Dubrovnik, (IKA) — At the beginning of the liturgical celebration at Gruz Harbor in Dubrovnik, Bishop Zelimir Puljic of Dubrovnik welcomed the Holy Father with great joy and expressions of devotion and respect: “Welcome to this soil, for centuries an oasis of Croatian freedom. Welcome to a city replete with historical memories of the bond between the Apostolic See and Dubrovnik.” Acknowledging those attending the Mass, Bishop Puljic pointed out that representatives of all levels of society were present, from members of economic, political, cultural and health professions to ordinary workers, sailors, fishermen and the media professionals from our country and foreign countries who were covering this event. Among the numerous institutions of consecrated and apostolic life represented were the spiritual daughters of the Venerable Servant of God Mary of Jesus Crucified (Marija Propetog Isusa) Petkovic.

Noting that Dubrovnik is an integral part of the European and world cultural heritage, Bishop Puljic commented on the Pope’s joyful reception by the faithful of the Dubrovnik Diocese: “The assembled people of God rejoice because your hands will bless not only the people and families of this region but also the martyred blood-soaked soil of this diocese and our homeland. There will be rejoicing today among the numerous witnesses in heaven who ‘in the best and worst of times’ remained faithful to God and the Church, and in the constant struggle for the honorable Cross and golden freedom, succeeded in transmitting the faith and cultural legacy, upon which we base our lives today, to their descendents. I am sure that they will be joined by the Dubrovnik martyrs of Daksa, the priests and distinguished lay faithful. In this very harbor, in the year of the Lord 1944, they were taken from here and killed on that nearby island. We shall also be joined by the many defenders who fell during the Homeland War, who were not afraid of the power or weapons of those who intended to enslave not only this city – a symbol of freedom, but also the entire land of Croatia,” said the bishop of Dubrovnik.

Bishop Puljic then referred to the Holy Father’s words on the occasion of a visit ad limina by the Croatian bishops to the Vatican in November 1992, when he observed that the people in Croatia were “experiencing a historical period” in which the Church was called “to a new springtime.” Bishop Puljic also noted that the Pope had been “tireless” throughout the war in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in his writing and persuasion, so that during his unforgettable pastoral visits, he “poured the oil of the Gospels on the wounds of the injured Croatian populace, for which we are especially grateful. Thank you, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church and tireless champion of genuine peace! Thank you, sincere friend of each person, each nation and all of mankind.”

The bishop of Dubrovnik then invited the Holy Father to give the Croatian faithful direction for their lives: “Guide our boats today to the open seas and may their sails be unfurled. Set the direction of the stern and the speed. Warn us of favorable and unfavorable winds and the dangerous sea currents. Lead us to Jesus Christ, the sole redeemer of mankind, who is the way, truth and life. Remind us how his Cross is the only true compass, that leads us to the eternal harbor of salvation.” Bishop Puljic then added that the Croatian faithful want to renew their faith together with the Holy Father, which had been transmitted from generation to generation, from the 7th century to our days. “Our fathers emphasized with pride that they were a Marian people, because of the numerous shrines and churches built in honor of Our Lady. However, we are also a nation of St. Peter. We want to remain so always. We want to be grateful children of Mary and Peter. Thank you, Holy Father, for your benevolence and especially for your pastoral visit to the Dubrovnik Diocese.”

Bishop Puljic then thanked the Pope for the messages, letters and words of encouragement that he had sent personally during the war or via his close associates. In conclusion, the bishop of Dubrovnik once again expressed his gratitude to the Pope’s for coming “to confirm our brothers in their faith and beatify the Venerable Servant of God Mary of Jesus Crucified Petkovic. Thank you in advance for the words you will address to us today. Thank you for everything. Once again, on behalf of those present, on behalf of those who wanted to come here but were unable to do so, and on behalf of all those who are listening to us on radio and television, I exclaim: Welcome, Holy Father!”