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Caritas Croatia
Kaptol 26, Zagreb
+385 1 481 20 22
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News archive - 2008.

Summer School for Caritas volunteers held in Mary's Castle in Lužnica under the auspices of Caritas Croatia and Bosnia

Caritas Croatia and Bosna jointly organised a Summer School for Caritas Volunteers from 24 to 27 August 2009 at the Spiritual Training Centre in Mary's Castle in Lužnica, near Zaprešić (just outside Zagreb).

All in all 54 employees and volunteers from various diocesan and parish Caritas organisations from Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina attended the Summer School. The focus at the school was presenting the “Poverty Monitoring Programme” based on the pastoral method designed by Caritas Italiana. Marco Aliota from the Trieste Diocesan Caritas spoke about the programme and its implementation in Italy.

The method consists of four elements:

Listening – refers to “listening” to the needs of the parish community and of the needy in the community
Observation – systematically monitoring existing and newly emerging needs in the pastoral community
Distinguishing – determining action priorities and mobilising the parish community
Motivation – motivating parish communities to further motivate the entire community – in keeping with their resources – to help those in need around them

Apart from hearing about this new method, participants at the Summer School listened to lectures and discussed topics related to motivation of the young to be involved in volunteering in the battle against poverty; developing skills and applying non-violent techniques in communication; preparing a recommendation to reorganise parish Caritas organisations and creating adequate tools and instruments to record needs in parish communities. This new pastoral method was launched as a pilot project and is already being implemented in the three diocesan Cartiases in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Mostar.

Participants at the Summer School showed their full appreciation at the organisation and opportunity to learn new skills commenting that forums such as these helped to promote togetherness and were an excellent opportunity for information exchange between the Churches in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The project was financed with funds raised from the Caritas Croatia 2008 Lenten campaign – “Week of Solidarity and Togetherness with the Church and People in Bosnia-Herzegovina”.

// 27. 08. 2009

Caritas Croatia delegation attends a special session of the Croatian Parliamentary Committee for Croats outside Croatia on the topic of “Croatians outside the Republic of Croatia – cooperation or obligation”

The Director of Caritas Croatia – Fr. Ivan Milovčić and Deputy Director Vice Batarelo on Wednesday, 8 July 2009 participated at a special session of the Croatian Parliamentary Committee for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia on the topic of “Croatians outside the Republic of Croatia – cooperation or obligation”.

The meeting was prepared and conducted in cooperation with the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Croatian Heritage Foundation, the “Prsten” Croatian Bosnian association and Caritas Croatia.

The meeting was attended by Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Croatian Parliamentary President Luka Bebić and State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Davor Božinović.

The purpose of the meeting was to determine what the current situation is with care for Croatians who live outside the Republic of Croatia and how this can possibly be improved which is obligatory for Croatia as regulated in its Constitution.

HC Director Milovčić spoke about Caritas Croatia’s history of involvement in caring for Croats who live outside Croatia, particularly those in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He advised those present of the results of the latest Lenten appeal organised by CC – “The Week of Solidarity and Togetherness with the Church and People in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, which was organised for the third year in a row. He expressed his desire that apart from assisting Croats in BiH, CC would be in a position to help Croats in Srijem, Boka Kotorska and Kosovo.

Several economic forums were organised during the Lenten campaigns and a common opinion is that the Republic of Croatia should care for Croats not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina but throughout the world – via a separate institutions that would systematically coordinate all relevant activities, Fr. Milovčić. This opinion was confirmed by President of Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina, Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Cardinal Vinko Puljić, Bishop of Banja Luka Franjo Komarica and Director of Caritas B-H Msgr. Bosiljko Rajić.

The meeting was concluded with several recommendations to the Croatian government being adopted to establish an Office for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia, the passing of a law relating to Croats outside Croatia and to set up an advisory body for the Diaspora and Croats in B-H so that Croatia could be in a better position to offer an all encompassing strategy to care for Croats who live outside Croatia.

// 10. 07. 2009

Caritas Croatia speaks up about the re-opening of stores on Sundays

We need to remind that this is the Government's second unsuccessful attempt to propose a law that was adopted in the Croatian Sabor to regulate working hours for stores on Sundays that would be just and would best meet requirements and the interests and rights of Croatia citizens and that would be in keeping with the Croatian Constitution. Unfortunately, all the vital reasons that we have stressed in the past and why Caritas Croatia and other Church institutions involved themselves in this issue have once again become a hot potato.

These primarily refer to the protection of man’s freedom, that is, the right of employees to a workfree Sunday: a right that is guaranteed by the Croatian Constitution.

Our attitude has not changed with regards to protecting the ordinary man and his interests and right to a weekly rest to spend time with his family.

Caritas Croatia will continue to advocate for the rights and needs of thousands of employees in stores of whom up to 75% are women and we will continue to oppose the re-establishing and raising the issue of amending legislation that will not sufficiently ensure and protect employees against possible abuse.

Caritas Croatia will continue to stand in support of employees in stores who due to fear or inability cannot stand up for themselves of voice their opposition to legislation that limits and discriminates against their rights and interests.

// 19. 06. 2009

Inexpensive summer holiday offers in Zagreb Caritas' house
in Rovinj

Caritas has been using the St. Francis’ monastery in Rovinj since 2002.
The church and monastery were built in the early 18th century and this Baroque monument contains a wealthy library and interesting museum with sacral artefacts. Every summer the monastery offers accommodation at reasonable prices for pensioners, large families, low income families, members of Church movements and association and other Caritas and similar organisations.

The monastery can accommodate up to 35 people at one time.
Download Vacancy Timetable (doc, 159kb)

// 23. 04. 2009

Medikol health clinic helps those in need with a donation of specialist check-ups

As part of Caritas Croatia’s “For 1000 Joys” campaign to help those most in need in Croatia, once again this year the Medikol Health Clinic has given Caritas a donation valued at 333 333 kuna in the form of specialist check ups including: MR’s, CT’s, Ultra-sounds, densitometries and mammographies.

As an introduction to this round of check-ups, Medikol organised a special lecture on 22 April at ‘sv. Marko Križevčanin’ parish church in Selska on the topic of Osteoporosis.This is perhaps one of five of the most frequent chronic illnesses amongst the elderly which causes reduced density of the bones which are then more fragile and susceptible to breakages explained Dr. Mirela Cvijanović, Internal Medicine Specialist.

Seeing that osteoporosis affects one in four women over the age of 60, Caritas Croatia and Zagreb Diocesan Caritas invited women through two pension associations - “Špansko“ and “Stara Trešnjevka“, and women beneficiaries of the “Care for the Elderly and Disabled and Ill” under the auspices of Zagreb Caritas and its volunteers – to attend the lecture.

At the end of the lecture which was announced to about two hundred elderly women, it was possible to register for a free densitometry check up – an examination that estimates the fragility of the bone and possible risk of breakage which is used to diagnose and prevent osteoporosis.
Caritas Croatia together with Zagreb Diocesan Caritas and Medikol plan to organise several similar lectures during May and in this way offer check ups to women free of charge which they normally perhaps would not know about and would not control.

The Medikol Clinic has kindly donated to Caritas Croatia’s “For 1000 Joys” Christmas campaign for four years now donating more than 1.3 million kuna in specialist check ups for families in need.

// 22. 04. 2009

President of Caritas Italiana, Bishop Merisi sends a letter of gratitude to the President of Caritas Croatia, Bishop Mrzljak

Your Grace!
I thank you from all my heart for your letter of 6 April.

We are all shaken by the huge tragedy that was caused by the earthquake in Abruzzi, causing the death of hundreds and immeasurable material damage. It is for this reason in particular that your closeness and the closeness of Caritas Croatia that is of great comfort to us and a sign of hope.

I am writing to you on Good Friday when we commemorate our Lord’s suffering.
Today, our people in Abruzzo are suffering together with Christ. Families of victims are suffering as are all they who lost all they had in the frightening earthquake.

We pray for them and as the Holy Father Benedict XVI said, let us call for the comfort of our mother Mary and diligence of Christian hope.

With regard to your support and your intention for possible aid that Caritas Croatia can make available we cordially ask that you contact the Director of Caritas Italiana, Msgr. Vittorio Nozzi who will then advise me of whatever you agree to.

Once again I thank you for expressing your solidarity and send my brotherly greetings.

+ Giuseppe Merisi, Bishop of Lodi
President Caritas Italiana

// 15. 04. 2009

Letter by President of Caritas Croatia to the President of Caritas Italiana

In reaction to the earthquake that hit Italy in the evening between 5 and 6 April, President of Caritas Croatia, Bishop of Varaždin, Msgr. Josip Mrzljak sent a letter of support to the President of Caritas Italiana, Msgr. Giuseppe Merisi.

Your Excellency!
In the misfortune that has affected the residents of your country following the horrific earthquake, I wish to express my closeness and empathy will all those who have been left without their loved ones, without their homes and belongings.

Unexpected catastrophes and suffering people turn our eyes to that which is fragile and temporary compared to that which is eternal and permanent. This pains us but we have hope especially at the start of Holy Week.

We advocate for all those who have died, especially the children, to God’s mercy and for all those who have felt the consequences of the earthquake that they may see God’s providence.
Caritas Croatia is carefully watching the developing situation and is prepared to do everything in its power to relieve the consequences of the tragedy.

Sincerely yours in Christ
+ Josip Mrzljak, Bishop
President Caritas Croatia
---
Sua Eccelenza Mons. Giuseppe Merisi
nelle difficoltà che hanno colpito una parte degli abitanti del suo paese, dopo il devastante terremoto, vorrei esprimere la mia vicinanza e solidarietà con tutti coloro che sono rimasti senza i loro parenti, senza le loro case e proprietà.

Questo disastro e la sofferenza della gente tendono a farci vedere ciò che è fragile e impermanente in confronto con quello che è eterno e imperituro. Con dolore, ma nella speranza, in modo particolare ci siamo consapevoli di questa realtà in questi giorni all`inizio della Settimana Santa.

Tutti i defunti, particolarmente i più giovani, raccomando alla misericordia di Dio, e tutti coloro che sentono le conseguenze di questo terremoto alla divina provvidenza.
Caritas Croata segue da vicino gli sviluppi ed è disposto a fare ciò che è nelle sue possibilità per ridurre le conseguenze di questa tragedia.
Sinceri saluti in Cristo,
+ Josip Mrzljak, il Vescovo
Presidente della Caritas Croata

// 07. 04. 2009

Pilgrimage of prayer around parishes in Zagreb
Archdiocese ends

“If it is sincere that solidarity is not a means to appease, it is the only alternative to the reality of calamity.” - Anton Šuljić

On Thursday, 5 March the Pilgrimage of Prayer started in St. Francis’ church on Kaptol in Zagreb with the ‘Way of the Cross’ which was composed this year by Fr. Anton Šuljić and presented just prior to the commencements of the “Week”.

Fr. Šuljić led the celebration of the Way of the Cross which was followed by Mass which Fr. Šuljić celebrated together with Caritas Croatia Director Ivan Milovčić and the Provincial of the Croatian Franciscan Province of St. Cyril & Methodus and Guardian of the Monastery on Kaptol, Fr. Matija Koren and his confreres.

After Mass, Fr. Milovčić thanked his hosts and the faithful for participating in the Mass and prayer launching the “Solidarity Week”. The “Week” was inspired by the bishops of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina and was organised by Caritas Croatia for the third year running.
During the Pilgrimage of Prayer that continued from Monday, 9 March to Saturday 14 March, Caritas staff visited a different parish each evening and together with local parishioners, celebrated Mass which was preceded by the Way of the Cross of the Rosary. This year’s Pilgrimage visited: Sv. Kvirin parish in Sisak; Sv. Ana in Bjelovar; Sv. Petra i Pavla in Velika Gorica; Bl. A. Stepinac in Samoborski Novaki (Rakitje - Bestovje); and BDM in Stenjevec, Zagreb and Sv. Terezija od djeteta Isusa in Miramarska, Zagreb.

Each evening after Mass a special documentary was screened presenting a report of some of the projects supported from funds collected in last year’s Lenten collection.

On Thursday, 12 March Fr. Milovčić, the coordinator of the Lenten Campaign, Ms. Suzana Borko and the head of Special Projects in Caritas Croatia Boris Peterlin met with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Inter-generational Solidarity Jadranka Kosor informing her of this year’s activities around the Lenten campaign as well as other actions and programmes under the auspices of Caritas Croatia.

Deputy Prime Minister Kosor advised that once again this year the government would set aside funds to support the campaign as in wake of its anti-recessional measures the government supports any assistance to help the most vulnerable sections of society. She pointed out that Croats were a constitutive nation in B-H and stressed that it was the Croatian government’s obligation to help relieve some of the hardships faced by the local population so that they may be able to remain in their homes or in fact to enable those who wished to, to return to their homes.
We thank parish priests who welcomed us into their parishes to celebrate Mass together with their parishioners and in that way opened our hearts, souls, senses and our own lives for the Lord to express our thoughts and actions towards a better world.

We thank staff from our sister organisation – the Zagreb Archdiocesan Caritas.
“This year’s Pilgrimage of Prayer for me personally, and I believe CC staff agree, it was a special spiritual experience. I was able to feel this as I celebrated Mass throughout Zagreb parishes. We truly felt that we were all one in prayer and earnest prayer is most valuable – and this was our guiding light. The bishops from Bosnia-Herzegovina have often told us that this aspect is just as important as is the material aid we manage to raise during the Week of Solidarity. This year we emphasised this aspect even more and suggested that each (arch)diocesan Caritas organised their own pilgrimages in their local parishes. This initiative has now been spread throughout Croatia which is of particular significance”, CC Director Milovčić said in conclusion of the Pilgrimage of Prayer. He expressed hope that the other aspect of the Week – material support – would once again a success on the Third Sunday in Lent.

The central celebration of the “Week” was holy Mass celebrated in the Varaždin cathedral on Sunday, 15 March, celebrated by Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Cardinal Vinko Puljić – President of Caritas Bosnia-Herzegovina (BK BiH), together with his host, President of Caritas Croatia, Msgr. Josip Mrzljak; the two Caritas directors – Fr. Milovčić and Msgr. Bosiljko Rajić; the President of the Varaždin diocesan Caritas Msgr. Ivan Godina; the Secretary-General of the Croatian Conference of Bishops Msgr. Vjekoslav Huzjak; and about dozen canons and priests from the Varaždin Diocese.

The Liturgical singing was conducted by the "Chorus angelicus" cathedral choir. Members of the choir read the readings of the day while Caritas Croatia staff read the Prayer of the Faithful. During the Mass, which started with the antiphon "Bonum facere - Do good", which is Bishop Mrzljak’s motto. The Mass was televised live via Croatian television into thousands of homes in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the world. The cathedral was filled with the faithful including many of the religious from various communities and orders, often whose main monasteries and convents originated in B-H.

In his welcome, Bishop Mrzljak expressed his joy with the success of the third “Week of Solidarity”. “We are well aware of the difficulties Croatian Catholics are experiencing in their country. This is an opportunity in which we wish to express our closeness with them. In this the year of St. Paul, we wanted to particularly remembers his words: "Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought”. Based on that message, we asked ourselves what are we doing and what can each of us do to witness our togetherness with those that St. Paul calls us to. Here today during this celebration of the Eucharist we can find the answers in the Eucharist itself which is the source and ultimate in Christian life, Varaždin's Bishop said.

Cardinal Puljić hoped that the Mass be an expression of gratitude to all bishops and the Church in general in Croatia as well as all those who do good. He expressed his gratitude that the climax to the “Week of Solidarity” be celebrated with a Holy Mass where we are all gathered around Jesus Christ who is the centre, comfort and source of togetherness and love.
“Thank you all who show your closeness and have not left us alone. You, who have offered your hands and hearts so that we may feel that we truly have brothers and sisters who are not opposed to ‘others’ but are with them”, Cardinal Puljić said at the end of the Mass calling upon God’s blessing for the entire Croatian people and all people of good will.

// 17. 03. 2009

The Week of Solidarity and Togetherness with the Church
and People in Bosnia-Herzegovina - 2009

Caritas Croatia’s third Lenten Campaign

Caritas Croatia (CC) is once again this year organising it Lenten appeal in the week between the second and third Sundays in Lent from 9 to 15 March – known as the Week of Solidarity and Togetherness with the Church and People in Bosnia-Herzegovina”.

Citizens can make their contibution
to the Lenten Appeal by:

Calling our donation telephone: 060 9010 (price of a call: 6.10 kn)
Making a payment to account: PBZ 2340009 -1100080340, poziv na br. 09
Purchasing our products in Caritas Croatia’s Web Shop
Giving a donation to the collection at Mass on the Third Sunday in Lent, Sunday 15 March 2009. All proceeds from Sunday Mass collection in all churches throughout Croatia will be directed to projects for social assistance, education and motivating family businesses in B-H.

The purpose of the Lenten appeal is to express solidarity and togetherness with the people and Church in B-H by collecting concrete financial assistance as well as raising awareness in the Croatian public of the plight of the people and Church in B-H.

This year’s motto of the appeal is: "Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.» (1 Cor 1:10)

The Week of Solidarity and Togetherness with the Church and People
in Bosnia-Herzegovina - 2009

// 25. 02. 2009

Director of Caritas Colombo, Sri Lanka, Fr. Jude Fernando conducts a return visit to Caritas Croatia

At the invitation of Caritas Croatia, the Director of Caritas Colombo, Fr. Jude Fernando from Sri Lanka visited Croatia from 2 – 9 February 2009. Colombo is the capital city of this country which in shape, reminds us of a tear and is located on the south-eastern side of the Indian peninsula. Sri Lanka means holy island.

Fr. Fernando spent a week in Croatia as a guest of Caritas Croatia’s Director, Fr. Ivan Milovčić and his staff. This is a return visit by the head of the Colombo Archdiocesan Caritas being one of ten diocesan Caritases in Sri Lanka following an initial visit be a Caritas Croatia delegation in October last year to that diocese on the occasion of the handover of 50 houses built with funding provided by Croatian citizens in response to a fund raising campaign launched by Caritas Croatia to help the victims of the Tsunami.

On the first day of his visit, 3 February, Fr. Fernando concelebrated Holy Mass with Fr. Milovićić. This Mass is celebrated regularly every Tuesday for Caritas staff in St. Francis’ monastery chapel on Kaptol.

Caritas then organised for Fr. Fernando to travel to the Varaždin Diocese where he was received by the president of Caritas Croatia, Varaždin Bishop Josip Mrzljak and the president of the Varaždin diocesan Caritas Msgr. Ivan Godina.

Fr. Fernando relayed greetings on behalf of his Archbishop Dr. Oswald Gomis and his the gratitude of the Church and people in Sri Lank for the assistance that the Croatian people sent at the end of 2004 when their country was affected by the Tsunami. He expressed their gratitude for the empathy for the suffering and needs of his people and expressed his desire that the relationship that has been established between our two countries, continues in the future.

Fr. Fernando spoke about the local Church in his country and extended his Archbishop’s invitation for Bishop Mrzljak to visit Sri – Lanka – the Holy Island so that he can personally see the way the people live in that country and what needs they are faced with. Bishop Mrzljak commented that the Croatia people was sensitive and willing to help those in need because they themselves are grateful the assistance they received in the trying times during the Homeland War. Bishop Mrzljak presented his guest with a photographic monography of Croatian in English prepared by Mario Novak – originally from Ludbreg which belongs to the Varaždin Diocese.

In December 2004 when the tsunami resulted following a tremendous earthquake hit southeast Asia, several hundred thousand people were killed. Caritas Croatia responded and launched a national fund raising campaign.

The response by the Croatia people was the greatest until then for any humanitarian campaign organised by Caritas Croatia on the international scene. During the campaign a total of 5.5 million kunas was colleted. Most of these fund, 4.8 million was sent to Sri Lanka. The remainder of the funds was distributed to Thailand, India and Indonesia.

There were several reasons why the majority of the funds raised were sent to Sri Lanka: over 40,000 people lost their lives in the Tsunami, particularly women and children and one thousand children were left without parents; more than 1.5 million people were left without homes and the economy of the country – particularly fishing – was faced with collapse. There was a justified fear that as a result of this economic crisis that Sri Lanka would not be able to recover without financial assistance from abroad.

With the funds collected that Caritas Croatia sent to Sri Lanka it was possible to buy tents, mattresses, drinking water, food, gas cookers, water filters, children’s food, medicines, fishing boats – catamarans, fishing nets, school equipment, uniforms and requirements for pregnant women.

In 2006, Caritas Croatia sent Caritas Colombo an amount of 360,000 euro for a project to construct 50 family homes for victims of the Tsunami. The project was completed in April 2008. An official opening of the “Cardinal Thomas Cooray” housing settlement was organised in October 2008. The settlement gained its name after the only cardinal of Sri Lanka. The 50 houses were built in Pallansena in the near vicinity of the capital Colombo

Pallansena is a fishing village near Negombo – about 40 km from Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka. In addition to assisting with the construction of these 50 houses, funds raised by Caritas Croatia were used to purchase land, construct roads within the settlement as well as the infrastructure and administrative costs. Apart from that, construction works were conducted by local entrepreneurs employing local workers which contributed to recovering the economy. The total value of the project amounted to 614,000 euro and Caritas Croatia’s contribution amounted to 360,000 euro. The remainder of the project was financed by Caritas Germany.

The same day, Fr. Fernando and Caritas Croatia’s staff were taken by their hosts to visit several projects organised by the Varaždin Caritas including the “Dr. Antun Bogdan” day care centre in Čakovec. The head of the centre, Katarina Hoblaj spoke about the institution and its purpose and Fr. Fernando blessed the children in his own Singhalese language and then in Tamil.

After visiting Čakovec, Fr. Fernando visited the Caritas donation pharmacy in Varaždin, the cathedral and other sights in Varaždin.

On Wednesday, 4 February, Fr. Fernando spent the day touring the Rijeka and Krk dioceses. In Rijeka he visited one of the oldest Marion shrines in Croatia – Our Lady of Trsat where he was able to view the Franciscan treasury in the monastery, the chapel of votive gifts, the pastoral centre dedicated to Pope John Paul II. He then visited the Seminary in Rijeka and was able to see the room where Pope Paul II stayed during his visit to Croatia in 2003. After Rijeka, Fr. Fernando visited he island of Krk touring the towns of Punat and Vrbnik.

On Thursday, 5 February, Fr. Fernando was a guest at Croatian Catholic Radio after being received by Zagreb’s Archbishop Cardinal Josip Bozanić.

As Fr. Fernando had expressed his desire to visit Međugorje, the last few days of his visit were organised by Caritas staff to take him there and where he spent three days.

// 13. 02. 2009

Caritas attends the World Social Forum 2009 in Brazil

A different world is possible!

“A different world is possible”, is the message that 155 Caritas delegates from 14 countries sent out into the world after participating at the World Social Forum which began on 27 January 2009 in Belem, Brazil. Caritas delegates actively participated in the Forum through workshops and seminars about various topics: from people trafficking, to peace processes in Columbia and the production of oil and gas in the Nigerian valley.

“The Social Forum is an opportunity for Caritas to show its solidarity on a global level with all those that are suffering in some way, without which it is not possible to create a different world”, the director of the national Caritas in Brazil, Cristina dos Anjos said.

“This gathering of delegates of civil society organisations from the entire world is gaining importance in the search for an answer to the questions that are being raised in light of the current economic and financial crisis and how it will affect the little people – who have been neglected until now”, the director of the international advocacy programme in Caritas France, Michel Roy commented.

The World Social Forum was held from 27 January to 1 February 2009 in Belem, Brazil which represents a place where social movements, NGO’s and civil networks from the entire world were able to meet and tackle the question and challenges put before us relating to inequality and injustice in the world, intolerance, violence and pollution. Various activities from camp outs, seminars and conferences with various testimonies presented and protest marches and the exchange of cultural activities depicting the specifities of country participants serve to present a picture of a new, different world despite the challenges facing the globalised world.

You can find more information about the World Social Forum on the Caritas Internationalis web site at:
http://blog.caritas.org/category/world-social-forum-2009/
Photographs:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27673812@N05/

//26. 01. 2009

Bauerfeind makes donation to Caritas Croatia – hygiene products to the value of 300,000 kuna

The "For 1000 Joys" still continuing

Domagoj Sudić, the regional coordinator for the Bauerfeind Company on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 handed over a valuable donation to Caritas Croatia at the Savica-Šanci House for Minor Pregnant Women and Mothers which is run by the Zagreb Archdiocesan Caritas. The donation was accepted on behalf of Caritas Croatia, Fr. Ivan Milovčić and Zagreb Caritas, Sr. Jelena Lončar.

The total value of the Bauerfeind donation amounts to around 300,000 kuna. Caritas Croatia will distribute the remainder of the donation to several other diocesan Caritas offices in Osijek, Pazin, Rijeka, Split, Šibenik and Varaždin for their institutions offering social welfare and other partner institutions who help families in need.

The Bauerfeind donation was made as part of the “For 1000 Joys“ campaign to help one thousand of the most needy families in Croatia which has been organised by Caritas Croatia for six years now.

The Savica-Šanci House is an institution run by the Zagreb Archdiocesan Caritas for young pregnant girls and young mothers with new born babies and orphans up to three years old. The house can accommodate up to nine women and nine babies: it has a further 12 orphan up to the age of 3. Currently it houses 30 mothers and children. (Read more at: www.czn.hr).

// 20. 01. 2009

Holy Mass for victims in the Holy Land – Wednesday, 21 January at 6 p.m. in Zagreb’ cathedral

Holy Mass will be celebrated by Caritas President, Bishop Josip Mrzljak Varaždin Bishop and President of Caritas Croatia Josip Mrzljak (HC) will celebrate Holy Mass on Wednesday, 21 January 2009, at 6 p.m. in Zagreb’s cathedral together with Caritas Director Fr. Ivan Milovčić as a sing of support for peace in the Holy Land, for the end to the conflict and destruction, consolation for the souls of those killed, for peace in their families and strength to find forgiveness.

A call to joint prayer for peace which will be held as part of the Week of prayer for the unity of all Christians was sent to other Christian communities in Zagreb and all branches of the Franciscan secular order and Franciscan youth in Zagreb. Bishop Mrzljak forwarded a call to his fellow bishops to organise prayers in each of their dioceses for the Holy Land.

“It is our desire to show our support to our colleagues in the Holy Land and to all those unknown victims to help them, not only materially, but spiritually too. We call on all people of good will, believers, Christians, to join with us in prayer: in Zagreb and other diocesan centres so that we can all be united in prayer”, Bishop Mrzljak said.

With this Mass for Peace Caritas Croatia wishes to contribute to a national campaign that it launched on 14 January 2009 in response to an appeal by Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Jerusalem to collect funds to obtain urgent medical supplies for victims in Gaza.

// 16. 01. 2009

Caritas Croatia launches campaign for victims in Gaza

On Wednesday, 14 January 2009 Caritas Croatia launched a campaign to help victims in the recent military operations in Gaza.

Hrvatski Caritas pokrenuo je akciju pomoći žrtvama u Gazi

Caritas Croatia is responding to an appeal by Caritas Internatlionalis and Caritas Jerusalem to support a project of medical aid to victims in Gaza being catered to in 4 hospitals, six Caritas medical points and a medical centre in Gaza.

Citizens and companies can help by:

Calling our donation line on 060 9010 (price of one call: 6.10 kuna)
Making a deposit to account no: 2340009-1100080340, poziv na broj 19

Following are links to Web sites with photographs from Gaza and the Caritas medical centre in Gaza which was totally destroyed during an Israeli aerial bombardment on Friday, 9 January 2009.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27673812@N05
http://blog.caritas.org/2009/01/14/caritas-medical-centre-destroyed

// 14. 01. 2009

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