The Day of the Police Chaplaincy of St Francis of Assisi was marked by a solemn mass in the parish church of St Helen in Šenkovac, where police officers, families of fallen veterans, and numerous faithful gathered.
Before the mass, a wreath was laid and lanterns lit at the memorial to fallen and deceased Croatian veterans on St Helen’s Square in Šenkovac.
The Holy Mass was presided over by the Military Ordinary of the Republic of Croatia, Msgr. Jure Bogdan. Co-celebrants included the chaplain of the Međimurje Police Administration, Don Vjekoslav Vidaček, the chaplain of the Varaždin Police Deanery, Don Ivica Horvat, Don Damir Vrabec, Don Ozren Bizek, and Don Ivan Grinišin, retired parish priest Preč. Antun Hoblaj, parish priest in Draškovec Preč. Krunoslav Kefelja, and the host, parish priest Vlč. Antun Štefan. The liturgical celebration was enhanced by the singing and organ accompaniment of the Parish Choir of St Helen.
In his homily, Msgr. Jure Bogdan reflected on the life and work of St Francis of Assisi, highlighting his humility, simplicity, and unconditional love for God, humanity, and all creation. He recalled that this year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis, who passed away on 3 October 1226. He emphasised the importance of treating every person as a human being first, recognising the neighbour in everyone, regardless of their flaws and weaknesses, and fostering understanding, respect, and love. The message aligns with the teachings of St Francis and the messages of Pope Francis from Assisi in 2013 regarding the importance of peace, forgiveness, acceptance, and love for every person.
At the conclusion of the mass, Tihomir Benčić, a representative of the Zrinski Guard from Čakovec, presented Military Ordinary Msgr. Jure Bogdan with a certificate of honorary membership of the Zrinski Guard.
Attending the mass were Ivan Sokač, head of the Međimurje Police Administration, his deputy Vladimir Faber, their colleagues and staff of the Police Administration, Ivan Galić, head of the Independent Service for Cooperation with the Military Ordinary in the Republic of Croatia, members of the families of fallen Međimurje police officers in the Homeland War, and numerous citizens and faithful.
During the concluding part of the gathering, a reception was held where Head Sokač thanked everyone involved in organising the event. He expressed special gratitude to Military Ordinary Msgr. Jure Bogdan for attending and presiding over the mass, to the host Vlč. Antun Štefan for his hospitality, and to Zoran Kolar, head of the Municipality of Šenkovec, for his support and good cooperation.
