A special mission

“Central European Churches are tasked with a special mission. They must be engaged into saving the soul of our Continent. A continent with Christian roots, that has always managed to embrace the different cultures that touched its lands; that has been capable of creating a human unity without destruction. Indeed, this was done by transforming diversity into a wealth: in order to save this soul I believe that us, European peoples, in our Central European Countries, must be capable of letting out voices be heard.” Cardinal Josip Bozanic, archbishop of Zagreb and vice-president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), underlined the vitality of the Churches in Central Europe, the recipient of the first Gospel proclamation twenty centuries ago, from the first Christians of the Church of Aquileia. We met Cardinal Bozanic upon the conclusion of a spiritual and cultural journey that a few days ago brought him to Italy, in the cities of Venice, Ravenna and Aquileia. Your Eminence, from the martyrs of the first century of the Christian era to those of the last century: ten years have passed since the beatification of the archbishop of Zagreb, cardinal Alojzije Viktor Stepinac.“A large number of people – youth and adults -gather every day in prayer on the tomb of blessed Stepinac. It’s not a recent phenomenon: it used to happen also under Communist rule even though at the time – as was later discovered – authorities used to spy all those who came to pray. It may be yet another miracle of Blessed Stepinac. Since his sepulchre was placed in the cathedral, more faithful have gathered for prayer and confession. All year round those who wish to avail themselves of the sacrament of reconciliation arrive from local parishes, and from distant areas of the Country. Blessed Stepinac has thus gained primary importance as the symbol of faith for the Croatian people, and his Christian witness bears special significance inasmuch as – in September 1946 – he was put into prison by the Communist regime. He never made a safe return to his archbishopric or to his cathedral since. However, despite his imprisonment, he remained the spiritual leader of his diocese and of his people”.In the homily on the island of Krk/Veglia (Croatia), on the occasion of celebrations for 1700 years since the martyrdom of Saint Quirino, he underlined, “the entertainment industry and the media convey to the youth the idea that family life is a burden, and a reality that belongs to the past”. This is a dangerous trend that is affecting the whole of Europe. “Indeed: it is an extremely dangerous trend! I believe that all men of good will, including Christians, ought to be committed in safeguarding family institution. If this institution were destroyed, everyone – mostly children and the youth – would succumb to manipulation and society would be inevitably bound to ruin. We must not forget that families grant security and stability that last for the entire course of man’s life”.Negotiations on Croatia’s EU membership are currently under way. Which, in your opinion, is the added value it will bring to your Country? “Every Country carries its own peculiarities. Croatia has always engaged in dialogue with its different bordering Countries. Its population has been European for centuries. I hope its peculiar trait will be conveyed also to the cultural and social realms, along with the pillars on which our nation reposes. These pillars ought to be sought in the faith in God, in Church fidelity, and in intense Marian devotion, not to mention that the family has always been a founding trait of the Croatian people”.During his trip to Jordan, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of an “alliance of civilizations” between Christians and Muslims. Could this “alliance of civilizations” become a point of reference for Europe’s future? “It could indeed. Today we are called to seek the elements we have in common, the situations that lead us to share the same principles and ideals. This is how we understand the meaning of the term “alliance”. In fact, as relates to the family, we have a lot in common with the Muslims. This is also true for the respect due to man’s life”.