Volunteer: St James's Day has brought together a bilingual parish

In the coastal town of Dobrovnik, a bilingual parish celebrated the feast day of Saint James the Elder with a series of religious ceremonies throughout July. The festivities, which began on June 6th and continued through July 11th, included an oratory for the faithful, a gathering for the elderly and isolated, and a solemn mass at Marija’s tree in Radmožanci. On Tuesday, July 21st, another mass was held at the Memorial Cross in Hetiška, followed by a mass led by Bishop Dr. Janez Kozinc on Sunday, July 25th, during the feast of Saint James. The celebration reached its peak on Sunday, July 26th, with a central liturgical service led by the bishop, who also blessed the newly restored parish hall and the transportation means during Christ’s Day. He expressed gratitude to Father Simon Štihc and the congregation for their careful maintenance of the church and parish hall, highlighting their complex coexistence despite using different languages both in worship and daily life. The celebrations were part of the traditional observance of Saint James the Elder, a patron saint of the region, and reflected the unique cultural and linguistic identity of the bilingual parish. The parish, located in Dobrovnik, serves a community that speaks both Slovenian and another language, typically Italian or Croatian, depending on the area. This linguistic diversity has shaped the parish's approach to religious services and community engagement, ensuring that all members feel represented and included. The events underscored the importance of interfaith and interlinguistic cooperation within the local faith community. Throughout the week of celebrations, additional masses were held at the Memorial Cross in Hetiška, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the location and its historical ties to the region. The participation of multiple clergy members, including three priests, highlighted the collaborative nature of the parish activities. These gatherings served not only as acts of devotion but also as opportunities for social connection among the residents, particularly those who might otherwise feel isolated. The role of the bishop was central to the festivities, as he presided over the main ceremony and delivered a blessing that symbolized unity and renewal. His remarks emphasized the dedication of the parishioners and acknowledged the challenges they face in maintaining harmony amidst linguistic differences. The bishop’s presence added a level of authority and recognition to the parish’s efforts, affirming its place within the broader ecclesiastical structure. The renewed focus on the parish hall and its restoration marked a tangible step towards strengthening the physical space where these communal activities take place. The blessing of the transportation means during Christ’s Day further illustrated the parish’s commitment to supporting the mobility and accessibility of its members, especially those living in more remote areas. Such gestures reflect the practical and spiritual dimensions of the parish’s mission. As the celebrations concluded, the community remained united in its shared faith and cultural heritage. The events in Dobrovnik exemplified how religious traditions can adapt to and embrace the complexities of a multilingual society, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. The future of the parish will likely continue to involve similar initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing the community’s spiritual and social fabric.