‘Croatia’s First Heavenly Star‘
This year, on 21st June, we shall mark 55 years since the historic day when Croatia’s first ‘Croatian Heavenly Star’ shone in the sky – the canonisation of Saint Nicholas Tavelić, the first Croatian saint. A saint who remains alive and present in the Church in Croatia today. He is a witness to faith unto martyrdom, who can still serve as an example of a life completely devoted to Christ.
Croatian Heritage in Australia
Here in Australia, too, his name graces two parishes. These are the Croatian Catholic Community of St Nicholas Tavelić in Clifton Hill and the Croatian Catholic Centre of St Nicholas Tavelić in St Johns Park, Sydney. Croatians, as on every continent, have erected churches and altars in honour of their first saint.
Testimony from Rome – Monsignor Marinovich’s Experience
To commemorate this significant day, we share part of the experience recorded by Monsignor George (Jure Lovrin) Marinovich (1915-1993), a Croatian priest from New Zealand. He published a booklet about the canonisation of the first Croatian saint, St Nicholas Tavelić.
The Greatest Gathering of Croatians in Rome
Pilgrims arrived from the most distant corners of Europe. Croatian pilgrims came to Rome in great numbers in 1970. Over 20,000 pilgrims from what was then Yugoslavia literally flooded Rome. The colours of traditional folk costumes amazed all passers-by and those present. Croatians from around the world gathered to witness the canonisation ceremony of the first Croatian martyr, St Nicholas Tavelić, martyr of faith in Jerusalem in 1391. He was born in Šibenik.
Father Marinovich led the group from New Zealand. They carried a small flag which they proudly waved alongside all those from America, Brazil, and Argentina. There were also numerous flags from Croatia.
Historical Context
The Croatians, Christians since the time of knez Višeslav, a contemporary of Charlemagne, the baptiser of Europe, blessed during the reign of knez Branimir. They were called the “antemurale” throughout many centuries. However, they only received their first saint in 1970 according to modern Church regulations. It was not just any saint, but a medieval saint, the Franciscan Nicholas Tavelić.
Solemn Mass at the Basilica of St John Lateran
Father Marinovich speaks of the historic weekend as the greatest gathering of Croatians during Holy Mass at the Basilica of St John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano). It is Rome’s oldest cathedral and first in importance as the Roman cathedral amongst the four great papal basilicas in Rome. The basilica bears the honorary title “Omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput” (mother and head of all churches in Rome and the entire world).
More than 400 Croatian priests from different parts of the world, together with Father Marinovich, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Josip Arnerić of Šibenik (1912-1994). Bishops from what was then Yugoslavia attended as well. The congregation sang in Croatian, and the echo of the hymn “Zdravo djevo, kraljice Hrvata” (Hail Virgin, Queen of Croatians) resonated through the walls all the way to the basilica’s ceiling.
More than 50 priests were needed to distribute Holy Communion!
The Holy Mass concluded with a hymn to St Nicholas. Outside the Basilica of St John, an indescribable atmosphere prevailed. But everyone suddenly rushed to St Peter’s Basilica to attend the audience with the Holy Father at noon. When he appeared on the balcony, a powerful cry rang out – “Papa! Hrvati! (Croatians)! Papa! Hrvati! (Croatians!)”
The Historic Canonisation
On Sunday, 21st June 1970, the historic canonisation Mass was held at St Peter’s Basilica. Pope Paul VI solemnly proclaimed Nicholas Tavelić a saint, declaring: “In honour of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity, for the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the advancement of Christian life, by the authority of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and by Our authority, after mature deliberation and having repeatedly invoked divine assistance, We declare and recognise as saints: Nicholas Tavelić, Deodatus of Ruticinio, Stephen of Cuneo, and Peter of Narbonne. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Lasting Legacy
Saint Nicholas Tavelić, the first Croatian saint and protector of the Croatian people, bore witness to his faithfulness to God through martyrdom. Through his life, he showed the “narrow path” of love that leads to God whilst not forgetting one’s fellow man.
That day, 21st June 1970, remains recorded as the day when Croatia’s first Heavenly Star shone in the sky. It was the day when Croatians around the world could say they had their own saint. Their own heavenly protector who had witnessed through life and death the greatest values of the Christian faith.