Hvar (IKA) – The Press Office of the Croatian Conference of Bishops published a statement from the Plenary Session of the CCB, held in Hvar from October 26 to 30, presided over by the president of the CCB, Archbishop Cardinal Josip Bozanić of Zagreb. The central topic of the session was analysis of the messages from Pope John Paul II during his third pastoral visit to Croatia. The bishops concluded that the Pope has given precious guidelines that will be incorporated into the pastoral programs of all the Croatian (arch)dioceses, and this in the area of the Christian heritage, Christian culture, testimony and the apostolate, family pastoral activity, work with young people, appreciation of agriculture, the entry of Croatia into the European Union, the healing of the wounds of war etc. The bishops assigned individual agencies of the Croatian Conference of Bishops to work out program proposals in greater detail for their respective levels and regions based upon the Pope’s messages, after which concrete application on the terrain would begin. In this context, the bishops spoke about the forthcoming national pilgrimage of thanksgiving to Rome from November 6 to 9 of this year. The three gatherings during the pilgrimage, a Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Friday, November 7 at 5 p.m. to be celebrated by the new Croatian cardinal, Archbishop Josip Bozanić; a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday, November 8 at 9 a.m. to be also celebrated by Cardinal Bozanić, and a special audience with the Holy Father John Paul II that is planned following the Mass on November 8 at 11:30 a.m. The response by pilgrims has been great and preparations are according to plan. For this occasion, a liturgical guide has been printed and there will be a scarf with recognizable symbols.

In anticipation of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Croatia, the bishops sent a pastoral message to the public in order to urge the voters and candidates to behave with dignity, responsibility and commitment to the general good and a more secure future for the nation and country.

At the session, there was also mention of the Central European Catholic Day as well as initiatives for the linking of Central European Catholic counties on the foundations of the Christian cultural heritage, membership in the living Church and the traditions of Marian shrines that today are places of gathering and prayer for numerous believers. The Croatian Conference of Bishops actively participates in all the preparatory events and preparations are underway for a symposium on the family to be within the framework of Central European Catholic Days and to be held in Zagreb during April of next year. Plans were presented and approved for the work of the episcopal commissions, councils and committees of the Croatian Conference of Bishops for the year 2004.

A program was selected for the national youth encounter that, as previously announced, will be held in Šibenik on April 24 and 25 of next year. In preparation for this program, that is also being held within the framework of the Central European Catholic Day, particular emphasis will also be placed on the spiritual preparation of the young and their growth in the ecclesial community.

There was also discussion of the draft proposal for the Bylaws of the Pope’s Mission Activities and the contribution of the Church in Croatia to the mission of the Universal Church. It was stated that the Croatian faithful accept missions with a profound appreciation of this fundamental activity and calling of the Church. This is particularly evident in the generous gift that is collected in all the churches on Mission Sunday and sent to Rome.

The Croatian translation of the General Regulations of the third printed edition of the Roman Missal was approved. The bishops discussed the liturgical commemoration of the new Croatian beati: the Blessed Marija of Jesus Crucified Petković and the Blessed Ivan Merz. It was decided to prepare new forms for their liturgical commemoration. The bishops also examined questions in connection with the national liturgical calendar.

The addition to the reprinted edition of the liturgical missal “Sing to the Lord a New Song” [Pjevajte Gospodinu pjesmu novu] was approved. Discussion continued on seminars of Christian renewal and the Council of the CCB for the Doctrine of the Faith was entrusted with the task of issuing guidelines for them. The bishops were informed about the further preparations for the building of the Church of Croatian Martyrs in Udbina. A separate discussion was held on several questions and the role of the laity in the local churches, their inclusion in the pastoral activity of parishes and dioceses, and perspectives for the future. It was concluded that on the level of the CCB, work will increase on coordinating the activities of the lay associations and movements to promote better cohesion among them. A report was submitted on the preparations for the registration of the legal entities of the Catholic Church pursuant to the protocol that was signed last year but due to objective circumstances has not been implemented.

Pursuant to the contract between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia on economic questions, there was discussion on the restitution of Church property confiscated during the period of the Yugoslav communist regime. The bishops concluded that restitution was proceeding with great difficulty, even where there are no particular barriers, and that until now less has been returned than is sometimes proclaimed in public. Discussing the pastoral and ecclesial prospects for there should be a more realistic approach to this question by our Church institutions of higher education during the enrollment of new students, which must take into account the needs and possibilities of our Church. In connection with this, there are plans for special encounters among bishops and representatives of our Church institutions of higher education. The bishops were also informed of the newest steps that are being undertaken for resolving the housing question for those refugees and displaced persons who still do not have permanent lodgings. The problem is being resolved but very slowly.

It was confirmed that the spring session of the CCB will be held from April 19 to 23, 2004, in Zagreb, and the autumn session from October 10 to 14, 2004, in Zadar.