Blessed Alojzije Stepinac Biography
Blessed Alojzije Stepinac Biography, Feast Day, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Profession, Place of Work, Date of Death, Place of Death, Beatification Date, Canonization Date |
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| Date of Birth | 8 May 1898 |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Croatia of Europe |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | Blesseds who were Bishops |
| Profession | Missionary work |
| Place of Work | Croatia |
| Date of Death | 10 February 1960 |
| Place of Death | Krasic, Croatia |
| Feast Day | February 10 |
| Beatification | Beatified by Pope John Paul II on 3 October 1998 |
| Canonization | Canonized by N/A |
| Patron Saint of | N/A |
Blessed Alojzije Stepinac Biography
Stepinac was raised in a large Catholic family in Croatia, the family of Josip and Barbara. On 26 June 1916, he graduated from high school where he later joined the Australian army during the First World War. He was then arrested but later released in 1918.
He went to study Agriculture in Zagreb, Croatia and returned to work in his home grounds. Later in the days, he realized a calling to the priesthood despite his urge for marriage. Joined College and attained a doctorate in Theology and philosophy at Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. At 26, he was ordained a parish priest in the archdiocese of Zagreb where he worked closely with the poor.
On 29 May 1934, he was appointed the Co-adjutor Archbishop of Zagreb by Pope Pius XI. He created 12 new parishes, established close relations with lay associations and the youth, and helped in protecting church rights, promoted Catholic press.
He succeeded Bauer as the archbishop on December 7, 1937. In 936, there was a regime of Nazism which prompted him to have a committee helping people flee the region. He stood a staunch Human rights defender and found the Action for Assistance to Jewish Refugees in 1938.
During the war, he helped many people to hideouts, mainly Jews, In monasteries and other places within the church set up of which some remained there throughout the war. In 1945, the Nazism had been oppressed by the Yugoslavians.
Stepinac published a letter denouncing the arrest of priests by communists which led to his first arrest. When the Archbishop was released, The Yugoslavian leader Broz Tito tried to persuade Stepinac to have the Catholic Church in Croatia separate from Rome.
The Yugoslavian Bishops issued a letter referred as the promises made and broken on 22 September 1945 on the governments disrespect on freedom of conscience, religion and private ownership of property.
They demanded freedom for Catholic press, schools and Catholic association. The media launch led to an attack on the church.
In September 1946, he was in for trial for defending the unity of the Catholic Church in Croatia and Rome. However, the pope objected the trial and the members of the Jewish community residing in the United States protested.
On October 11, 1946, He was sentenced for 16 years imprisonment with hard labor and loss of civil rights. Later on 5 December 1951, he fell ill forcing the authorities to move him to a home arrest in Krasic.
He was made the cardinal by Pope Pius XII on 12 January 1953. Stepinac retained his position until his death which is suspected to be the government’s plan to eliminate him.
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