Croatian community in New York celebrates Stepinčevo
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
By Fra Nikola Pašalić
On Sunday, 9 February 2025, the Croatian parish of Saints Cyril and Methodius and Saint Raphael in New York celebrated the feast day of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, known as “Stepinčevo.”
The solemn mass was led by New York’s Archbishop and Metropolitan, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, alongside parish priest Fra Nikola Pašalić, Don Josip Tadić from the Parish of St. Dominic in Goržad, and other clergy members.
The celebration saw active participation from the parish’s youth, including members of the Kolo Group and Croatian School, named “Cardinal Stepinac.”
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
Several Croatian diplomatic representatives attended the mass, including Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić-Radman, Croatian Ambassador to Washington D.C. Pjer Šimunović, and Consul General in New York Nikica Kopačević.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
Cardinal Dolan expressed his gratitude for being invited to this important event, acknowledging the significance of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac to the Croatian community.
During his homily, he reflected on Stepinac’s legacy, recalling his own school days when he first learned about the Croatian cardinal’s sacrifices and deep faith.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
He highlighted Stepinac’s unwavering dedication to prayer, charity, and his love for his homeland. Dolan emphasized that Stepinac was not a nationalist in an exclusionary sense but a defender of freedom and human dignity.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
“Stepinac defended others and their freedom of religion and expression. He also protected Jews, Serbs, and others during challenging times and stood firmly against both Nazi and Communist regimes. Stepinac refused to bow to any ideology. For him, only God was to be worshipped, while the homeland and fellow human beings were to be respected,” said Cardinal Dolan.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
Stepinac’s imprisonment and suffering were a testament to his unshakable faith. Despite being poisoned in prison, he remained steadfast in his beliefs.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
“Stepinac was a man of principles, a symbol of perseverance and goodness even in the darkest moments. His example is for all of us, not just Croatians,” Dolan noted. He concluded his sermon by invoking Stepinac’s intercession for strength and faithfulness.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
Following the mass, a cultural programme was held in the parish hall, featuring performances by the Kolo Group and Croatian School. Cardinal Dolan also met with parishioners and spoke with Minister Grlić-Radman, who urged the Croatian diaspora to be proud ambassadors of their heritage and faith in their adopted homeland.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
The event was a heartfelt tribute to Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, reinforcing the unity and devotion of the Croatian community in New York.
(Photo credit: Davor Kokić)
