisis and economic hardship in Croatia. At the beginning of his message, he referred to those enduring the “fires of war” in Kosovo, who are being forced into exile. In an expression of solidarity with those who are suffering these days “while the fury of weapons in our vicinity threaten international war,” he urged the faithful to pray for peace and for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the consciences, hearts and souls of those responsible for the war in order for the conflict to be resolved through negotiations. He also urged the faithful to provide assistance to the innocent war victims, so that no one lacks food and the other bare necessities.
In the second half of his Easter message, the bishop of Požega addressed all those enduring economic hardship in the Republic of Croatia, particularly retired persons “who are increasingly pressed by poverty, because modest pensions cannot cover the necessities for a life of dignity.” He also addressed workers who are not receiving adequate wages, either because they have not been paid for months or because they have lost their jobs, as well as farmers. In the bishop#!s message to young people, he stated that “under the current conditions of brutal political and economic rivalry, not infrequently involving selfish interests and dishonorable paths, when you do not succeed in finding your place under the sun, there is the temptation to doubt the purpose of life or seek it via dependence on drugs, alcohol or other vices,” To all, Bishop Škvorčević proclaimed how “the resurrection of Jesus is a sign of the great hope that God has placed in the heart of history, which for two thousand years has provided multitudes with a source of inspiration and strength for a specific orientation in personal and public life.” He added that today, amidst mounting difficulties, human evils, failures and warfare, it is necessary to read the history of the great works of God.