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Zagreb - The Croatian Scouts' Association on Monday traditionally brought the Peace Light of Bethlehem to the Croatian Parliament, with Speaker Gordan Jandroković saying its message was about the importance of peace, unity and tolerance between differences and of readiness to understand others.
Croatian Scouts' Association chief Boris Vujnović said, after handing over the Peace Light of Bethlehem to Jandroković, that the Croatian scouts are bringing the Bethlehem Light to Croatia and the national parliament for the 31st year in a row.
"The message of the Peace Light of Bethlehem this year is that we should work on peace and building peace at all times," Vujnović said.
Thanking them for bringing the Peace Light of Bethlehem to parliament during the time of Advent, Jandroković said it spreads good spirit and positive emotion in times when it is really important.
Today's world is quite different from the one we remember from a few years ago, Jandroković said, recalling that last year the world witnessed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, numerous victims, civilians and children killed, and this year it is witnessing another major conflict taking place right where the Peace Light of Bethlehem comes from.
It seems to us that these conflicts are far away, but it is our obligation and duty to pray for those who are having a hard time and who are in need, who are suffering, and we should especially be sensitive towards the civilian victims of war, children and towards all those who are not fortunate enough to live in peace, freedom and prosperity, Jandroković said.
The Peace Light of Bethlehem is a program inaugurated in Austria in 1987 as part of a charitable relief mission for handicapped children and people in need. It has gone to more than 20 countries in Europe, as well as the Americas. Every year before Christmas, the flame originates at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem and goes to Austria. From there it is distributed throughout the country by the Scout movement.