Washington, D.C. (IKA) – The archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić; the archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; and the bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota, Msgr. Blaise Cupich, led September 4, the 35th Marian pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., where the chapels of Our Lady of Bistrica and Our Lady of Peace were blessed in 1970 by the former archbishop of Zagreb of blessed memory, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić.

At the beginning of the celebration of the Mass, Cardinal McCarrick greeted Cardinal Bozanić and the assembled Croatian-American pilgrims, noting that he had spent much time in Croatia during both good and bad times and that it was truly wonderful to see all these people together with the cardinal. In introductory remarks, Cardinal Bozanić urged the assembled faithful to unite in their prayers with all the hurricane victims in New Orleans and the surrounding area. During the sermon, Cardinal Bozanić said the assembly at National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington brings the Croatian Marian shrines of Our Lady of Bistrica, Trsat, Sinj and Široki Breg closer. As we pass through this shrine, we encounter images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is revered in many countries throughout the world. Mary is she who received Christ and leads us to Christ. That is what we Croatian Catholic faithful feel. That is what many Catholics throughout the world feel. Therefore, Mary is a certainty that represents the closeness of God the human milieu. A person makes pilgrimages and seeks God here on earth. We assembled here have come with our questions and difficulties, with our crosses, successes and failures, in order to seek the light that illuminates the true path we must follow. Therefore, our shrines are schools of faith, that regularly accept believers and guide them toward God, because in them we encounter God, encounter ourselves and become open to new relationships with others. Therefore, it is good and necessary to make pilgrimages, in order to show Christ on earth to those who are seeking God and his face, said Cardinal Bozanić.

The Catholic faith among the Croatians traditionally lives in the family. In a certain manner, the family continues that which is celebrated in the Church. Therefore, we pray for the Catholic faith to live in all our families, not only in the Church but also in the home and family circle through prayer and mutual respect between a man and wife, which have a positive effect upon the children. A father and mother praying with their children provide the best manner of upbringing and the greatest testimony. These are profound things that are not forgotten and remain inscribed in people’s hearts throughout their lives. That which children receive in their families will eventually return. Therefore, the family is particularly important during a person’s entire life. May family prayer continue because it is a part of our Croatian Catholic heritage. In this, may the Blessed Virgin Mary be our particular helper and intercessor. She is also our greatest teacher, said Cardinal Bozanić.

At the end of the celebration of the Mass, Cardinals Bozanić and McCarrick blessed the commemorative plaque of the 35th Pilgrimage of Croatians from North America to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, that will be mounted at the chapels of Our Lady of Bistrica and Our Lady, Queen of Peace. The Mass was attended by the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States, the Honorable Neven Jurica, embassy personnel and numerous Croatians from various parts of America. This Mass completed the official portion of Cardinal Bozanić’s visit to the United States.