“The Hand of the Lord Was With Them”

A Chronicle of 50 Years of Croatian Catholic Pastoral Care in Melbourne

In 2014, a remarkable commemorative book titled “The Hand of the Lord Was With Them: 50 Years of Pastoral Care Among Croats in Melbourne” (Ruka Gospodnja bijaše s njima. 50 godina pastoralne skrbi među Hrvatima Melbournea) was published. It documented the rich history of spiritual care provided to Croatian Catholics in the Australian city of Melbourne.

Authored by Monsignor Dr Pavo Jurišić, the book was jointly published by the Media Centre of the Vrhbosanske nadbiskupije (Archdiocese, Sarajevo). It was also published by the Croatian Catholic Community of St Nicholas Tavelic in Clifton Hill, Melbourne. The book particularly highlights the contributions of Croatian Catholics.

A Focus on Ecclesiastical Work

This significant monograph focuses primarily on the church and pastoral activities led by priests—mostly from the Vrhbosanske nadbiskupije—who served Croatian migrants in Melbourne. Mons. Jurišić deliberately limited his scope to ecclesiastical matters. He avoided broader political or social topics. The aim was to provide a clear, well-documented account of the spiritual mission and legacy of these dedicated priests and laity. They served the Croatian Catholic community.

Based on Archival and Literary Sources

Drawing on archival sources and relevant literature, the book offers a comprehensive and authentic view of pastoral life among Melbourne’s Croatian community. As the author explains:

“Among the disorganised archival material kept at the Croatian Catholic Community St Nicholas Tavelic in Clifton Hill—evidence of fifty years of life and work—there are documents relating to political, social and ecclesiastical events among Croatian Catholics on this distant continent. I decided to limit my research to church and pastoral matters only, focusing on the activities of our centres in Melbourne and the priests who served there.”

Ten Thematic Sections

The book is divided into ten thematic sections, each exploring a key area of this five-decade journey. The first part gives a brief overview of the history and demographics of Australia. This overview was based on the sources available to the author. The second part introduces the Catholic Church in Australia and its structure, with particular attention to the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Croatian Migration and the Role of the Church
The third chapter delves into Croatian migration to Australia, especially to the state of Victoria and the city of Melbourne. From the fourth to the seventh chapters, the focus turns to the establishment of Croatian Catholic Centres. These chapters also explore pastoral outreach to migrants and cultural and educational efforts within the Centres. Furthermore, it includes a tribute to the priests who ministered there over fifty years. Moreover, these chapters reflect on the Centres’ humanitarian and charitable activities. These activities are driven largely by the Croatian Catholic community.

Croatian Bishops in Melbourne
One of the standout features of the book is a chronological review of visits by Croatian bishops to the diaspora community in Melbourne. This review is presented in the eighth chapter, highlighting their connection and support.

Community, Charity, and Reflection
The ninth chapter includes a broader reflection on the charity work of the Croatian Catholic community in Australia. It includes also a special contribution by Branko Barbić. Barbić, who also translated the book into English, offers an insightful overview of Croatian Catholic Centres and organisations in Australia. He addresses both the solidarity and tensions that arose within the community throughout the years.

A Personal Journey
In the final chapter, Mons. Jurišić includes a travelogue of his 2003 visit to Australia, originally published in Katolički tjednik. The book concludes with a register of sources, place names, and individuals.

Preserving a Legacy for Future Generations

Although the author prepared a detailed statistical review of the Croatian population in Melbourne for future generations to trace their roots and family ties, this section was not published in the book itself. Instead, it has been digitally archived. It can serve to inspire future Croatian Catholics to explore their heritage.

Endorsements and Opening Messages
The book opens with greetings from Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne and Cardinal Vinko Puljić of Vrhbosanska nadbiskupija. These greetings are addressed to the Croatian Catholic community in Clifton Hill. A foreword by Bishop Pero Sudar, then President of the Council of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference and the Bishops’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Croatian Diaspora, sets the tone for this deeply respectful and scholarly work.

A Testament of Faith and Community
Available for purchase at the parish office of the Croatian Catholic Community in Clifton Hill ($20, English or Croatian edition), this 400-page volume is much more than a historical record. Indeed, it is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of Croatian Catholics in Melbourne. Future generations can look to this book with pride and gratitude.

*The entire proceeds from the sale of the book are intended for the needs of the parish. Where to buy: 69 Hodgkinson Street, 3068 Clifton Hill, VIC

Contact number: +61 3 9482 3479

Email: stntavelic@gmail.com

Contact via official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sv.NikolaTavelicCliftonHill