The Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini presented his book “The Story of Josip Stadler, the First Archbishop of Sarajevo” during a special gathering at St. Jerome’s Croatian Catholic Mission in Johannesburg. The presentation brought together members of the Croatian Catholic community, clergy, and diplomats.
Faith through History
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Marin Dašek, welcomed the guests and reflected on the significance of the event.
“This book does not only speak about Archbishop Stadler,” he said, “but about the faith of a people who endured persecution and suffering. It reminds us that in difficult times, faith remains our answer and our strength.”
In his address, Archbishop Henryk M. Jagodziński, expressed gratitude to the Croatian community for their warm welcome. He noted that the book was “more than text and historical research – it is a part of my life.”
Citing the Latin phrase Habent sua fata libelli (“Books have their own destiny”), he reflected on how a written work takes on new life when it reaches others:
“The destiny of a book is not only in the hands of its author. Once it goes among people, it flows into their souls, their memories, their experiences, and their prayers. What began in silence, before the tomb of an archbishop, now meets your eyes, your thoughts, and your hearts.”
A Shepherd Who Still Speaks
The Nuncio recalled his years serving at the Apostolic Nunciature in Sarajevo, where he often visited the tomb of Archbishop Josip Stadler.
“I often prayed at Stadler’s tomb,” he said. “Not as a historian or diplomat, but as a man who seeks. Each time, I felt I was not standing before the tomb of a man of the past, but before a life that still speaks.”
Describing Stadler as “a shepherd in the Gospel sense,” Archbishop Jagodziński said the late prelate “did not flee from the wounds of his people, but carried them on his shoulders.” His life, he added, was marked by prayer, simplicity, and compassion for the poor and abandoned.
A Story Still Unfolding
In a message recorded by the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Communications Office, Archbishop Jagodziński explained how the idea for the book was born. While serving in Sarajevo, he noticed fresh flowers placed daily at Stadler’s tomb — a small act that stirred his curiosity and led to years of research and reflection.
“At first, I wrote short articles for my diocesan website,” he said. “Later, I decided to put them together and tell the fuller story. The book was first published in Polish, then translated into Croatian, and now an English edition is being prepared. It is not just a historical work but a piece of my own life.”
Gratitude and Blessing
Archbishop Jagodziński thanked those who supported the Croatian edition, including the Sisters of the Servants of the Infant Jesus under Sr. Marija Anđa Vranješ, Don Marijan Zubak, Mons. Pavle Jurišić, and all who contributed to the translation and publication.
“Thank you for receiving me not as a guest, but as a brother,” he said in conclusion. “May the Lord, through the intercession of the Servant of God Josip Stadler, bless you, your families, and your people.”
The afternoon concluded with fraternal discussions among participants, who reflected on the enduring legacy of Archbishop Stadler — a man whose faith, humility, and pastoral love continue to inspire believers today.
Availability of the Book
The book “The Story of Josip Stadler, the First Archbishop of Sarajevo” is available through the Croatian Catholic Mission of St. Jerome in Johannesburg and through the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria. All proceeds from sales will support the Croatian Mission of St. Jerome in Johannesburg.
The Croatian Catholic Mission of St. Jerome is the only Croatian church on the African continent, serving as the central spiritual and cultural hub for the Croatian community in South Africa.
For now, the book is available only in Croatian. The English edition is scheduled to be launched in 2026, according to the Apostolic Nuncio.
