History belongs to those who love...

Within a short period of time the city of Koper, with a population of 27,000, has undergone a radical change. Once it was a traditional Catholic town; now it has become a cosmopolitan city of many different religions and, indeed, also much non-belief. This article, written in 1991, describes the experience of the Catholic parish which now finds itself in contact with others of different creeds, beliefs and non-belief.

Darja Licen

Koper, an ancient episcopal see, has had a very eventful history, due particularly to its strategic location on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and bordering the Italian frontier. At the end of the Second World War it became part of Yugoslavia and gained a significant socio-political standing due both to its coastal location and the influx of Italians and other refugees of varying ethnic backgrounds. The population tripled and the very character of the town changed with differences emerging in dress, language and religion. Within a few decades the town's socio-religious infrastructure had altered completely, but not merely because of immigration. The Marxist government too had a considerable influence. A large proportion of the city's inhabitants now declared themselves to be atheists either out of conviction or out of opportunism.

It was not easy for the Catholics nor for those of other professions of faith to remain coherent in the practice of their religious convictions. While Catholics retained their ancient churches, they were a particular «target» of the Communist regime's tactics. Other religions were not subjected to the same degree of intimidation, due mainly to the fact that they did not have any places of worship.

At a certain point the Catholic parish began to draw its strength from the spirituality of the Focolare. On the one hand, the charism of this Movement, unity, nourished the communion among Catholics and, on the other hand, opened them to ecumenism with Christians of other churches, dialogue with believers of other religions and a sincere relationship with those who declared themselves to be atheist and, indeed, with those who persecuted them.

Given that the community of the Catholic Church was the most numerous and most organised, those who were in need came to them for help. This was the case, for example, for the immigrant workers and their families. The Catholic community welcomed them without distinction of faith, seeing in every needy person the presence of Christ who knocks on the door. This revived the faith of Catholics, brought them into a good light in the eyes of all, and, naturally, resulted in even greater persecution by the Communist regime.

Communion and collaboration among Catholics and Orthodox

At a certain point the Catholic community noticed that it was not enough just to try and satisfy material needs. The Orthodox Church needed a place of worship and in 1977 the parish was able to offer them a chapel. From that moment onwards the two communities often came together on festive occasions. The following year, the Orthodox Bishop, who came to visit his parish and establish the new parish, pointed out, together with the Catholic Bishop, how a fraternal link united both parishes while still respecting their differences. Later on, the Orthodox community grew and so a new, bigger church was offered to them. On the 12 May 1986, the church of St. Martha was officially handed over to the Orthodox community.

News of the cooperation between Catholics and Orthodox aroused interest both in the press and on television. An interview with the two priests of the parishes, the Catholic and Orthodox, was relayed in various cities and even in Belgrade and it is said that it contributed to a better relationship between the two communities in the country.

Friendly and fraternal relationships with the Muslims

The growing presence of Muslims looking for work also attracted the attention of the Catholics. Initially, the contacts were difficult. First of all, they were offered a parish hall, where they could meet to pray. They accepted but it was so difficult to believe that Catholics would do this without some ulterior motive that the Muslims remained somewhat on the defensive, afraid of the danger of proselytism. In 1984 they were given the use of a round room—the ancient baptistry of the city—which was a bit like a mosque. It was the month of Ramadan, the month of prayer and fasting in preparation for the great celebration of the Bairam. It was lovely to see how every evening men and women of all ages would come to pray in this round room.

For the great celebration itself the Muslims invited the Catholics who went along with the Bishop's permission. They all sat on the ground and listened with great respect to the songs, prayers, and the reading of some passages from the Koran which praised the great God. The Muslims prayed to the «Lord of the universe, good and merciful» and asked for help to set them off and persevere on the right path.

And this was the common ground, the meeting point for them all: the merciful God, Father of all. Following this, the Muslims were extremely grateful to the Catholics for the spirit of understanding which had been shown to the Islamic community.

Shortly afterwards, two men from the Supreme Muslim Presidency in Yugoslavia, who were on their way from Sarajevo to Ljubljana in order to look into the possibility of the construction of a mosque, came to Koper just to thank the Catholics for what they had done for them. They pointed out that their religion teaches that all believers are brothers and sisters and concluded by saying that in this city, where they were strangers, they were able to experience this fraternity with Catholics.

The parish priest responded by saying that we Christians too feel called by God to live universal fraternity by respecting every one's faith. They were then presented with a gift of the Koran with the Supreme President's signature and dedication: «For your fraternal understanding shown towards the Islamic community.» A letter arrived soon afterwards with the following words: «We sincerely thank the good God who gave you a Christian heart so open and warm as to enable you to find room for us too in your house. May God, rich in mercy, fill you with every good gift.»

The friendly and fraternal relationships continue. On the occasion of the various festivities of both communities there is always an exchange of greetings. Every now and then the parish also offers a small hall where religion can be taught to the children and young people. They are surprised that Catholics are open to accomodating their needs. What's more, the hall has been decorated for them. And they too have contributed to the costs. In fact, the Muslims made a collection to contribute also to the costs of the construction of a church in a new area of the city. The Catholics had waited for years to obtain permission to construct this church. When the Muslims were thanked for this practical gesture of solidarity, they answered by saying that the money was given by the Muslims to God and could be used for no other purpose. Whether it be in constructing a mosque or constructing a church, for them those walls were still sacred walls. The Muslims also came to help in the work.

A witness to non-believers

This fraternal cooperation between Muslims and Catholics was a positive witness also for those who considered themselves non-religious. There is one particular event which expresses this. On May 15th the formerly Communist city council decided to give public recognition to the Catholic community by bestowing the prize of «person of the year» on the parish priest. The President of the Republic was present. The reasons given for the award were as follows: «...for the work with young people, care of the sick and elderly, commitment to the preservation of the cultural heritage and finally, for the great contribution to the ecumenical field in the building up of new, open and practical relationships with the Orthodox and Muslims.» On that occasion, people who had nothing to do with the Church wanted to be involved and express their congratulations.

A new relationship which has endured even in the midst of war

Perhaps because they have been built up over many years, the relationships between the Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims at Koper have remained particularly good even in the recent period which is so difficult on account of the absurd fratricidal war which spreads hatred everywhere. It is precisely in this context, so prone to suspicion and estrangement, that the extraordinary value of fraternity has emerged even more strongly. As well as Croat and Catholic refugees, Serb Orthodox refugees too, who have come to stay with their relations, have been welcomed and helped without distinction.

Christmas last year was particularly special for us. The Birth of Our Lord is celebrated on a different date by the Catholics and the Orthodox. Consequently it was possible for each group to participate in the celebration of the other. At the Orthodox Christmas celebration, their priest, a Serb, in the presence of various Catholics including the Bishop and parish priest and—for the first time—the presence of some Muslims, expressed his wish for a true and lasting peace between the various ethnic groups. He referred to Jesus who came on this earth to bring reciprocal love and unity to all men and women.

By inviting all those present to work together to realise this great plan, he concluded by saying that «history belongs to those who love. And even if, in days like these, love might seem to be a pebble cast into the sea, the power of its concentric waves cannot but push forward towards a new shore.»