Zoran Juraj SABLJAK
Photos Facebook: F.A Hrvatska Zora
Editors note: As we begin the digital era of the Vjesnik, we’re looking back at some of our favourite articles from the New Gen archives.
In a momentous occasion that marks a significant milestone for Melbourne’s Croatian community, F.A Hrvatska Zora (HZ) has made their long-awaited return to their spiritual home at the Croatian Catholic Centre (HKC) Sunshine last Sunday the 16th of February. The group’s emotional homecoming comes after a twenty-month absence, following what sources describe as a forced departure under controversial and contentious circumstances that had left many in the Croatian community disheartened.
The return celebration was centred around a special Mass officiated by Don Tomo Mlakić, who orchestrated a heart-warming welcome for the cultural group. In a thoughtful gesture that exemplified the spirit of reconciliation, he arranged post-service refreshments for the HZ families, creating an atmosphere of fellowship and reunion. Hrvatski Vjesnik reached out to Don Mlakić, who was pleased to share the following statement, “I am sincerely delighted by the return of Hrvatska Zora to the parish of Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandić in Sunshine, and I am happy if I have been able in any way to contribute to bringing our children and youth back to the parish from which no one should ever have expelled them. When I arrived at the parish on the eve of Christmas, I said that this parish and church have no soul without them, and yesterday I asked them to once again bring a smile, a song, a kolo, and youthful optimism to this community. Thank God for yesterday—it was wonderful, full of emotion—the church was exactly as it should always be: filled with our children and youth and their song.”
The celebration was particularly meaningful as members proudly wore their traditional Croatian folk costumes (nošnje) and once again raised their voices in song during the Mass, rekindling a beloved tradition that had been temporarily interrupted.
The homecoming ceremony was charged with emotion, as attendees witnessed touching scenes throughout the service. The group’s entrance was met with spontaneous applause from the congregation, whilst tears flowed freely and warm embraces were exchanged amongst members and parishioners alike. The committee later expressed their profound gratitude for what they described as an overwhelmingly heartfelt welcome back to their rightful home.
The centre itself was filled to capacity, creating a vibrant atmosphere that many viewed as reminiscent of its most flourishing days. The bustling environment and sense of community spirit has given rise to optimism about the future of Croatian cultural activities at the centre. The group’s leadership, including president Andrijana Dorinko and the HZ Committee, took care to emphasise that the church and centre remain a space for all members of the community, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity and unity.
Looking towards the future, the organisation has announced that enrolments for Hrvatska Zora programmes were commencing at 6:30 pm the following evening, signalling the beginning of a new chapter in the group’s history. The return has been celebrated as a pivotal moment for Melbourne’s Croatian community, with the group continuing to operate under the spiritual patronage of Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandić.