Zadar, (IKA) – On Saturday, April 24, in the cathedral of St. Anastasia, as the 113th pastor of the Church in Zadar, Msgr. Želimir Puljić led the celebration of the Eucharist, during which he was installed as the 69th archbishop of Zadar. At the beginning of the celebration of the Mass, Don Milivoj Bolobanić welcomed Archbishop Puljić and those present on behalf of the clergy, and presented the life of the archdiocese in its institutions and charisms.

Msgr. Želimir Puljić has participated in liturgical celebrations many times in the Zadar cathedral and once led a Mass on the feast of St. Anastasia, the patron saint of the archdiocese. “Today I do so in the role of host. It is my pleasant duty and joy to greet and thank all of you from my heart for your presence at the liturgical ceremony of my installation in the office of the archbishop of Zadar,” said Msgr. Puljić, and greeted 18 Croatian (arch)bishops and envoys from the others, provincials and provincial superiors, priests, religious and seminarians. The Mass was also attended by the envoy of the president of the Republic of Croatia, Stijepo Bartulica; Mayor Andro Vlahušić of Dubrovnik, Mayor Zvonimir Vrančić of Zadar, members of parliament and other government representatives, as well as the people of Zadar, Dubrovnik and elsewhere.

The ceremony was conducted in the atmosphere of Good Shepherd Sunday, the Year of the Priest and the reading of the Word of God regarding Peter’s expression of affection to Jesus when he was asked: “Simon, do you love me more than these?” Archbishop Puljić pointed out that Jesus’ question is an enduring constant in the priestly calling. “I am most acutely aware of this question as I assume the office of the pastor of this venerable archdiocese. Today, St. Anastasia and the other patron saints of this city are watching this pulpit and listening to my response. Assuming the office of the pastor of the Zadar Church, I humbly repeat Peter’s words, and publicly and without reserve state that I will love the land and the people in this archdiocese entrusted to me with all my heart and soul. Therefore, I once again repeat my expression of filial obedience love to the Successor of Peter, Benedict XVI, who forty days ago appointed me archbishop after the sudden death of my dear brother Ivan, a worthy and unforgettable pastor of this local Church, said Msgr. Puljić.

At the beginning of the Mass, the apostolic nuncio in Croatia, Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari, red the bull issued by Pope Benedict XVI by which he appointed Msgr. Puljić as the archbishop of Zadar. Don Milivoj Bolobanić, the diocesan administrator until now, showed the bull to the people and clergy. Nuncio Cassari and Archbishop Marin Srakić of Đakovo-Osijek, president of the Croatian Conferences of Bishops, escorted him to the cathedra.

Archbishop Puljić also addressed the flock that had been entrusted to him until now. “I offer my hand in farewell to all the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Dubrovnik, to which Providence sent me 20 years ago. As I thank everyone for their cooperation, love and respect, I entrust them to God and the Word of His Grace … I shall permanently keep prayers in my heart for the city, its stone walls and all the people of this region of our beautiful Homeland,” said archbishop Puljić. On this occasion, not forgetting the false and unfounded attacks against the Holy Father, Msgr. Puljić asked the nuncio to convey the love, respect and prayerful support of the priests.

He expressed his awareness that he was taking over an archdiocese with a rich history of former pastors, from Felix and Donatus to Zmajević, Pulišić, Garković, Oblak and Prenđa. “Within the framework of my abilities, I will follow their engagement and serve all to whom I have been sent. … In recent years, particularly in recent months, the Church has been under fire by many who spare neither the pastors nor the flock. Attacks from the outside have always made the Church stronger and more courageous. However, damaged from the inside by individuals whose irresponsible behavior has overshadowed the beauty of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church must pass through the painful experience of purification. Nonetheless, while we commiserate with the Pope due to the deplorable behavior of these individuals, let us not forget the faithful and devoted service of so many priests and religious who, through their selfless lives and undivided love, tend responsibly their flocks and burn in the joyful proclamation of the gospel,” said Msgr. Puljić.

The archbishop encouraged the priests, religious and laity to remain faithful in their vocations: “All of us are called to submit to one another in love!” said the archbishop. Parents are called upon to bear witness to the union of marital love and to be open to the gift of life. The old and sick are called to endure days of loneliness and suffering with patience, in conformation with the Suffering Christ and the Glory of the Risen Lord. Thus, suffering becomes a source of blessing for the Church and the people.” The archbishop noted that a large number of young people will gather in Zadar in two weeks. “While I already express my warm welcome to all those who have decided to visit our city and archdiocese, I urge all of you, dear young people, to view life and the future with confidence.”

At the end of the celebration of the Mass, Nuncio Cassari announced another decision by the Pope – the appointment of Msgr. Puljić as the new apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Dubrovnik.

On behalf of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Msgr. Srakić, president of the CCB, congratulated Msgr. Puljić and the entire archdiocese. On behalf of the city of Zadar, Mayor Zvonimir Vrančić cordially welcomed the archbishop. He recalled that Archbishop Ivan Prenđa and Msgr. Puljić spread comfort and faith during the days of heavy wartime suffering, leading spiritual and material renewal. On behalf of the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Zadar, Archbishop Puljić was greeted by Petar Mikulić of Benkovac, the father of seven children including a seminarian. “We wish to express to you our loyalty, devotion and prayerful support,” concluded Mr. Mikulić in his address to Msgr. Puljić, who at ceremony of his installation in the office of archbishop wore a mitre that had been given to him by the seminarians of the Zmajević Seminary of Zadar. He also carried the valuable and richly detailed silver gilt crosier of Archbishop Maffeo Vallaresso (15th century), which is housed in the permanent exhibition of Church art in Zadar and only used on very special occasions. The Eucharistic gifts were offered by girls and boys in folk garb from Kali, Pag and Polače, representing the island and district heritage of the Archdiocese of Zadar. Singing was led by the choir of the Cathedral of St. Anastasia of Zadar conducted by Žan Morović, with organ and orchestral accompaniment provided by Dragan Pejić.