"...With great confidence, and due to the many gifts that God has so abundantly bestowed upon you, I am counting on you at this time of rapid sociocultural changes, as an auxiliary bishop who will work wholeheartedly for the solid spiritual and theological formation of the clergy and the lay faithful of our Zagreb Archdiocese and for the adequate presence of our Church in the areas of science and culture," said the principal consecrator, Cardinal Bozanić

"This is the largest delegation of rabbis in Zagreb since WWII. They came from Jerusalem, Europe and New York, which confirms the reputation of our community and its acceptance and recognition by major rabbinical organizations and rabbis."

The meeting was organized by Croatian Caritas in cooperation with the Prsten (Ring) Association of Bosnian Croats, within the auspices of the Lenten campaign, A Week of Solidarity and Community with the Church and People of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I have not, nor has anyone, I believe, in Croatian public life, accepted the formulation of The Hague prosecution that what was done during wartime, with the goal of liberating and uniting the Croatian state, was a joint criminal undertaking.

"Mons. Marijan Oblak was the last of the generation of the great Croatian bishops from the difficult years of the communist regime. We thank God for this illustrious pastor, who was the pride of our Church and nation, and remains a model for us," emphasized Cardinal Bozanić

The funeral of Archbishop Oblak will be conducted on Tuesday, February 19, at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Anastasia in Zadar

Statement by the newly appointed auxiliary bishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Ivan Šaško

Campaign contributions can be made by calling the telephone number 060 9010 (6.10 kn) or via the giro account of Croatian Caritas at PBZ 2340009-1100080340, Ref. No. 08 – Sunday Collection. All contributions collected on February 24 in all the churches throughout Croatia will be directed to projects of social assistance, education and incentive for small business in Bosnia and Herzegovina.