Salt + Light Media Menu
Salt + Light Media Home
Magnifying Glass

Together in Christ: Pope invokes a fearless witness of the Risen Lord

Cheridan Sanders

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Due to inclement weather in Zagreb, the closing ceremony was canceled; but, the official Croatian Papal visit website has posted Pope Benedict's final address and apostolic blessing for Croatia. Pope Benedict XVI praised the piety of Croatian youth and encouraged Croatians to continue to bear a fearless witness of the Risen Lord.
My visit to your country is drawing to a close.  Though brief, it has been graced with encounters that have made me feel part of you, and part of your history, and they have given me the opportunity to confirm the faith of the pilgrim Church in Croatia in Jesus Christ, our only Saviour.  That faith, which came to you through the brave witness of many of your brothers and sisters, some of whom did not hesitate to die for Christ and his Gospel,  I have found to be alive and sincere.  Let us give thanks to God for the abundant gifts of grace which he dispenses generously on the daily path of his sons and daughters!  I wish to thank everyone who helped in the planning and the smooth progress of my visit.
These days have left a deep impression on my mind and my heart.  The people’s participation in this morning’s celebration of Mass on the occasion of the National Day of Croatian Catholic Families was unanimous and heartfelt.  In yesterday’s gathering at the National Theatre I was able to share some thoughts with representatives of civil society and religious communities.  The young people present at the prayer vigil showed me the radiant face of Croatia turned towards the future, illumined by a sincere faith, like the flame of a precious lamp handed down by our forebears for us to guard and replenish along the way.
The prayer at the tomb of Blessed Cardinal Stepinac reminded us in a special way of all who have suffered - and still suffer today - on account of their faith in the Gospel.  Let us continue to invoke the intercession of this fearless witness of the Risen Lord, so that every sacrifice, every trial offered to God out of love for him and for our neighbour, may be like the grain of wheat fallen to the ground that dies so as to bear fruit.
It was a joy for me to experience today the vitality of your people’s long-standing Christian tradition.  I could sense it in the warm welcome given to me by the people, just as they welcomed Blessed John Paul II on his three visits, recognizing them as visits from the Successor of Peter who comes to confirm his brothers in the faith.  This ecclesial vitality, which must be maintained and strengthened, will surely have positive results for society as a whole, thanks to the cooperation between the Church and public institutions which it is hoped will always be serene and fruitful.  At a time when stable and trustworthy reference points seem to be lacking, Christians united “together in Christ”, the cornerstone, can continue to act as the “soul” of the Nation, helping it to develop and to make progress.
As I leave for Rome, I place all of you in the hands of God.  May he who is infinite providence, the giver of all good things, always bless the land and the people of Croatia; may he grant peace and prosperity to every family.  May the Virgin Mary watch over the historic journey of your homeland and of the whole of Europe. And let my Apostolic Blessing, which I offer you with great affection, accompany you on your way.
Credit: CNS photo/Nikola Solic, Reuters.


Related Articles:

Category: Benedict XVI, General Posts

Tag: Apostolic Visit, Croatia, Pope Benedict XVI

Pray with the Pope Reflection – July 2025

Friday, July 11, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

The Holy Father invites us to pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.

Pray with the Pope Reflection – June 2025

Friday, June 13, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

In this month of June, the Holy Father invites us to pray that the world might grow in compassion, that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.

Chaplaincy: “Divine Coffee” for Students

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Gianpaolo Capozzi

Gianpaolo gives us a behind the scenes look at his upcoming Behold segment on the York University Catholic Chaplaincy.

Pope Leo XIV’s homily for Pentecost Sunday 2025

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the Jubilee of Movements, Associations, and New Communities and spoke about how the Holy Spirit helps the apostles overcome "their fear, shatters their inner chains, heals their wounds, anoints them with strength and grants them the courage to go out to all and to proclaim God’s mighty works."

Homily of Pope Leo XIV at the Mass for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly and referred to Pope Francis and mentioned spouses who have been beatified and canonized, like the parents of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.

SUPPORT LABEL

Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Copyright © 2025 Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Registered Charity # 88523 6000 RR0001
FR | CH