It is also the anniversary of the death of our father and auxiliary bishop of Zagreb, Mons. Mijo Škvorc (1919–1989), a great preacher in Palma.

Next Sunday, the First Sunday of Lent, children are invited to bring small crosses with hearts for a blessing, with written resolutions of sacrifice and penance for Lent.

Next Sunday, February 22 at around 8:00 PM, there will be a meeting for the parents of this year’s confirmation candidates. Parents are invited to Holy Mass at 7:00 PM, after which the meeting will take place!

On Wednesday we begin Lent, a holy time of prayer, works of mercy, and fasting. Fasting and abstinence are obligatory. Abstinence binds all who have completed their 14th year, and fasting those who have completed their 18th year up to the beginning of their 60th year.

On Ash Wednesday there will be the imposition of ashes as a sign of penance and readiness for conversion. Holy Masses will be celebrated according to the weekday schedule. The Academic Choir Palma will sing at the 7:00 PM Mass.

We will pray it on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:30 PM in the garden, weather permitting. The faithful are also encouraged to pray it individually!

On Thursday, February 19 at 8:00 PM, in the hall of Bl. I. Merz on the 1st floor, there will be a meeting of the Parish Family Community with the topic of media influence (mobile phones, Internet, social networks…) on the development and healthy upbringing of children. In addition to an expert lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions, exchange of experiences, and fellowship. We invite all previously registered parents, as well as others who are interested in this topic and desire good for their children and family members.

For young men discerning a vocation in the Society of Jesus, a discernment weekend will be held on Sljeme from February 20 to 22. Those interested may contact Fr. Mislav Skelin.

Organized by the Anamarija Carević Foundation and led by Fr. Niko Bilić, spiritual exercises will be held for all benefactors of the restoration and for all our faithful from February 27 to March 1. Registration is required. More information can be found on the poster!

On Friday, February 20, we pray for his beatification.

A solemn and charity concert, marking six years since the earthquake, “Heart in the Heart of Zagreb,” will take place at Lisinski on March 31 at 8:00 PM. Mozart’s Requiem will be performed by the HRT Symphony Orchestra and the HRT Choir, conducted by Robert Homen.

On February 17 at 6:00 PM, SKAC is organizing an Invitation Event – an occasion where the office team and team leaders present everything we do in SKAC and Magis and how you can get involved.
If you want to be part of a joyful community of young people, use and develop your talents for good, and serve – mark February 17 in your calendar, fill out the application form, and come!
You can find the application form on the SKAC website.

Religious education takes place according to the following schedule:

In today’s reading from the prophet Isaiah, we heard the Lord say to us: “Share your bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, clothe them, and do not hide yourself from your own kin.”

This thought from the reading prompted me to reflect on how many times in our lives we have encountered a homeless person or someone poor on the street asking for food or money, and how we reacted and behaved toward that person in that moment. People are often inclined to judge thoughtlessly. They say that someone brought themselves into such a situation, ask why they do not get a job, and look for reasons to justify their own indifference. Sometimes, for those who ask for help, even a kind word or a short conversation is enough, because they long for someone to listen to them.

Our faith does not teach us to judge by appearances or condemn the lives of others, but to help, to do good deeds, and to remain humble. As today’s Gospel according to Matthew says: “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt consists of small things such as helping without self-interest, patience with others, and a smile that can brighten someone’s day. And when Jesus tells us: “You are the light of the world,” He reminds us that light is present when we choose to spread positivity, listen instead of judging, and choose goodness over pride. I myself have experienced that when I help a person in need and have a brief conversation with them, I feel joy for having done a good deed and made someone’s day a little brighter.

Let us therefore be the salt of the earth and the light of the world—just as Jesus calls us to be, in all life situations!