Over 12,000 young Catholics gather in Požega for a message of unity

The city of Požega recently buzzed with spiritual energy as it hosted the 13th Croatian Catholic Youth Encounter, drawing an impressive congregation of over 12,000 young people. This significant gathering, which welcomed participants from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatian Catholic communities in Germany and Austria, served as a powerful reminder of faith's enduring presence and unifying force.

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Dragi mladi, ne zaboravite da je naš Bog Isus Krist – mladi Bog. Njegove riječi: "Ja sam trs, vi loze" su riječi tridesettrogodišnjega mladića Isusa iz Nazareta (...) Isus nam govori u slikama punim simbolike - slika trsa i loze je slika života i ljubavi.

Presiding over the central Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Ivo Martinović of Požega delivered a resonant message to the assembled youth. He invoked the metaphor of Christ as the vine and believers as branches, emphasizing that true life and love stem from remaining connected to Him. In a world grappling with numerous crises, wars, and divisions, the Bishop's call for unity and communion resonated deeply, urging the young attendees to become builders of community in their families, society, and the Church.

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U ovo vrijeme velikih kriza, ratova i podjela u svijetu i među nama, u obiteljima i društvu, Krist i danas poziva na jedinstvo, na zajedništvo, jer jedino jedinstvo u njegovoj ljubavi izgrađuje obitelj, društvo, Crkvu i naš narod.

This encounter is more than just a religious event; it is a vital affirmation of Croatian identity and faith, particularly for the diaspora. The presence of youth from neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina and from Croatian communities abroad highlights the deep-rooted connections and shared heritage that transcend borders. The message of staying connected to Christ, even when facing misunderstanding or rejection, offers a spiritual anchor and a path to resilience, uniquely relevant to the experiences of young Croats navigating a complex world.

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Dragi mladi, budite graditelji zajedništva, ne samo danas, nego uvijek u svojim obiteljima i svugdje.