Blogposts

Some doctrinal principles: It is a divinely revealed truth that sins bring punishments inflicted by God’s sanctity and justice. These must be expiated either on this earth through the sorrows, miseries, and trials of life, and above all through death, or else through purifying penalties in the life beyond. Moreover, they are to be expiated either by the sinner himself or also by others who make reparation, as far as possible, in his stead.

For he (Christ) must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:25-26

What is meant by the social reign of Christ the King? It means: 1) Christ is God, the Creator of the universe and hence wields a supreme power over all things – “All things were created by Him”; 2) Christ is our Redeemer, He purchased us by His precious Blood and made us His property and possession; 3) Christ is Head of the Church, “holding in all things the primacy” 4) God bestowed upon Christ the nations of the world as His special possession and dominion. The principal doctrine of the "social reign of Christ" means that the construction of human society will not be able to achieve its own natural ends without being ordained to Jesus Christ, Creator, and Savior.

Stepinac was the eighth of twelve children of wealthy farmers, Barbara Penic and Josip Stepinac. Upon graduation from the Gymnasium in Zagreb (1916), he was drafted into the Austrian army. As second lieutenant he fought on the Italian front (1917–18). Taken prisoner by the Italians (September 1918), he joined the South Slav volunteers to fight against the Hapsburg rulers. Returning to Croatia (1919), by then a part of Yugoslavia, he studied agriculture in Zagreb. In 1924 he enrolled in the German College, Rome, and attended classes at the Gregorian University. In 1930, he obtained doctorates in philosophy and theology and was ordained a priest in Rome (October 26).

It is for Thee that this dense host of countless princes engage in battle: but it is victorious Michael, the standard bearer of salvation, who unfurls the standard of the Cross. He casts the dreadful head of the dragon into lowest hell and lightning like he hurls from the heavenly ramparts the leader with his rebels.

May Gabriel the strong Angel come to put to flight our ancient enemies and revisit the temples dear to heaven which the Conqueror has established throughout the world.

As the physician of our salvation may the Angel Raphael come down from heaven, that he may heal all who are sick and give guidance in the uncertain affairs of life.