Day of Constitution in Zagreb cathedral

Zagreb, 31. 5. 1996. (IKA) – Archbishop metropolitan and president of Croatia Bishops Conference Franjo Cardinal Kuharić concelebrated a solemn pontifical Mass on the occasion of Day of Constitution of Republic Croatia, 30th May, at Zagreb Cathedral. Commenting the part of Matthew#!s Gospel read at the Mass, in which Jesus warned that difference should be made between the state and the religious community, Cardinal talked, in his preach, about the ancient, and contemporary Church teaching concerning the relation between the Church and the state. Jesus lived and acted at time when his country was occupied by strangers and there were several political parties. He did not joined any of the parties, neither the government, but he demonstrated, by teaching and by examples, how to love the people and the country and to intercede for the human necessities of this world only on the base and establishment of the Christian conception of Man in front of God. He also emphasized the very clear teaching of the Second Vatican Council according to which it is necessary to distinguish the state clearly, so that both community, each with the autonomy at its domain, could serve to the entire benefit of the people. Representatives of Zagreb Metropolitan Kaptol and of other ecclesiastic central institutions, several diocesan and regular priests concelebrated the Mass with Cardinal Kuharić. High representatives of Croatian Parliament, political parties and important non government organizations took part as believers at the Mass celebration.