Rijeka, December 16, 2000 (IKA) — Today in the Rijeka Cathedral of St. Vitus (sv. Vid), Dr. Ivan Devčić was ordained as the first archbishop of Rijeka in the presence of 23 archbishops and bishops, including Archbishop Cardinal Vinko Puljić of Sarajevo, the papal nuncio in the Republic of Croatia, Archbishop Giulio Einuadi, and representatives of the episcopates of Slovenia and Italy. The main celebrant was the archbishop of Zagreb and president of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Msgr. Josip Bozanić, who was joined in by approximately 150 priests. Among those attending were representatives of state, municipal and county governments, scientific institutions, cultural life, the military and the police, in addition to many of the faithful.
Following the proclamation of the Word of God, the Apostolic document on the archbishop’s appointment was read aloud and shown to the council of advisers of the Rijeka Archdiocese.
Expressing joy on this occasion as “a guarantee of the apostolic heritage in the Church,” during the sermon Msgr. Bozanić greeted all the guests and particularly singled out the retired archbishop of the former Rijeka-Senj Archdiocese, Josip Pavlišić, and mentioned the recently deceased archbishop of Rijeka-Senj, Anton Tamarut. Archbishop Bozanić also greeted the new archbishop’s mother, Kata, who attended the celebration, as well as his brothers, sisters and numerous relatives from Krasno. “My dear friend, Ivan. The Gospel reading presents an outline for your life. You are beloved and outgoing, full of compassion for human suffering, open to dialogue and worthy of confidence. Those who know you are joyful due to the appointment you received from the Holy Father. You will serve this family of the Rijeka Archdiocese from now on like a father, like a good shepherd,” said Archbishop Bozanić. “Your mission will be to spread joy and hope during the Third Millennium, in our dear city of Rijeka, the Rijeka Archdiocese, Croatia and the Catholic Church. You will do this with the joy and authority of one who knows he is speaking in the name of Christ the Lord. Christ has sent us to be heralds and witnesses of the Gospel of Hope,” added Msgr. Bozanić, welcoming Archbishop Devčić to the conference of bishops and citing the example of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, who placed his trust in God during the most difficult moments of his service as the archbishop of Zagreb. The act of ordination followed the sermon, when the main celebrant and concelebrants Bishop Ivan Milovan of Poreč-Pula and Bishop Mile Bogović of Gospić-Senj placed their hands on the head of the new archbishop, followed by all the other bishops, after which Archbishop Bozanić conducted the new archbishop of Rijeka and metropolitan bishop to the episcopal throne, who from this point onward presided over the celebration of the Mass. At the end, of the Mass, Archbishop Devčić was congratulated by Papal Nuncio Einaudi, who conveyed greetings from the Holy Father and also thanked Msgr. Ivan Šporčić for having served as the diocesan administrator. On behalf of the priests and cathedral chapter, Msgr. Stanko Kovačić greeted the archbishop. Dr. Aldo Valković, a distinguished ophthamologist, greeted Archbishop Devčić on behalf of the faithful. “We have confidence in you and rejoice in this appointment. We believe in your goodness, strength and wisdom,” said Dr. Valković.
On behalf of the president and Government of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Goran Granić, president of the Government Commission for Relations with Religious Communities, conveyed greetings. Referring to the end of the last century during which the Croatian nation survived much suffering, but fulfilled the ancient dream of an independent Croatian state, Dr. Granić asked where the enthusiasm and pride had disappeared which had been present when the new country was created. He said that during the past decade, the life of our homeland had lost a sense of solidarity and trust. “Thomas was given precedence over Peter. Thomas became the trademark of politics, people in the media and public life. Fathers, archbishops and bishops, even in your public appearances and in previous appearances by representatives of the Church, Thomas has been frequently ahead of Peter. We share responsibility for the situation today in Croatia. Father, Archbishop, before us is a new century, a new chance but also new responsibility for all of us. Let us try, each in his own place, to put our confidence in Peter once again, to restore mutual trust and solidarity. Otherwise, there is no positive energy and prosperity for Croatia,” said Dr. Granić.
At the end, Archbishop Devčić thanked all those present and said: “When I was deciding whether to accept the position of bishop, many questions welled up within me, including what I should do without students, without my department and lectures. What should I do without the pleasant society of my fellow professors, without participating in various scientific gatherings? All of this would be difficult to continue in the office of bishop, and it was precisely in such activities that I have spent most of my life until now. There came to me a moment of inspiration and the impulse to ask myself about what was the essential thing I wanted to teach students, explain to them in lectures, present in various written treatises. Was this not the most ancient philosophical question of the Origin, Unity and Purpose of all things? Then came the following questions. Had I not done this as a priest? Would I not do this as a bishop? What shall I teach others except that the God of Jesus Christ is the Beginning, Life and Purpose of all things, the alpha and omega of everything, that we live, move and are in Him.” Archbishop Devčić stated that his motto, “Christ, our Hope,” would be the motto of his work in fidelity to the Gospel.
In an expression of gratitude, Msgr. Devčić placed flowers on the tomb of the deceased (arch)bishops of Rijeka and then gave his blessing. The faithful in the packed Rijeka Cathedral responded with thunderous applause.