Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zadar (Fides Service) – “As my Apostolic Journey to Croatia draws to an end, I am happy to join you, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Zadar and neighbouring areas, here in Forum Square, in the shadow of the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, the martyr from Sirmio” Pope John Paul II said in his homily during the Liturgy of the Word which he presided on June 9 at Zadar Forum. “ Our liturgical assembly takes place on the day after the Solemnity of Pentecost, the day on which Croatians celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. The reading we have just heard portrays Mary in the Cenacle, surrounded by the early community. The small group, gathered in "the upper room" of the house (Acts 1:13), prays and waits…As on the day of Pentecost, the Blessed Virgin has remained spiritually in the midst of the Christian faithful down the centuries, invoking the constant outpouring of the Spirit’s gifts upon the Church as she faces the challenges which arise in different periods of her history.”
The Holy Father went on to speak of Mary who “ carries out in its fullness her mission as Mother”. “The Virgin Mary, gathering around herself the Apostles and the disciples who were tempted to disperse, commended them to the "fire" of the Spirit who would launch them on the adventure of mission. … Mary’s words and example represent a sublime school of life, at which apostles are formed. Apostles in the past and apostles today. Mary continues to prepare them for mission by her assiduous prayer to the Father, by her closeness to her Son, and by her openness to the promptings of the Spirit”. Concluding his homily, the Holy Father mentioned with satisfaction the various forms of lay engagement and apostolate in the archdiocese of Zadar, encouraging the faithful with these words: Dear brothers and sisters, learn from Mary how to be credible witnesses and generous apostles, as you make your own contribution to the great enterprise of the new evangelisation. And never forget that a genuine apostolate demands as a prior condition a personal encounter with Jesus, the Living One, the Lord…Mary Most Holy remains a model for all who hear the word of God and put it into practice”. (Fides Service 10/6/2003 EM lines 24 Words: 346)
