Suzana FANTOV
Photos: Zlatko KOZLEVČAR, Snježana BULJAN, Suzana FANTOV
Editors note: As we begin the digital era of the Vjesnik, we’re looking back at some of our most important articles from the New Gen archives.
Over a thousand members of the Croatian community gathered last Sunday, 2nd March at the Croatian Catholic Community in Clifton Hill for a special ceremony. Following Holy Mass, they witnessed the unveiling of a memorial plaque dedicated to the late vlč. Josip Kasić, founder of the oldest Croatian parish and community centre for Croatian immigrants in Australia.
The turnout from Melbourne and Geelong’s Croatian communities was so overwhelming that the Mass, celebrated by vlč. Tomislav Mlakić alongside monsignor Bosiljko Rajić and vlč Velimir Maglica, was broadcast to the church courtyard and parish hall to accommodate everyone. Though the day began under threatening skies, the weather eventually cleared for this significant occasion. The Victorian Croatian Catholic community came together to honour vlč. Kasić’s enduring spiritual legacy and his tireless work preserving Croatian language, traditions, culture and customs for immigrants who now call Australia their second home.
In the church courtyard, an impressive catering operation was underway. The St Albans Dinamo team managed barbecues alongside Robbie Mladinić’s ‘Dalmatian Spit & Grill’ to prepare an astounding 400kg of meat donated by various Croatian clubs: Melbourne Croatia SC, AHD Melbourne Footscray, AHD Cardinal Stepinac Geelong, and St. Albans Dinamo. Members of FA Hrvatska Zora and other volunteers diligently prepared the serving areas, with all food provided free of charge thanks to the main sponsors. Additional support came from other Croatian organisations and businesses including HKC Sunshine, Dandenong City – Hajduk and FG Mladi Hrvati, whose young members delivered a beautifully choreographed dance performance. Folklore members and dancers from FA Hrvatska Zora also attended in significant numbers.
The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Betty Pavelich, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Australia and New Zealand, and Joseph Gene Petrić, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia, who made time in their busy schedules to attend. During the ceremony, monsignor. Rajić reflected on Pope John Paul II’s words: “The Church recognises every person’s dual right—to leave one’s country and to enter another in search of better living conditions,” while acknowledging the dangers that can accompany migration.
“In Scripture, we read about the Israelites’ journey from emigration to immigration. They found themselves in a desert fraught with dangers. The Lord gave Moses and his people wisdom and strength to overcome these perils,” said monsignor Rajić. “As immigrants to these shores, we thank God for helping us survive the challenges of our own migratory journeys.”
“Today we honour our late priest Josip Kasić, who fled the dangers of the communist regime as a young clergyman and arrived here in 1961. He established the first Croatian Catholic Centre for Croatian immigrants and dedicated all his knowledge and abilities to protecting and supporting Croatian immigrants from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout former Yugoslavia. We remember not only vlč. Kasić, but all those who worked alongside him from the beginning—building, preserving, nurturing and investing their physical labour and financial resources to maintain our Catholic faith, culture, customs and sense of community. Some have passed on, while others remain with us as witnesses to that tremendous undertaking and sacrifice. We thank them all and pray God grants them His favour and blessing.”
Following the Mass, prayers and blessing, the memorial plaque was unveiled by Vinko Mlikota, the oldest member of the Clifton Hill Croatian Catholic Community, alongside principal donor Jadran Delić. By organising the memorial plaque, Mr Delić fulfilled a promise made to the late vlč Josip Vranješ, who had wished to create a fitting tribute to vlč. Kasić’s character and contributions. The Delić family also donated new statues of Jesus the Shepherd and Our Lady for the church courtyard.
The celebration continued with a small photographic exhibition in the parish hall, a splendid lunch featuring homemade cakes donated by community members, and music by Edvard Brčić. As the clouds dispersed and sunshine broke through, a traditional kolo dance formed in the courtyard—a circle of smiling faces and proud community members who, through this event, reaffirmed their greatest strength: unity.
Monsignor Bosiljko Rajić expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this historic occasion: the sponsors, organisers, volunteers, donors, and all who attended what was, for many, a deeply moving event.
This year would have marked vlč. Kasić’s 101st birthday, and the day of the plaque unveiling coincided with what would have been the birthday of his recently deceased sister, Ružica.
A particularly touching moment was the presence of the Kasić family members and the beautiful cakes prepared by Lily Perić, vlč. Kasić’s niece. The white cakes adorned with roses symbolised the love for Croatian heritage and faith that defined vlč. Kasić’s life and work.
