Wednesday, November 28, 2001 
 
Source: Dnevni list, November 26, 2001 
 
BISHOP PERIC BLESSES THE PASTORAL CENTER IN BOBANOVO SELO 
 
What does the opening of this pastoral center mean for You? 
 
 
"I was in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer. The church, in which the Croatian 
people gather, was full to capacity. Present were, as they informed me, 
about 5000 of our people who moved there during the war. Even though it made 
me happy to meet with the people, it was hard for me to see them on a 
different continent. They definitely will not return to their homes, 
especially the young people. Today I thanked God when I saw how many of the 
people that remained here had gathered. I am grateful to all of those 
people, as well as to those from various congregations: Jablanica, Konjic, 
Vares, etc, becase they stayed here. I am also grateful that they hope to 
start their families and find conditions for life here. I suggest that they 
stay here, even if that means going through hardships because there are 
hardships everywhere, and here they have their own land that requires 
cultivation, on which they should work, live, and support their families. I 
am glad that this is the beginning of new construction, turning towards the 
Church, which should be the spiritual strength of this place and the people 
of this congregation, but I would like it if all the people could have the 
fundamental conditions for survival. However, if the people are satisfied 
with their lives, then the Church can prosper as well." 
 
 
The opening of this center also symbolizes much more for these people. 
 
 
"Just as every body has a soul, without which there is no life or 
consciousness, if this place doesn't have a soul then it's just a mass. But 
if is has a soul, the Church and a conscience, then the people too will feel 
different regardless of where they are from or what kind of hardships they 
may be suffering." 
 
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