Zagreb, December 13, 2000 (IKA) — The president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Archbishop Josip Bozanić of Zagreb, issued a Pastoral Letter in the year of the Great Jubilee entitled That They Have Life. This Pastoral Letter, with eleven main headings, was addressed to the faithful of the Zagreb Archdiocese and all persons of good will. Aware that Christ is “the best joyful news that we have,” which must be particularly proclaimed during the period of anticipation prior to Christmas, the archbishop’s Pastoral Letter is faithful to his episcopal motto: “That They Have Life.”
“On the threshold of the new millennium, the Church considers the protection and advancement of human life in every aspect, from conception to natural death, as a legitimate area for its pastoral activity. Moreover, besides efforts on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised, the Church today feels the urgency of renewing its pastoral efforts for life in the building of a genuine culture of life, in which the human person, human dignity and the right to life are promoted with daring in the correct light,” wrote the archbishop of Zagreb, underscoring the Church’s attitude toward life.
In reference to the situation in contemporary Croatian society, Msgr. Bozanić wrote that it is experiencing “a particular ethical-spiritual crisis … It appears to be losing a sound sense of the hierarchy of values, the criteria for differentiating that which is essential from that which is ephemeral,” stated the archbishop, who singled out several legislative proposals such as the reduction of financial assistance to parents and the shortening of maternity leave, which would lead to the spread of “a negative charge” and “an atmosphere of hopelessness … In question is the person and his/her life in all the stages of development and maturity. Therefore, it is necessary to rekindle hope, because a person cannot live without hope,” continued the president of the CCB, pointing out that in our times there are visible signs of the support of life such as public opinion “against war and the death penalty, interest in an improved quality of life, healthful food and environmental responsibility; the great contribution to solidarity in medicine, as well as the development of bioethics,” which all contributes to the civilization of love and life.
However much these signs are present, on the other side there are even more sharply oriented positions opposing life. Speaking of such trespasses against life, Archbishop Bozanić discussed abortion, suicide, euthanasia and addiction. Abortion is “the greatest human betrayal” stated Msgr. Bozanić, stressing the role of the father in this act, not only that of the mother, and recommending the establishment of counseling centers for young people and married couples. “If the most recent official statistics are to be believed, the number of intentionally performed abortions has significantly been reduced. At the same time, the number of children born has also been reduced rather than increased. These facts are disturbing and give rise to grave doubts: are some other evils or irregularities involved? I would like it if there were not. Therefore, at the end of this jubilee year, I propose and appeal to all people of good will for a general reconciliation with life: the reconciliation of mothers with life, the reconciliation of fathers with life, the reconciliation of families with life, the reconciliation of society with life, the reconciliation of the laws with life, the reconciliation of the Constitution with life and the reconciliation of consciences with life. Life is not a threat, life is joy — sometimes a demanding joy. Life is always a blessing.” In contrast to this, suicide is “always a gravely immoral act against life,” in which there is an intrinsic “danger of the contagion of the social atmosphere.” Therefore, the archbishop encourages all the relevant individuals and institutions to continue and increase their care for people who find themselves facing such trials, and recommends financial assistance to such individuals and institutions. Regarding euthanasia, Archbishop Bozanić reiterated that this is the murder of a person without justification, and is a criminal offense according to Croatian law.
Regarding addictions to alcohol, nicotine and drugs, the archbishop particularly mentioned the young who are at the greatest risk, and for whose destruction entire industries and groups of people are engaged. Addiction is a direct violation of God’s Fifth Commandment. The Croatian society can find a way out of this evil state by building a “culture of life, courage and good example.” The archbishop is in favor of a culture of abstinence, and praises “all attempts by individuals, groups and movements that promote a drug-free lifestyle and rehabilitate the young for independent life.” However, laws must be in the service of life. “The purpose and goal of the law is to guarantee and promote the fundamental values, the common good. The greatest good for the society is the life of all individuals and the life of each individual. If all lives are not guaranteed, not a single one is guaranteed,” stated Archbishop Bozanić, pointing out that “no one should be forced to participate in the crimes of another …
“The unemploymed, old people who lack the bare necessities of life, families with numerous children, and those families who can no longer provide for the education of their children — these are our realities and a challenge for all of us to demonstrate our solidarity,” emphasized the archbishop of Zagreb, referring to the conciliar and evangelical doctrine of the concern for the poor Lazarus, and not for the inheritance of the rich man. In this context, he pointed out the dignity and calling of older people whose problems, in comparison to those of young people, have been nearly completely ignored. “The Universal Church and the Church in Croatia cannot close their eyes before the fact that this nation is a society of very old people,” cautioned the archbishop, who presented specific examples of how to make old age more productive and happier, and how to perceive the fact of death through the eyes of faith.
In conclusion, addressing the “guardians of life,” as he calls those whose lives and professions are oriented toward helping people, Archbishop Bozanić particularly mentioned medical practitioners, praising the nobility of their work.
“Responsibility for the culture of life belongs to all, and its place is especially within the family. This requires particular efforts and dialogue with persons of various orientations. The Church must proclaim, save and advance the civilization of life and love — gently and imperceptibly but clearly and decisively. Without abstinence, without the cross and love, there are no ethics or morality. Only in the name of love can we anticipate understanding and solidarity, efforts and sacrifices for one another,” stated the Archbishop of Zagreb, Josip Bozanić, at the end of his Pastoral Letter in the year of the Great Jubilee 2000.