Celebrating Feast of the Assumption mass in the national Marian shrine at Marija Bistrica on Wednesday, the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanic, addressed young people in his sermon, urging them not to settle for mediocrity but to bravely and persistently demand "the so eagerly anticipated changes in Croatian society."

Cardinal Bozanic dedicated his sermon to the family and youth, calling them a sign of hope in Croatian society, and mentioned the hope and pride awakened in the Croatian people by the silver won by the national football team at this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

“Thanks to the extraordinary success of our young athletes, notably the Croatian football team, in recent weeks we have witnessed a renewed love for the homeland, Croatian togetherness, life and family. On the national front, that is an event of immeasurable importance,” Bozanic said.

“You, young believers… are a recognisable sign of hope in Croatia’s future. Don’t, therefore, settle for mediocrity, but bravely and persistently ask of those older and in charge the changes in Croatian society which are so eagerly anticipated,” he added.

Speaking of the family, the cardinal said that “every birth is an annunciation of God’s blessing” and that Croatian society should be “friendly towards families with children.” He added, however, that Croatian legislation discriminated against such families in some sectors.

Speaking of the gathering of pilgrims at many Croatian Marian shrines on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, celebrated on August 15 and marked as a national holiday – and including some 20,000 gathered at Marija Bistrica in northern Croatia – Bozanic said it was evidence of Mary’s presence in the history of the Croatian people.

About 40,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Marija Bistrica today, including believers from Hungary, Slovenia, China, and Hong Kong.

About 100,000 pilgrims are expected in the coastal town of Sinj, many marching barefoot.

Many believers also gathered at the village of Aljmas in eastern Croatia – the biggest Marian shrine in Slavonia – including President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

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