Suzana FANTOV
Photos: Zlatko Kozlevčar, Snježana Buljan, S. Fantov
On Sunday, March 2nd, the Croatian Catholic Community (HKZ) Clifton Hill was filled with over a thousand parishoners who came together to honour the late Father Josip Kasić, the founder of the oldest Croatian parish in Australia. After a heartfelt Mass, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in his honour, marking a special moment for the Croatian community.
The Mass, celebrated by Father Tomislav Mlakić, along with Father Bosiljko Rajić and Father Velimir Maglica, was attended by many from Melbourne and Geelong. Due to the large turnout, it was streamed both in the church courtyard and parish hall to ensure everyone could join in on the moment.
Although the morning started with rain, the weather soon cleared, offering a perfect backdrop for a day filled with meaningful moments. The event was a tribute to Father Kasić, who had a profound impact on preserving Croatian traditions, language, and faith for generations of Croatian immigrants now calling Australia home.
In the churchyard, the volunteers from St Albans Dinamo, alongside other volunteers, prepared a massive 400kg of meat, generously donated by Croatian organisations such as Melbourne Croatia, AHD Melbourne Footscray, and AHD Kardinal Stepinac Geelong. The food, served free of charge, was a testament to the spirit of unity, with many volunteers working hard to make the day a success.
Other Croatian clubs and centres, such as HKC Sunshine, Dandenong City, and FG Mladi Hrvati, also contributed to the event. The young members of FG Mladi Hrvati delighted the crowd with a vibrant dance performance, and dancers from FA Hrvatska Zora joined in the celebration. The event truly showcased the strength and unity of the Croatian community in Victoria.
Even with busy schedules, Croatian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Betty Pavelich, and Croatian Consul General Joseph Gene Petrić took time to attend the event, showing their support and solidarity with the community.
During the ceremony, Father Rajić reflected on Pope John Paul II’s words: “The Church recognises the right of every person to leave their country in search of better living conditions, but there are also many dangers on this migratory journey.” He spoke about the hardships the Israelites faced during migration, finding solace and strength through God’s guidance. “As immigrants to this land, we are thankful for all of God’s help in overcoming the dangers of our own journey,” he said.
The heart of the celebration was the tribute to Father Kasić. Having fled communist rule in the 1960s, Father Kasić arrived in Australia and immediately began assisting fellow Croatian immigrants. His dedication led him to found the first Croatian Catholic centre in Australia, which has since been a cornerstone for preserving Croatian faith, culture, and community.
After the Mass and blessings, the commemorative plaque was unveiled by Vinko Mlikota, the oldest member of HKZ Clifton Hill, and Jadran Delić, the main donor. Mr. Delić fulfilled a promise made to late Father Josip Vranješ to honour Father Kasić’s legacy. The Delić family also donated two statues—one of the Good Shepherd and the other of the Virgin Mary—that now stand in the churchyard.
The celebration continued with a small photo exhibition set-up in the hall, a delicious lunch, and homemade cakes. Music from Edvard Brčić filled the air as the courtyard came alive with dancing, laughter, and a deep sense of community. The day was a beautiful reminder of the strength and unity that defines the Croatian community in Australia.
Father Bosiljko Rajić sincerely thanks everyone who contributed in any way to the event that will remain inscribed in the history of the Croatian community: to the sponsors, the work team, and all volunteers; to everyone who donated for the needs of the event and finally to everyone who responded and made this, for many, a strongly emotional event even more special with their presence.
This year would have marked Father Kasić’s 101st birthday, and on the day the memorial plaque was unveiled, the birthday of his recently deceased sister Ružica would also have been celebrated. The cakes, made by his niece Lily Perić, were decorated with roses, symbolizing his love for Croatian heritage, faith, and culture.