A Sea of Devotion – Hundreds of Pilgrims from Melbourne and Geelong Unite for St Anthony’s Day
Photos: S.Fantov
On Sunday, 15 June 2025, the Croatian Catholic community came together in large numbers to celebrate the feast of St Anthony of Padua, patron saint of the Croatian Catholic Centre (HKC) in Geelong. The event was a heartfelt display of faith, unity, and tradition. It drew pilgrims from across Melbourne and Geelong, all devoted to St Anthony.
Pilgrims Unite from Across the State
The celebration saw faithful Catholics travelling from all major Croatian Catholic Centres – Springvale, Sunshine, and Clifton Hill. Many arrived in buses organised especially for the occasion. The church was completely filled, a beautiful sight to behold. Prayer began with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, in honor of the revered St Anthony.
A Solemn Mass Led by Croatian Clergy
The solemn Mass was led by Don Stipica Lešić, and concelebrated by several priests from the Croatian Catholic community:
Fr Vedran Lešić, parish priest of HKC Springvale and HKC Geelong,
Don Dino Mustafi, from HKC Sunshine,
Mons. Bosiljko Rajić, from HKZ Clifton Hill and
Fr Velimir Maglica.
Fr Vedran Lešić greeted the gathered faithful and his fellow clergy with warm words. He highlighted the tradition of celebrating St Anthony’s feast day in Geelong. This tradition was upheld even this year, despite it coinciding with the Feast of the Holy Trinity. This day dedicated to St Anthony was marked by unity.
Unique sacred treasures in Australia
A deeply moving and sacred moment during the Mass was the opportunity to pray before one of Australia’s most unique sacred treasures – the First-Class Relic of St Anthony, displayed on the altar. This precious relic is housed in the Chapel of St Anthony at the Croatian Catholic Centre in Geelong. It contains actual fragments of the saint’s bones (ex ossibus), making it one of the most significant types of relics in the Catholic Church. It is the only relic of St Anthony in all of Australia. Its presence added a powerful spiritual dimension to the celebration. For many in the Croatian Catholic community and faithful across the country, venerating this relic was a moment of grace, connection, and deep reverence. It further linked them with St Anthony.
A Homily to Reflect On
Don Stipica’s homily left many in the congregation deep in thought. He spoke about our lives and families as reflections of the Holy Trinity and encouraged everyone to live in a way that mirrors God’s divine love and unity.
He also shared a powerful message about the uniqueness of saints and people alike. “Even though we all have our favourite saints,” he said, “we shouldn’t compare them – just as we shouldn’t compare people.’
God didn’t make all saints the same, and likewise, each of us is unique. Let us be who we truly are. This is a reminder to embrace our individuality instead of falling into the trap of comparison, much like the variety seen among different saints including St Anthony.
A Festive Feast at AHD Geelong
Following the Mass, the celebration continued at AHD Geelong (Croatian Club Geelong), where a traditional community lunch was held. Around 300 guests gathered in the beautifully decorated hall to enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious home-style food. Lively entertainment was provided by the band Zlatne Strune. This day of celebrating St Anthony triumphantly concluded with a feast.
More Celebrations at the Croatian Community Centre Geelong
At the same time, another festive lunch took place at the Croatian Community Centre of Geelong, where the large function hall was packed with cheerful pilgrims. Guests were treated to a hearty meal – from soup, sarma, and roasts to traditional desserts and coffee. All while enjoying music by the popular group 4 Kuma. Pilgrims honored St Anthony as they indulged in these delights.
A Feast Celebrated Across the Nation
Celebrations of St Anthony’s feast day were held in numerous other Croatian Catholic communities and parishes across Australia as well. Reports from these joyful events will follow soon. One thing is clear – no matter where they are, Croatians continue to honor and pray to one of the most beloved saints in the world: St Anthony of Padua has a widespread following.
The Second Edition of Vjesnik Monthly Is Here!
Hrvatski Vjesnik also had its special moment — with the release of the second issue of the monthly magazine! A special promotion was held outside the church and later at the Centre. It offered future subscribers an exclusive discount on the annual subscription. Subscribers received a complimentary copy of the latest edition. The magazine’s release coincided with St Anthony’s feast.
