Celebrating Feast of St. Vicenza, Patron Saint of Blato
The feast day of St. Vicenza (also known as Vica or Vicenca), the patron saint and most revered figure of the town of Blato on the island of Korčula, will be celebrated on April 28.
In a special tribute, members of the Croatian community in North Fremantle, Western Australia, will gather on Sunday, April 27 to honour this cherished tradition. The event, organised by the local Croatian community, will take place in the main hall of the Croatian Centre on Alfred Road.
The day will begin with a solemn Mass at 10:00 AM at the Church of St. Anthony, led by parish priest Fr. Nikola Čabraja. Following the service, the community will come together for a celebratory lunch at the Croatian Centre at 12:00 PM.
“St. Vicenza, holy martyr,
Our town’s protector so dear,
Through your sacred intercession,
We seek the blessings of the Lord above.
May all who come in faith today
Return home in health and peace.”
These verses reflect the deep devotion of the people of Blato and their diaspora to St. Vicenza, whose presence has long been a symbol of faith and unity.
The body of St. Vicenza, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, was transferred from Rome to Blato in 1792. It rests in the parish church of All Saints in a neoclassical chapel dedicated to the saint. Her body, adorned in garments embroidered with gold and silver, lies in a marble altar flanked by two alabaster angels. The gold-engraved doors of the altar bear the inscription “s Vincentia m,” and behind the sarcophagus is a painting of St. Anthony of Padua.
One of the most unique aspects of the celebration in Blato is the traditional procession of the saint’s sarcophagus, which takes place every 100 years. The most recent procession occurred in 1995, marking the 200th anniversary of the relic’s arrival in Blato.
Spectacular men’s chivalric performances
A highlight of the festivities is the traditional knightly sword dance known as Kumpanjija. Founded in 1927 to preserve the cultural heritage of Blato, this association performs a choreographed, stately sword dance that symbolises courage, unity, and the historic fight for freedom. The group continues to uphold the customs of their ancestors and maintain a strong organizational structure guided by a formal statute.
To learn more about Kumpanjija and their ongoing cultural initiatives, visit their official website
As North Fremantle’s Croatian community gathers to honour St. Vicenza, they not only celebrate their faith but also reaffirm their deep connection to their heritage, keeping alive the customs and spirit of Blato for generations to come.