Monsignor Juraj Dobrila's remains buried in Poreč Cathedral

A solemn mass celebration and burial ceremony of the remains of Monsignor Juraj Dobrila, the greatest Croatian revivalist in Istria in the second half of the 19th century, was held in the Poreč Cathedral.

After several attempts, the remains of Bishop Juraj Dobrila were transferred from the Trieste cemetery to Croatia, to the Euphrasian Basilica.

Juraj Dobrila was also the Bishop of Trieste, a fighter for the rights of Croats in Istria, a patron and benefactor. He supported the education of young people from poor Istrian families.

“A great thing for us Istrians, for the Catholic Church in Croatia. For me, he is a saint,” said a believer.

“From such a small child to such a strong man. Everyone should be given strength from a young age,” emphasized the believer.

“God wanted this to happen in the jubilee year on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his move from Poreč to Trieste. In our time, precisely so that he may speak to us clearly and loudly, as he spoke at that time,” emphasized Monsignor Ivan Štironja, Bishop of Poreč and Pula

“This is truly a great event, both in terms of the church, but I would say also nationally and in terms of identity. Bishop Dobrila's wish to be buried in his own country is being fulfilled. We know how important he was, not only as a bishop, as a priest, a spiritual leader, but also as a true educator, a promoter of education and culture. That is why so many schools and universities in Istria bear his name,” said Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Culture and Media.

Source: HRT