inundado por um mistério de luz que é Deus e N´Ele vi e ouvi -A ponta da lança como chama que se desprende, toca o eixo da terra, – Ela estremece: montanhas, cidades, vilas e aldeias com os seus moradores são sepultados. - O mar, os rios e as nuvens saem dos seus limites, transbordam, inundam e arrastam consigo num redemoinho, moradias e gente em número que não se pode contar , é a purificação do mundo pelo pecado em que se mergulha. - O ódio, a ambição provocam a guerra destruidora! - Depois senti no palpitar acelerado do coração e no meu espírito o eco duma voz suave que dizia: – No tempo, uma só Fé, um só Batismo, uma só Igreja, Santa, Católica, Apostólica: - Na eternidade, o Céu!   Wrapping the bell tower of this Cathedral dedicated to Our lady and St Stefan of Hungary like a birthday present, a huge yellow and white cloth proclaiming “Benedictus qui venit!” It’s not enough to hide the crumbling sandstone beneath the scaffolding put up to restore the centuries-old shrine, built and re-built countless times after earthquakes, fires and war. Thousands of flag waving faithful filled the square before the Cathedral, in the shadow of the golden statue of Our Lady and a mega video screen to follow the vespers from outside. The Pope probably felt he was passing through a time warp when he walked into richly ornate Baroque and neo Gothic interior. He had just come from lunch and a visit to the spanking new, ultra-modern glass, steel and marble headquarters of Croatia’s ...» | |
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| Benedict XVI presides over Holy Mass for families : report from Zagreb Pope Benedict presided over Holy Mass for thousands of famiglies in Croatia' s capital Zagreb on Sunday to celebrate the first National Day for Croatian Catholic Families. Tracey McClure reports : Two hearts joined at the side: Croatia’s flag and Pope Benedict’s coat of arms – just one symbol from Sunday’s celebration: the closeness of this nation’s majority Catholics to their beloved Pope, who ...» |
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 Pope Benedict XVI's homily at the Holy Mass on the occasion of the National Day of Croatian Catholic FamiliesThis is the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's homily at the Holy Mass on the occasion of the National Day of Croatian Catholic Families in the Zagreb Hippodrome Dear Brothers and Sisters! In this Mass at which it is my joy to preside, concelebrating with numerous brothers in the Episcopate and with a great number of priests, I give thanks to the Lord for all the beloved families gathered here, and for ...» |
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| Recitation of the Regina Caeli in the Zagreb Hippodrome Pope Benedict recited the Regina Caeli with the people of Croatia after Mass in the Zagreb Hippodrome. Here is the full text of his remarks... Dear Brothers and Sisters! Before concluding this solemn celebration, I wish to thank you for your fervent and devout participation, through which you express your love and your commitment to the family, as Bishop Župan – to whom I also express my warm gratitude ...» |
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If I first had the impression that Croatians were rather relaxed about the Pope’s visit – the cheering throngs of young people who braved the rain and muggy Zagreb climate for the vespers celebration put me to shame. Some 50,000 crowded into Josip Jelacic square and surrounding streets, waving yellow and white Vatican banners and chanting Benedict we love you!
And the Pope was clearly pleased, ...»