Rijeka, (IKA) – On Friday, July 13, at the Residence of the Archbishop of Rijeka, Archbishop Ivan Devčić was presented with the Order of the Star of Italy, which was conferred upon him by the President of the Republic of Italy for his many years of promoting friendly relations and cooperation with the Italian national minority in the city of Rijeka. The order was awarded to Archbishop Devčić by the Consul General of the Republic of Italy in Rijeka, Paolo Palminteri.

Consul General Palminteri emphasized that the Archbishop of Rijeka has provided concrete support to Catholics of the Italian national minority in all situations and made a great contribution to the development of friendly relations between Croatia and Italy, commenting on Msgr. Devčić’s generosity, tolerance and humility. “His charism reminds me of that of Pope Benedict XVI,” said the Consul General.

Archbishop Devčić said that when he heard that he would be receiving this recognition, he first asked what the reason was, since in the Catholic Church there are no differences in ministry to the faithful of various national identities. In other words, the Church has been sent to proclaim the Word of God to everyone and be at the service of all the faithful, regardless of their territorial, national or other affiliations. He spoke of the inextricable bond between the Croatian and Italian citizens and believers in the territories of the city of Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, which is evident in various fields of endeavor. Namely, in the territory of the Archdiocese of Rijeka are several priests of Italian ancestry, as well as those who were educated in Italy, who speak Italian well and are always ready to serve the the Italian community in Rijeka, whether by conducting Masses in the cathedral in Rijeka or other forms of ministry to the Italian faithful. Archbishop Devčić also mentioned the Italian cathedral choir, Coro Fedeli Fiumani, which has enhanced Masses conducted in the Italian language for years and collaborates with the other parish choirs in the Archdiocese of Rijeka, adding that the cooperation between the Archdiocese of Rijeka and the Italian community is not limited to the liturgical-church domain but also includes the general cultural area, through various musical-cultural events held in the cathedral in Rijeka, as well as the education of students at four elementary schools and one Italian secondary school.

“The bond of the Croatian nation with the Italian nation, as well as with the other national minorities in this region, has deep historical, social, cultural and educational roots. It is precisely this bond and the coexistence among citizens of various national groups that make this city so special, because diversity lives here in unity, thereby contributing to the general identity of the city, which for the past two years has held the prestigious title of a European Capital of Culture. I once again thank President Sergio Mattarella of the Republic of Italy, Consul General Palminteri, the Italian Union and the Italian community of the city of Rijeka for the recognition afforded to myself and the Archdiocese of Rijeka. In the coming years, it is my hope that all of us will cultivate those values that enhance and build our life together for the good of us all, our city and the whole county.”
Mayor Vojko Obersnel of Rijeka congratulated Archbishop Devčić and thanked the President of the Republic of Italy for recognizing the archbishop’s work, observing that the recognition went to the right person. Archbishop Devčić has done much to build the identity of Rijeka as a city where all are welcome, regardless of religious or other affiliation, said Mayor Obersnel.

The award ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the President of the County Assembly, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Rijeka, the Rector of the University of Rijeka, the Rector of the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Mother Superior of the Society of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus, the Director of the Italian school, the President of the Coro Fedeli Fiumani Cathedral Choir, priests who minister to the faithful of the Italian national minority and others.