Milas in Argentina: Faith Is the Force That Unites Croats Around the World

For decades, the Church has been one of the most important pillars of Croatian communities around the world. Its role in preserving faith, identity and a sense of belonging is more important than ever. This was the message delivered by Zvonko Milas, State Secretary at the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, in an interview with Glas Hrvatske in Córdoba, Argentina.

Milas particularly highlighted the importance of priests, while also stressing the need for greater involvement by laypeople and Croatian associations in community life, as Croatian communities abroad continue to shrink.

The Church as a pillar of Croatian communities

Speaking about the importance of the Church to Croats living abroad, Milas stressed that throughout history it has been much more than simply a place of worship. In many Croatian communities, priests have brought people together, safeguarded their faith and helped preserve their national identity.

He noted that efforts continue to support church communities and projects that hold particular significance for Croats living outside their homeland.

As an example, he pointed to the Diocese of Srijem, where, he said, the work of Bishop Fabijan Svalina is creating new opportunities for the local Croatian community to come together and strengthen its presence.

A new chapter for the Croatian community in Srijem

Milas particularly emphasised the importance of projects undertaken by the Diocese of Srijem, which aim to further strengthen the religious, cultural and social life of the Croatian community.

One such initiative is the Domus Dimitrianum project in Sremska Mitrovica, envisioned as a centre for spiritual, cultural and other community activities. The project is of strategic importance for preserving Croatian identity in the region.

Reflecting on the Croatian community in Srijem, Milas recalled the hardships its members have endured over the decades in their efforts to preserve their faith, identity and ties with their homeland.

He stressed that new initiatives bring hope and offer opportunities to strengthen community ties, while laying the foundations for the future.

Fewer priests, but their role remains irreplaceable

In his interview with Glas Hrvatske, Milas also addressed the declining number of priests, who for decades have played a crucial role in organising Croatian communities abroad.

Asked how laypeople and Croatian associations could help preserve religious life, he said their involvement was extremely important, but stressed that priests remained irreplaceable.

"Priests are essential. Without them, much would not be possible. We probably wouldn't have such well-organised Croatian communities in Australia and North America," Milas said.

He added that Croatian communities in South America, including those in Córdoba, Argentina, were also facing the challenge of declining membership.

Faith and unity provide strength for the future

Despite these challenges, Milas believes that faith can serve as an additional source of encouragement for Croatian communities to remain connected and continue preserving the heritage passed down by previous generations.

He called for greater unity, prayer and community gatherings, emphasising the importance of living and bearing witness to one's faith.

"Numbers are declining everywhere; there are fewer and fewer of us. But that is precisely why I believe we need to turn even more towards God," he said.

He also stressed that a strong sense of community and mutual support could encourage those considering a vocation to the priesthood to take on responsibility for the future of church communities.

"I believe that this sense of unity will also give strength to those considering taking up this cross and bearing witness to their faith," Zvonko Milas concluded in his interview with Glas Hrvatske.