Zagreb, April 11, 2003 (IKA) — The Secretariat of the Croatian Conference of Bishops has announced the details of the program for the forthcoming third pastoral visit by Pope John Paul II to Croatia, from June 5 to 9, 2003. On Thursday, June 5, the Pope is expected to arrive at the airport in Rijeka at 4:45 p.m., when a formal welcoming ceremony will be held. At 6:30 p.m., his arrival at Rijeka Harbor is planned and at 6:45 p.m. he should depart in his Popemobile for the local theological seminary.
On Friday, June 6, Pope John Paul II will visit Dubrovnik. During a Pontifical Mass at Gruž Harbor starting at 11 a.m., the Pope will beatify Sister Marija of the Crucified Jesus Petković. At 5:30 p.m., the Holy Father will travel through the Old Town in his Popemobile.
On Saturday, June 7, the Holy Father will visit Osijek and Đakovo. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 10:45 a.m. at the Osijek/Ćepin Sports Airport and at 5:00 p.m. a private visit by the Pope to the cathedral in Đakovo is planned.
On Pentecost, Sunday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m., the Pope will celebrate the Holy Eucharist on the Delta in Rijeka, and at 12 noon he will deliver a homily together with the prayer of the Angelus. At 6:00 p.m., he will travel by Popemobile to the shrine of Our Lady of Trsat, which the Holy Father will visit privately starting at 6:15 p.m.
On Monday, June 9, Pope John Paul II will visit Zadar, where at 10:40 a.m. he will be at the Zadar Forum for the Liturgy of the Word. The farewell ceremonies on the occasion of the departure of the Holy Father from Croatia will be held at 12:15 p.m. at the airport in Zadar.