St. Jerome Centennial Yearbook - Croatian Franciscans in USA and [PDF]

IN MEMORIAM SAINT JEROME CROATIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY PRIESTS, NUNS, STAFF, PARISHIONERS AND OUR REV. BONAVENTURE, OFM MATTHEW MENA-MINNIE HONORABLE MICHAEL CHICAGO ALDERMAN AND MAYOR ILLINOIS APPELLATE COURT JUSTICE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE CLASS OF 1936

THE BILANDIC FAMILY

100 Years of Faith, Family and Tradition 90 Years of Grammar School Education 100 godina zajednice Duha 90 godina ãkole Sv. Jeronima 3

2G9DãLKIUDQMHYDFD Hrvatska åXSDVY-HURQLPD 2823 S. Princeton Ave. Cardinal Stepinac Way Chicago, IL 60616 Tel: 312-842-1871 Fax: 312-842-6427 www.stjeromecroatian.org

Dragi prijatelji! 'XJMHQDãSXW6WRWLQXJRGLQDåLYRWD6WRWLQXJRGLQD]DMHGQLãWYDVDNUDPHQDWDVODYOMDVWRW LQXJRGLQXSRGLMHOMHQLKUDGRVQLKLWHãNLKWUHQXWDND2YRPSULJRGRPJRYRULPR*RVSRGLQXKYDOD]D VYXVQDJX]DVYHOMXGH]DVYHVYHüHQLNHVHVWUH]DVYHåXSOMDQHLSULMDWHOMHNRMLVXåLYRWRPVYRMLP SLVDOLSRYLMHVWRYHåXSHNUR]VWRWLQXJRGLQD2GQHGMHOMHSURVLQFDGRQHGMHOMHWUDYQMD SURãORMHYLãHRGGDQD =DVYDNLWDMGDQJRYRULPR*RVSRGLQXKYDOD6D]DKYDOQRãüXVHVMHüDPRQDãLKSRþHWDND]D ]DKYDOQRãüXVHVMHüDPROMXGLNRMLVXSXQLOLQDãHFUNYHQHNOXSHRUJDQL]LUDOLGRJDÿDMHVXGMHORYDOLX JUDGQML ]DMHGQLFH  MHU VX RYGMH X åXSL 6Y -HURQLPD X &KLFDJX SURQDãOL VYRM GXKRYQL GRP GRP GXãHPMHVWRJGMHVHRVMHüDMXGREURGRãOLJGMHVXNRGNXüH*HQHUDFLMHQDãLKåXSOMDQDRVWDOHVX RYGMH D JHQHUDFLMH NRMH VX IL]LþNL GDOMH RG 6YHWRJ -HURQLPD RVWDOH VX SRYH]DQH V QMLP MHU GRP GXãHRVWDMHXYLMHNEOL]XQMH .DNRMHYHOLNLWRGDU$]DGDUVDPRPRåHPRUHüLKYDODäLYMHOLVPRXGYLMHFUNYHVODYLOLVPR 9HOLNX *RVSXRG SRþHWND VWROMHüD RUJDQL]LUDOL GXKRYQH NXOWXUQH GRPROMXEQH VRFLMDOQHVSRUWVNH GRJDÿDMHXYLMHNLPDMXüLSULVUFXGREUR]DMHGQLFHJGMHWDOHQWLGROD]HGRL]UDåDMDLJGMHMHOMXEDYWH PHOMQL]DNRQåLYRWD+UYDWVNXVPRVDQMDOLþH]QXOL]DQMHQLPLPHQRPQDNDUWLVYLMHWDLUDGLOLQDRVW YDUHQMXVQDL]SDWQMHQDãLKRGOD]DND'RSULQRVRYH]DMHGQLFHMHQHPMHUOMLYULMHþLPDMHUMHKRGDODV ,VWLQRPWUDåHüL3UDYGXVYMHVQDGD'REURXYLMHNQDNUDMXSRELMHGL,LVSLVDODMHVYRMXSRYLMHVWRYGMH GRVWRMDQVWYHQRLKUDEURVDþXYDYãL1DGX]DJRGLQHNRMHGROD]H ,]]DKYDOQRVWL]DQDãLKVWRJRGLQDåHOLPRLüLQDSULMHGKRGDWLV*RVSRGLQRPWUDåHüLQMHJRYX PXGURVWLPLORVWåLYMHWLQMHJRYPLULNDNRUHþHVYHWL)UDQMRQDVWDYLWL³GDYDWLNDNRELVPRSULPLOL´MHUX GDULYDQMXMHOMHSRWDSXWRYDQMDQDãLPGDQLPD Stoga, zahvalni za sve Vas, za svaku osobu, svaku obitelj, svako ime, svaki dar, molimo GoVSRGLQDGDQDVVDþXYD]DMHGQRGDVYLPLRYGMHLGDOMHSURQDOD]LPRQDãGRPGXãHLJUDGLPRGREDU svijet dobrim primjerom ove zajednice. Neka vam Gospodin daruje svoj mir i svoj blagoslov! 9DãLIUD-R]R*UEHãL)UD,YDQ6WUPHþNL

From Your Croatian Franciscans at St. -HURPH·V 2823 S. Princeton Ave. Cardinal Stepinac Way Chicago, IL 60616 Tel: 312-842-1871 Fax: 312-842-6427 www.stjeromecroatian.org Dear Friends,

Our journey is long. 100 years of life! One hundred years of community, sacraments, celebrations, and 100 years of sharing the good and bad events of life. We take this opportunity to thank Our Lord for his strength and for all the people who made it possible for us to celebrate this jubilee: all the priests, sisters, parishioners, and friends of our parish who, by their lives, helped to write the history of this parish. More than 36,000 days have passed from December of 1912 to April 29, 2012. We thank God for every one of those days. With gratitude we remember our beginning, and reflect on all the people who filled our church pews, organized events, conWULEXWHG LQ EXLOGLQJ WKLV SDULVK FRPPXQLW\ RI 6W -HURPH¶V LQ &KLFDJR  7KLV SODFH LV where many have found their spiritual home. It is where they feel welcomed and at home. Many generations have remained a part of our community. Even those who are QRW DW 6W -HURPH¶V SK\VLFDOO\ VWLOO IHHO WKDW FRQQHFWLRQ EHFDXVH WKHLU VSLULW DOZD\V UH mains close. :KDWDJUHDWJLIW$OOZHFDQVD\LVWKDQN\RX:H¶YHOLYHGLQWZRFKXUFKHVZH¶YH EHHQFHOHEUDWLQJ³9HOLND*RVSD´VLQFHWKHWXUQRIWKHSUHYLRXVFHQWXU\ZH¶YHRUJDQL]HG spiritual, cultural, ethnic, social and sporting events, always keeping close to our hearts the good of the community, where talents can be realized and where love is the foundation of everything. We dreamed about a free Croatia. The contributions from this community are innumerable, because we sought Justice by following the Truth, always aware that in the end, good shall prevail over evil. We wrote our history with dignity and courageously stood up for hope for the years to come. In gratitude of our one hundred years, we wish to move forward with Our Lord, seekLQJKLVZLVGRPDQGPHUF\OLYLQJKLVSHDFH$V6W)UDQFLVLVTXRWHGDVVD\LQJ³LQJLYLQJ LWLVWKDWZHUHFHLYH´EHFDXVHLWLVLQJLYLQJWKDWZHILQGEHDXW\LQRXUSDVVLQJGD\V Therefore, in appreciation for all of you, every individual, family, every name, every JLIWZHSUD\IRU*RG¶VSURWHFWLRQVRWKDWZHPD\FRQWLQXHWRILQGWKLVWREHRXUVSLULWXDO home, and that we may create a better world through the example of this parish. May God give you his peace and blessing! Your Franciscan friars, Fr. Joe Grbes & Fr. Ivan Strmecki

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Generalni konzulat Republike Hrvatske u Chicagu Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Chicago 737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1030, Chicago, IL 60611 telephone (312) 482 9902 facsimile (312) 482 9987

19 February 2012

3RãWRYDQLLGUDJLIUD-R]RLIUD,YDQH 3RãWRYDQHLGUDJHåXSOMDQNHLåXSOMDQL6Y-HURQLPD I have been honored by an invitation to contribute to this publication marking the centennial celebration of the Croatian Catholic Parish of Saint Jerome in Chicago. The rich legacy of over seven thousand christenings, two thousand and two hundred weddings and four thousand funerals recorded in the Parish archives made me pose and think of the lives and labors of four or five generations of its parishioners and pastors. And as I perused the archival data on the history of your Parish, I felt deeply touched by both narratives of the collective and snippets of the personal histories. These histories record hardships and extraordinary tenacities of the Croatian immigrants to Chicagoland. They bear witness to their hopes and aspirations, disappointments and triumphs over a century in which they took part in several wars and struggled with economic crises. They also document their social successes as politicians, judges and other professionals, athletes, artists and various celebrities and, trace them to their Bridgeport community, where they themVHOYHVRUWKHLUDQFHVWRUVEHORQJHGWR6W-HURPH¶V)RUH[DPSOHWKHODWH0D\RU%LODQGåLüDVZHOODVWKH'DOH\IDPLO\RU ,YDQ0HãWURYLüZKRVFXOSWHGWKHIDPRXVWZLQVWDWXWHV7KH%RZPDQDQG7KH6SHDUPDQWKDWSLHUFHWKHVN\DERYHWKH HQWUDQFHRIWKH*UDQW3DUNZHUHDOOGUDZQWR6W-HURPH¶V%XWDERYHDOOWKHVHKLVWRULHVEHDUUHFRUGRIWKHSLYRWDOUROH H[WUDRUGLQDU\VXFFHVVHV RIWKH6W-HURPH¶V&URDWLDQ&KXUFKLQSURYLGLQJWKHIRFXVDVZHOODVZD\VDQGPHDQVIRUWKH members of the Parish to reach out and help one another. These strategies of saving one another, born out of both a genuine need and desire, ensued in the establishment of a number of social clubs, schools and other organizations, such as Club Poljica (1913), Club Cres (1917), Croatian :RPDQ &DWKROLF6FKRRO6W-HURPH &URDWLDQ6FKRRO&DUGLQDO6WHSLQDF HWF6W-HURPH¶VDOVRHP braced, sustained and enhanced the annual traditions of Society of Our Lady of Sinj (1906), an event that is celebrated continuously on the very same streets of Bridgeport on annual basis for over a century. And to this day, the Parish proYLGHVVSLULWXDOKRPHWRWKRVHZKRVHHNLWVHDUFKIRULW ,Q)HEUXDU\WKLV\HDU6W-HURPH¶VKRVWHGWKHILUVW)HDVWRI6W Blaze, observed as the patron saint of Dubrovnik since 1072, and included on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 8RYLKVWRJRGLQDGMHORYDQMD+UYDWVNHNDWROLþNHåXSH6YHWRJD-HURQLPDKUYDWVND]DMHGQLFDX&KLFDJXRNXSOMHQD RNRVYRMHFUNYHXVSMHODMHRþXYDWLRELþDMHNXOWXUQRQDVOMHÿHLVYHNROLNLKUYDWVNLHWQLþNLLGHQWLWHW3RVMHWLWHOMDL]GRPRYLne QDSRVHLPSUHVLRQLUDXNRMRMPMHULMHRþXYDQKUYDWVNLMH]LNþDNLXWUHüRMLOLþHWYUWRMJHQHUDFLML1HVXPQMLYRSRUHGYHOLNH SUHGDQRVWLLOMXEDYLNRMLXWRXODåXURGLWHOMLLGMHFDXVYDNRPQRYRPQDUDãWDMXQHPMHUOMLYMHGRSULQRVåXSQLND6Y-HURQLPD VYH GR GDQDãQMLK GDQD )UD -R]R VD VYRMRP QHL]PMHUQRP HQHUJLMRP D IUD ,YDQ VD VYRMRP QHL]PMHUQRP VWUSOMLYRãüX QDVWDYOMDMX WX WUDGLFLMX QHVHELþQH SRVYHüHQRVWL VYRPH KUYDWVNRPH SXNX 1MLPD L VYLPD YDPD GUDJL åXSOMDQL RG VUFD þHVWLWDPVWRWXREOMHWQLFX+UYDWVNHNDWROLþNHåXSH6YHWRJD-HURQLPDX&KLFDJX Croatians from the Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, its hinterlands and other parts of medieval Illyricum have long worshiped St. Jerome as their own, as he was born in Dalmatia. In particular, Croatians who left their homeland, while aspiring to extend their knowledge of the world and themselves, often chose this Doctor of the Church as their patron. It is this thirst for growth in doctrinal and other learning, so inherent to St. Jerome that has also endowed and VWUHQJWKHQHGKLV&URDWLDQ&KXUFKLQ&KLFDJRLQLWVILUVWFHQWHQQLDO1RZRQGHUWKDWWKH'RFWRU¶V&KXUFKZDVWKHILUVW&URD tian church to go on the internet and embrace other means of contemporary communication. Hence I have no doubt that 6W-HURPH¶VLQWKHIXWXUH-- while guarding the legacies of its honorable past -- will continue to meet and fulfill the needs of Croatians and all of their fellow learners in faith. -HOHQD*UÿLý3ROLý//03K' Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Chicago

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=DJUHERåXMND 3RãWRYDQLLGUDJLIUD-R]RIUD,YDQHGUDJLåXSOMDQLåXSHVY-HURQLPD 100-WD JRGLãQMLFD åXSH VY-HURQLPD VYMHGRþL SRVWRMDQMH WUDGLFLMH L SRYLMHVWL D povijest kontinuirane prisutnosti hrvatske crkve u Chicagu daje sigurnost da znate tko ste i kome pripadate. 7UDåHüL EROMH VXWUD ]D VHEH L VYRMX RELWHOM EURMQH VX JHQHUDFLMH GRãOH X 6MHGLQMHQH $PHULþNH'UåDYHDQHNHRGQMLKVYRMGRPVXQDãOHX&KLFDJX1DNRQãWRVXQDãOL novi dom on nije bio pravi dom bez crkve, crkva i tada a i danas ima ulogu mjesta JGMHVHGROD]LORPROLWLDOLFUNYDMHELODLMHVWPMHVWRGUXåHQMDPMHVWRVDVRFLMDOQLPL NXOWXUQLPVDGUåDMHP 0QRJL VX X FUNYL L VY-HURQLPX ELOR NUãWHQMHP ELOR VYSULþHãüX LOL GUXJLP sakramentima postali dio jedne velike obitelji. U ovu proslavu slijevaju se sve radosti i tuge, svi bolovi brojnih generacija. Zidovi FUNYHVY-HURQLPDREULVDOLVXPQRJHVX]HVOXãDOLLXVOLãDOLPQRJHYDSDMHFUNYDMH PQRJLPDELOD]DãWLWDLREUDQDQHNLPDPRåGDLMHGLQDRELWHOM 8 WUHQXWNX GRN VODYLWH YLVRNX REOMHWQLFX GDMHWH SUL]QDQMH FUNYL VYLP åXSQLFLPD L OMXGLPDNRMLVXMHYRGLOLLRGUåDYDOLIUD-R]LLIUD,YDQXLGREULPOMXGLPDNRMLMXVDGD YRGH ]DKYDOQL ãWR MH ELOD JODYQD LQVWLWXFLMD NRMD MH þXYDOD KUYDWVNH RELþDMH L tradiciju. =QDMXüLL]YUHPHQDGRNVDPELODVDYDPDNDNRåXSDVY-HURQLPDIUD-R]RLIUD,YDQ ]QDMXRUJDQL]LUDWLLRELOMHåLWLVYDNLGRJDÿDMVDYHVHOMHPSUDWLPRELOMHåDYDQMH-te JRGLãQMLFHåXSH 6 LVNUHQLP þHVWLWNDPD L åHOMDPD GD ERJDWD RVWDYãWLQD EXGH MRã ERJDWLML ]DORJ EXGXüQRVWL9DãD

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. JEROME ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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WARD DEMOCRATIC PARTY 3659 SOUTH HALSTED STREET CHICAGO, IL 60609

John Daley, Committeeman James Balcer, Alderman

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ST. JEROME PARISH 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Finances ± Fr. Joe, Fr. Ivan, Matt Pesce, Mike Passarelli, Cathy Amato, Louis Scalise. Centennial Year Ad Book ± Fr. Joe, Fr. Ivan, Louis Scalise, Nevenka Jurkovic, Ivan Mlinarich, Joan Sipich, Stoja Kosir, Giggie Cortese, Carol Marasovich, MaryAnn Saracco. Centennial Yearbook Desktop Publishing ± Snjezana Sego, Jadranka Kraljevic, Marija Dugandzic-Pasic, Fr. Ivan. History of Church ± Fr. Joe, Fr. Ivan, Dusko Condic, John Aranza, John Kosic, Jure Kutlesa, Marija Dugandzic-Pasic. Gala Banquet Invitations/ Reservations/ Hotel Seating/ Catering/ Menu ± Mary Fratto, Jan Ferro, Nevenka Jurkovic, Kata Mulac, Julie Perisin, Eva Mossman, Ivanka Paraga, Katica Kosic, Mare Romanovic, Cathy Amato, Carol Marasovich, Maryann Saracco, Jenny Mulc. PR/Publicity ± Fr. Joe, Fr. Ivan, Eva Mossman, Marija Dugandzic-Pasic (Weekly Bulletin/ Bridgeport News/ Radio/ TV/ Email/ Internet/ Banners/ Logo). Decorating ± Jan Zekich, Mary Scalise, Donna DeGrazia, Ginny Vulich (Church Decorating/ Hotel Table flower arrangements). Liturgical Committee (Mass/ Liturgy/Music) ± Fr. Joe, Fr. Ivan, Matt Pesce, Mary Ellen Ratkovich, Larry Haptas, Mary Fratto, Ivanka Paraga, Eva Mossman, Jan Ferro, Mario Romanovic. Entertainment/ Music/ Orchestra ± Fr. Joe, Jan Zekich, Mary Scalise. Gala Banquet Program (Program Card/ Order of Speakers/ Commemorative Gift Bags/ etc.) ± Fr. Joe, Fr. Ivan, Lou Scalise, Matt Pesce, Mary Fratto, Nevenka Jurkovic, Jan Ferro, Julie Perisin, Kata Mulac, Mare Romanovic. Photographs Courtesy of St. Jerome Archives, Croatian Ethnic Institute, Archdiocese of Chicago Archives, Ivan Mlinarich and parishioners of St. Jerome. Centennial Yearbook Printer ± Andrew Turcich of Overt Press, Chicago Centennial Yearbook Cover Art and Design ± Francis Penavic. Centennial Yearbook copyright 2012 by St. Jerome Croatian Parish, Chicago

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE

St. Jerome: Home Away From Home The pages that follow provide a brief history of the many milestones we have experienced at this parish over the last century. We hope that the future generations will build upon this and create just as many memories as we have today.

Sv. Jeronim: Dom naše duše Stranice koje slijede predstavljaju kratak pregled mnogih dogaÿaja koje smo proživjeli u ovoj župi tijekom prošlog stoljeüa. Nadamo se da üe buduüe generacije nadopuniti ove stranice i stvoriti mnoge uspomene, kao što ih mi danas imamo.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Late 1800s THE FIRST ARRIVALS At the turn of the 20th century, thousands of Croatians, like many other immigrants, arrived in Chicago in search of a new life and opportunities. Many settled in the Armour Square/ Bridgeport area, mostly in and around 25th Street & Wentworth Avenue, creating a Croatian colony that quickly grew to about 5,000. 1900-te RANI DOLASCI Na poþetku 20. stoljeüa, tisuüe Hrvata, poput mnogih drugih doseljenika, stiglo je u Chicago u potrazi za novim životom i moguünostima. Mnogi su se smjestili u okrugu Armour trga u Bridgeportu, uglavnom u blizini 25. ulice i Wentworth Avenije, stvarajuüi hrvatsku koloniju koja je vrlo brzo brojila 5,000 ljudi. Early 1900s FIRST PLACE OF WORSHIP: 25th Street & Princeton Many of these newcomers came from the Dalmatian region of Croatia. As a new community and as devout Catholics, they soon organized themselves. Since they did not have a church of their own at the time, they requested the use of Bridgeport’s Bohemian Roman Catholic Church of St. John Nepomucene and held a weekly Mass in Croatian there for several years. The church, founded in 1871, was located at 25th Street and Princeton. It later moved to 30th & Lowe where it finally closed its doors in 1990. PRVA CRKVA: 25. ulica & Princeton Veüina doseljenika je stigla iz hrvatske Dalmacije. Kao nova zajednica pobožnih katolika, brzo su se organizirali. Buduüi da u to vrijeme nisu imali vlastitu crkvu, zatražili su na korištenje slovaþku Crkvu Sv. Ivana Nepomuka, u kojoj su nekoliko godina slavili Svetu Misu. Ta Crkva koja je osnovana 1871. godine, bila je smještena na 25. & Princeton ulici. Kasnije se preselila na 30.ulicu & Lowe, gdje ostaje do 1990. godine. Aug. 15th, 1906 THE FIRST CELEBRATION OF VELIKA GOSPA The Croatians of Bridgeport held one of the first Velika Gospa processions in the United States followed by a Holy Mass at St. John Nepomucene on August 15th. Since then, more than 5 generations of Croatians have walked the same neighborhood honoring the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and followed the same rites and traditions as their early forefathers. The Velika Gospa Procession is the oldest procession in the City of Chicago which has remained in the same neighborhood and held on the same day. 15. kolovoza 1906. POýETAK PROSLAVE VELIKE GOSPE Hrvati Bridgeport-a održavaju jednu od prvih procesija Velike Gospe u Sjedinjenim Ameriþkim Državama, nakon slavlja Svete Mise u Crkvi Sv. Ivana Nepomuka 15. kolovoza. Od tada, više od 5 generacija Hrvata hodali su istim putem u þast Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije, održavajuüi obrede i tradiciju svojih predaka. Procesija Velike Gospe je najstarija procesija u gradu Chicagu koja je ostala u istom dijelu grada i održava se na isti dan od svoga poþetka.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Nov. 5th, 1906 THE FIRST CHURCH GROUP IS FORMED In an era where dangerous work conditions meant frequent death for the breadwinners of these new families, the community banded together. The Dalmatian Family Association “The Miraculous Lady of Sinj,” became a fraternal organization founded by a group of men to assist families in need of support, to offer life insurance options for workers and their families, and to promote Croatian culture in the region. The association, also known in Croatian as “D.D.D. ýudotvorna Gospa Sinjska,’’ or simply the Gospa Sinjska lodge, lasted more than 85 years until it was dissolved on April 30, 1992. 5. studenog 1906. PRVA CRKVENA UDRUGA U doba kada opasni uvjeti rada þesto znaþe smrt uzdržavatelja obitelji, zajednica je povezana. Udruga dalmatinskih obitelji “ýudotvorne Sinjske Gospe” postaje bratska organizacija osnovana od strane grupe ljudi koji pomažu obiteljima u potrebi. Ista udruga nudi opciju životnog osiguranja radnicima i njihovim obiteljima, te promiþe hrvatsku kulturu u regiji. Udruga, na hrvatskom poznata kao “D.D.D. ýudotvorna Gospa Sinjska, ili Dom Gospe Sinjske, postojala je više od 85 godina te je 30.travnja 1992.godine prestala s radom. Early 1900s MANY SETTLE “MALA DALMACIJA” The area stretching from Wentworth Ave. to Stewart Ave. and 35th Street to 37th Street was known as Little Dalmatia – an area settled by many Croatians from the Dalmatian region. Their homes were eventually torn down to make way for Comiskey Park and its sprawling grounds. Today, the old land plots of Little Dalmatia are covered with asphalt, having been converted to parking lots for U.S. Cellular Field. Ranih 1900-tih MNOGI SU NASELILI “MALU DALMACIJU” Podruþje koje se proteže izmeÿu Wentworth Avenije i Stewart Avenije te izmeÿu 35. i 37.ulice bilo poznato I kao “Mala Dalamcija”- podruþje koje je bilo naseljeno velikim brojem Hrvata iz Dalmacije. Njihove kuüe su kasnije srušene kako bi se napravio put za Comiskey park, baseball stadion. Danas su stara zemljišta Male Dalmacije prekrivena asfaltom i parkiralište su stadiona U.S. Cellular Field-a. 1906 – 1912 ARCHDIOCESE SEARCH FOR A CROATIAN PRIEST Realizing there was a need to serve this growing population of Croatian immigrants, Fr. Juraj Violica, the pastor of the Croatian church in Joliet, suggested to Archbishop James Edward Quigley of Chicago, that he petition the Holy See to request that a Croatian-born priest come and minister to this specific flock. The Holy See reached out to the Franciscans, whose international headquarters was based in Rome, and they, in turn, contacted the Franciscans in Croatia. The Franciscans have always been especially dedicated in ministering to the poor, thus the mission seemed like a good match - to service and assist the poor Croatian immigrants of Bridgeport. 1906.-1912. NADBISKUPIJA TRAŽI HRVATSKOG SVEûENIKA Shvativši da postoji potreba služiti ovoj rastuüoj populaciji hrvatskih iseljenika, fra Juraj Violica, 3

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE župnik hrvatske crkve u Joliet-u, predložio je þikaškom nadbiskupu James Edward Quigley-u da podnese zahtijev Svetoj stolici da sveüenik, roÿen u Hrvatskoj, doÿe i služi svom narodu. Sveta stolica posegnula je za franjevcima, sa meÿunarodnim sjedištem u Rimu, a oni su pak, kontaktirali franjevce u Hrvatskoj. Franjevci su uvijek bili posebno posveüeni služenju siromašnima, pa se služenje i potpora siromašnim hrvatskim iseljenicima u Bridgeportu þinila dobrim izborom. THE FIRST CROATIAN PASTOR ARRIVES April 26th, 1912 Soon, the Bridgeport community greeted its first pastor. Father Leon Mediü arrived in Chicago at the age of 38. He was sent by the Croatian Franciscan Province of St. Jerome, which was based in the city of Zadar, along Croatia’s central Dalmatian coast. With a gracious invitation by the Bohemian parish’s pastor, Fr. Leon began his ministry without his own parish, using St. John Nepomucene for Sunday Mass. 26. travnja 1912. DOLAZAK PRVOGA HRVATSKOGA ŽUPNIKA Uskoro zajednica Bridgeporta pozdravlja svog prvog župnika. Fra Leon Mediü dolazi u Chicago, u svojoj 38. godini. Poslan je od strane Hrvatske franjevaþke provincije Sv. Jeronima, sa sjedištem u Zadru, duž središnje dalmatinske obale. Na ljubazan poziv župnika, fra Leon poþinje služiti nedjeljne Svete Mise u Crkvi Sv. Ivana Nepomuka. CALL FOR A “NATIONAL” PARISH Aug. 22th, 1912 Archbishop Quigley of Chicago delegates Fr. Leon to form a Croatian “national” parish to serve the Croatians in Bridgeport. By then, Fr. Leon had accounted for almost 500 church-going Croatian families in the neighborhood. These families came from the following regions: Dalmatia (210), Banovina (200), Istria (50), Slavonia (35) and Bosnia and Hercegovina (10). 22. kolovoza 1912. POZIV ZA OSNIVANJE NACIONALNE ŽUPE ýikaški nadbiskup Quigley šalje izaslanika fra Leona da formira hrvatsku nacionalnu župu koja üe služiti Hrvatima u Bridgeportu. Do tada, fra Leon je obilazio gotovo 500 hrvatskih kršüanskih obitelji koje su došle iz podruþja Dalmacije (210), Banovine (200), Istre (50), Slavonije (35) te Bosne i Hercegovine (10). FIRST MARRIAGE Oct. 20th, 1912 The first officially recorded marriage took place at St. John Nepomucene. Fr. Leon officiated the marriage of Domnius (Duje) Kaliterna (born in Spljet [Split]) & Anna (Ana) Vranešiü (born in Chicago). In the old sacramental records, priests were obligated to write first names in Latin. (until the 1960s). The marriage was short-lived, young Duje, age 25, died of kidney disease the following January, and was buried from St. Jerome.) 20. listopada 1912. PRVO SKLAPANJE BRAKA Prvo službeno vjenþanje se održalo Crkvi Sv. Ivana Nepomuka. Fra Leon je blagoslovio brak Duje (Domnius) Kaliterna, roÿenoga u Splitu, i Ane (Anna) Vranešiü, roÿene u Chicagu. Do 60ih godina sveüenici su starim zapisima sakramenata sveüenici bili dužni napisati imena na 4

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE latinskom jeziku. Nažalost, brak je trajao kratko jer je iduüega sijeþnja mladi Duje, u 25. godini, umro od bolesti bubrega. (pokopan je iz Sv Jeronima) FIRST BURIAL Oct. 28th, 1912 The first recorded burial was officiated by Fr. Leon. He buried Josip Duþiü, age 35, who died of pneumonia on Oct. 26th. By 1913, Fr. Leon would officiate in 62 funeral Masses. 28. listopada 1912. PRVI POKOP Prvi zabilježeni pokop održao je fra Leon. Pokopao je Josipa Duþiü, koji je u svojoj 35. godini umro od upale pluüa, 26. listopada. Do 1913. godine, fra Leon je odslužio 62 pogrebne mise. FIRST BAPTISM Nov. 11th, 1912 The first officially recorded baptism took place at St. John Nepomucene. Fr. Leon baptized Edwardus-Joannes [Edward-John] Depeder (born on Oct. 13th). Death records show that a John Depeder, age 3, died Oct. 28, 1915, and was buried from St. Jerome. By 1913, Fr. Leon baptized 142 children. By 1922, more than 1,000 children had been baptized. 11. studenog 1912. PRVO KRŠTENJE Prvo službeno zabilježeno krštenje je održano u Crkvi Sv. Ivana Nepomuka. Fra Leon je krstio Edwardus-Joannes (Edward-John) Depeder, roÿenog 13. listopada. Prema knjigama umrlih, John Depeder umro je 28. listopada 1915. godine, u dobi od 3 godine te je pokopan iz Crkve Sv. Jeronima. Do 1913. godine fra Leon je krstio 142 djece. Do 1922. bilo je kršteno više od 1000 djece. Nov. 26th, 1912 FIRST LOCATION OF ST. JEROME’S CHURCH (25 th & Wentworth) Father Leon and the community came together to purchase the first place of worship for the Croatians of Bridgeport. St. Stephen’s, a German Evangelical Lutheran church built in 1871, was up for sale, thus the church was purchased for $15,000 (a purchase price of about $340,000 in today’s dollars). The purchase included the existing church, located at 215 W. 25th Street, and the adjacent rectory at 217 W. 25th Street. Newspapers at the time, reported the transition and re-naming of the new “Croatian Roman Catholic Church of St. Jerome.” 26. studenog 1912. PRVA LOKACIJA CRKVE SV. JERONIMA (25.ulica i Wentworth) Fra Leon i zajednica kupili su prvo mjesto bogoslužja za Hrvate Bridgeporta. Tada se prodavala Crkva Sv. Stjepana, njemaþka evanÿeoska luteranska crkva, sagraÿena je 1871.godine ( Njemci su se selili na 57.ulicu i Sangamon), te su ju Hrvati kupili za 15,ooo $ (34o,ooo današnjih $). Kupnja ukljuþuje Crkvu, koja se nalazi na 215 W 25.ulica te susjedni župni ured na 217 W 25.ulici. Tisak je tada izvijestio o imenovanju nove Hrvatske katoliþke crkve Sv. Jeronima. Nov. - Dec. 1912 DALMATIAN OR CROATIAN CHURCH? The Croatian community rolled up its sleeves to rapidly convert the Protestant church into a Roman Catholic place of worship. At the same time, Fr. Leon turned his attention to some growing tensions among his new flock. Many insisted that St. Jerome’s be called a “Dalmatian” 5

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Roman Catholic Church, instead of “Croatian.” Archbishop Quigley met with the local leaders and quickly realized they were confused about the Church’s definition of a “national” parish. The Archbishop stepped in and explained to the community that a “national” parish means that people are able to pray, hear sermons and go to Confession in the language native to their nationality. Thus since Croatia was a nation, the parish could only be recognized and named after the nation, not a region such as Dalmatia was. Moreover, the “national” parish was to be inclusive of people from all regions from Croatia. Studeni-prosinac 1912. DALMATINSKA ILI HRVATSKA CRKVA? Hrvatska zajednica je zasukala rukave i brzo pretvorila Protestantsku crkvu u rimokatoliþko mjesto bogoslužja. U isto vrijeme, fra Leon je usmjerio pažnju na neke rastuüe napetosti meÿu narodom. Mnogi su inzistirali da se Sveti Jeronim nazove “dalmatinska” rimokatoliþka crkva umjesto “hrvatska”. Nadbiskup Quigley sastao se sa lokalnim þelnicima i brzo shvatio zbunjenenost u vezi definicije “nacionalne” župe nadbiskupije. Nadbiskup im je objasnio da zajednica “nacionalna” župa znaþi da se ljudi mogu moliti, slušati propovijedi, te otiüi na ispovijed na svom materinjem jeziku. Buduüi da je Hrvatska bila nacija, župa se jedino može prepoznati i dobiti ime po narodu, a ne po svojoj regiji, kao što je Dalmacija. “Nacionalna” župa je ukljuþivala sve regije Hrvatske. Dec. 15, 1912 OFFICIAL BLESSING OF ST. JEROME CHURCH Archbishop Quigley formalized his support for the Croatian community by attending the first Sunday Mass of St. Jerome Croatian Church, and blessing the church on its day of dedication. The Archbishop spoke beautifully, praising the Croatians and their nation. A handful of misguided demonstrators outside were dispersed by church ushers. 15. prosinca 1912. SLUŽBENI BLAGOSLOV CRKVE SV. JERONIMA Nadbiskup Quigley daje svoju podršku hrvatskoj zajednici sudjelovanjem na prvoj nedjeljnoj Svetoj Misi u hrvatskoj Crkvi Sv Jeronima i blagoslivlja i posveüuje Crkvu. Nadbiskup je lijepo govorio, hvaleüi Hrvate. Nekolicina je prosvjedovala, ali su ih crkveni redari rastjerali. ST. JEROME’S BY-LAWS Dec. 15th, 1912 St. Jerome’s by-laws were prepared by Fr. Leon and church members Josip Zidaric (from Buzet in Istria) and Bozo Zuanic (from Komize in Dalmatia). The booklet included 24 by-laws as guidance on how to become and remain a parishioner, including a suggested minimum annual donation of $6 from every family, or 50¢ monthly. 15. prosinca 1912. PRVI STATUT ŽUPE SV. JERONIMA Statut župe Sv. Jeronima pripremili su fra Leon i þlanovi župe Josip Zidaric (iz Buzeta u Istri) i Bozo Zuanic (iz Komiže u Dalmaciji). Knjiga je ukljuþivala 24 statuta kao i smjernice kako postati i ostati župljanin, ukljuþujuüi i predloženu minimalnu godišnju donaciju u iznosu od 6$ od strane svake obitelji, odnosno 50¢ mjeseþno.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Winter 1913 1ST PARISH COUNCIL FORMED A huge help for Fr. Leon were the members of his first parish council: Josip Zidaric, Petar Depeder, Kajetan Baretic and Ivan and Martin Katic. ZIMA 1913. PRVO ŽUPNO VIJEûE Fra Leonu su velika pomoü bili þlanovi njegovog prvog župnog vijeüa: Josip Zidariü, Petar Depeder, Kajetan Baretiü te Ivan i Martin Katiü. ST. GEORGE SOCIETY FORMED March 9th, 1913 The second church group, St. George Society, in honor of the patron saint of Poljica, was founded. Poljica is a region found in inland Dalmatia. 9. ožujka 1913. DRUŠTVO SV. JURE Osnova je druga crkvena udruga, Društvo Sv. Jure, u þast sveca zaštitnika Poljica. Oct. 3, 1913 FIRST CONFIRMATIONS St. Jerome recorded its first confirmations. 105 were confirmed by Archbishop Quigley that day. 3. listopada 1913. PRVA KRIZMA U Crkvi Sv Jeronima održana je prva Krizma. Nadbiskup Quigley je krizmao 105 vjernika. 1914-1919 WORLD WAR I While Europe was ravaged by World War I, the United States was in need of a workforce and lured another wave of immigrants to the land of opportunity. 1914.-1919. PRVI SVJETSKI RAT Dok je europa bila pogoÿena Prvim svjetskim ratom, Sjedinjene Ameriþke Države su u velikoj potrebi za novim radnim snagama te nastupa drugi val doseljenika u zemlju novih moguünosti. 1914 WEDDINGS Eager to marry, many Croatian men sent for Croatian women from the homeland. Others met their partners here in Chicago. Large group photos were taken to mark the occasions, which included kumovi (godparents) and an extended bridal party. 1914. VJENýANJA Kako su se htjeli vjenþati, mnogi hrvatski muškarci tražili su hrvatske žene u domovini. Neki su upoznali svoje supružnike ovdje u Chicagu. Na vjenþanjima je snimljen velik broj fotografija kako bi se obilježio taj dogadjaj, koji ukljuþuje kumove i dugu svadbenu proslavu. August 1916 2ND PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Ambrozije Širca served as the parish’s 2nd pastor and continued through 1919. Fr. Ambrose thoroughly renovated and remodeled the church and rectory. 7

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Kolovoz 1916. DOLAZAK DRUGOG ŽUPNIKA Fra Ambrozije Širca bio je drugi župnik, do 1919.godine. Fra Ambrozije je renovirao i preuredio crkvu i župni dvor. 1917 HOLY NAME SOCIETY IS ESTABLISHED The Holy Name Society is established with the help of Fr. Ambrose. 1917. DRUŠTVO IMENA ISUSOVA Društvo Imena Isusova osnovano je uz pomoü fra Ambrizija. Feb. 2, 1917 ST. MARY/ISLAND OF CRES SOCIETY The St. Mary/Island of Cres benevolent society was founded. 2. veljaþe 1917. DRUŠTVO SV. MARIJE OTOKA CRESA Osnovano je dobrotvorno društvo Sv. Marije. 1918 RECORDS DEATHS FROM FLU EPIDEMIC The Spanish flu epidemic struck the tired, hungry and sleep-deprived Croatian laborers and their families. Fr. Ambrose officiated 104 funerals, 22 in October alone, a tragic record in the history of the parish. 1918. ZAPISI SMRTNIH SLUýAJEVA OD EPIDEMIJE GRIPE Epidemija Španjolske gripe zahvatila je umorne, gladne i uspavane hrvatske radnike i njihove obitelji. Fra Ambrozije nazoþio je na 104 pogreba, od kojih je þak 22 bilo u listopadu, što je bio tragiþni rekord u povijesti župe. 1919-1921 3RD PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Placid Belaviü served as the parish’s 3rd pastor. With the help of his faithful parishioners, he was able to pay down the debt of the church on 25th Street. 1919.-1921. DOLAZAK TREûEG ŽUPNIKA Fra Placid Belaviü je služio kao treüi župnik. Uz pomoü svojih vjernih župljana, bio je u moguünosti otplatiti dug crkve na 25.ulici. 1921-1928 4th PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Venceslav Vukoniü served as the parish’s 4th pastor. His legacy is of major change in the operations and the life of the parish. 1921.-1928. DOLAZAK ýETVRTOG ŽUPNIKA Fra Venceslav Vukoniü je služio kao þetvrti župnik. Vrijeme njegovog službovanja bilo je obilježeno velikim promjene u poslovanju župe i životu župne zajednice.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 1921 CROATIAN CATHOLIC UNION A benevolent organization, the Croatian Catholic Union (CCU), was established in 1921 in Gary, Indiana. Parishioners of St. Jerome’s soon joined. 1921. HRVATSKA KATOLIýKA ZAJEDNICA Dobrotvorna organizacija, Hrvatska katoliþka zajednica (HKZ) osnovana je 1921.godine u Garyu, Indiana. Uskoro joj se prikljuþuju župljani Sv. Jeronima. Spring of 1922 ST. JEROME’S MOVES TO 2819-2823 S. PRINCETON Fr. Venceslav quickly realized the parish was too small for his growing flock. By the spring of 1922, there were at least 960 families/individuals donating to the church. Father Venceslav arranged to purchase the Swedish Lutheran Salem Church at 2819 S. Princeton Avenue for $26,900.00 (today’s equivalent to a purchase price of about $351,000.00). The purchase also included today’s church and rectory (at 2823 S. Princeton) and a school with 4 classrooms (in the back of the church – our small hall today). Built in 1884, the original church was a spiritual home to a large Swedish population which had arrived in the Bridgeport neighborhood in the mid-1800s. PROLJEûE 1922. ŽUPA SV JERONIMA SELI NA 2819 S PRINCETON Fra Venceslav uskoro uviÿa da je župa premala za njegovo brzo rastuüe stado. Do proljeüa 1922., bilo je najmanje 960 obitelji/pojedinaca koji su doprinosili crkvi. Fra Venceslav dogovorio je kupnju Švedske luteranske salem crkve na 2819 S Princeton Aveniji za $26,900.00 (današnja cijena oko $351,000.00). Kupnja ukljuþuje današnju Crkvu i župni ured te školu sa 4 uþionice (u stražnjem dijelu crkve). Sagraÿena 1884.godine, crkva je izvorno bila dom velike švedske populacije koja je došla u Bridgeport sredinom 1800-ih. Summer of 1922 FIRST NUNS ARRIVE TO ESTABLISH NEW SCHOOL Fr. Venceslav also moved quickly to open a Catholic school for the parish. He was in need of teachers and so he requested the help of Sisters belonging to the Bosnian Province of the Adorers of the Most Precious Blood of Christ. Three Croatian nuns arrived in the summer to prepare and staff the soon-to-be-opened parish school. The three nuns were: Sr. Benedikta Bakariü, who taught 1st & 2nd grade; Sr. Ksavjera, who taught 3rd & 4th grade; and Sr. Alojzija, the cook. Their first convent was located at the former rectory of the old church on 25th Street. LJETO 1922. DOLAZAK PRVIH ýASNIH SESTARA TE OSNIVANJE NOVE ŠKOLE Fra Venceslav takoÿer brzo reagira kako bi otvorio katoliþku školu za župljane. Kako su mu bili potrebni uþitelji, za pomoü je pitao þasne sestre koje su pripadale bosanskoj provinciji “Klanjateljice predragocjene krvi Kristove”. U ljeto su stigle tri hrvatske þasne sestre kako bi se pripremile za skoro otvaranje župne škole. To su bile: sestra Benedikta Bakariü, koja je uþila 1. i 2. razred, sestra Ksaverija, koja je uþila 3. i 4. razred, te sestra Alojzija, koja je kuhala. Njihov prvi samostan bio je u bivšem župnom dvoru stare crkve na 25.ulici.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Fall of 1922 ST. JEROME’S SCHOOL OPENS St. Jerome’s first school year begins with almost 200 students, enrolled in 1st to 4th grade. The classes were held in the building behind the church. JESEN 1922. OTVORENJE ŠKOLE SV JERONIMA Prva školska godina Škole Sv Jeronima broji oko 200 uþenika, upisanih od prvoga do þetvrtoga razreda. Nastava se održavala u dvorani iza crkve. 1922 PARISH HALL The old church on 25th Street and Wentworth officially became the parish hall. By then, the church had a healthy list of parishioners. 1922. ŽUPNA DVORANA Stara crkva na 25.ulici i Wentworth službeno postaje župna dvorana. 1922 NEW CONVENT FOR SISTERS In an effort to bring the sisters closer in proximity to the church and school, it was decided that a suitable residence be purchased. A new convent was purchased just north of the church on Princeton Ave. 1922. NOVI SAMOSTAN ZA SESTRE U nastojanju da se sestre dovedu bliže crkvi i školi, odluþeno je da se kupi pogodno prebivalište. Kupljen je novi samostan, sjeverno od crkve na Princeton Aveniji. 1924-1925 SCHOOL EXPANSION With a growing student populace, Fr. Venceslav needed to expand. To accommodate this need, 4 new classrooms were created in a new addition built north of the classrooms behind the church. Those new classrooms were eventually replaced with what is today the garage and the lamb shed. 1924-1925 ŠIRENJE ŠKOLE Zbog rasta broja uþenika, fra Venceslav je morao proširiti školu. Sagraÿene su 4 nove uþionice, sjeverno od uþionica iza crkve. Uþionice su današnja garaža i mjesto za pripremu janjetine za Veliku Gospu. 1926 TAMBURA GROUP “JADRANSKA VILA” The tamburitza group, Jadranska Vila, was formed and entertained audiences for several years. Several parishioners including John “Duje” Aranza and Anton Kamenjarin were members. 1926. TAMBURAŠKI SASTAV “JADRANSKA VILA” Osnovana je tamburaška skupina, Jadranska vila, koja je nekoliko godina zabavljala publiku. Nekoliko župljana bili su þlanovi ovoga sastava, poput John “Duje” Aranza i Anton Kamenjarin. 10

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE

Spring of 1927 FIRST GRADUATES – Class of 1927 The famous class of ’27 - thirteen eighth graders - become the first group to graduate from St. Jerome’s School. By then, 397 students were enrolled in the school. PROLJEûE 1927. GENERACIJA ’27 – PRVA GENERACIJA UýENIKA Poznata generacija, njih sto trideset i osam, bila je prva generacija koja je završila Školu Sv Jeronima. Do tada, školu je upisalo 397 uþenika. 1928 ST. JEROME’S CROATIAN CATHOLIC UNION LODGE The St. Jerome branch of the Croatian Catholic Union is founded. An official charter was issued in 1932. 1928. DOM HRVATSKE KATOLIýKE ZAJEDNICE SV. JERONIMA Osnovana je grana Hrvatske katoliþke zajednice. Službeni dekret ove grane poþinje 1932. 1928 THIRD CONVENT PURCHASED Fr. Venceslav and his faithful parishioners purchased another house adjacent to the sisters’ convent. The sisters moved into this third residence for them and their old residence was converted into a kindergarten. 1928. KUPLJEN TREûI SAMOSTAN Fra Venceslav i njegovi vjerni župljani kupili su još jednu kuüu u susjedstvu postojeüeg samostana. Sestre su se preselile u novi dom, a njihov stari samostan postao je djeþji vrtiü. 1928-1936 5TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Blaž Jerkoviü served as the parish’s 5th pastor. Several societies flourished under his direction, and his support for a basketball team paved the way to a championship and boosted school spirit. He was also tackled the renovation of the convent and the kindergarten. 1928.-1936. DOLAZAK PETOG ŽUPNIKA Fra Blaž Jerkoviü bio je peti župnik. Nekoliko društava je procvjetalo pod njegovim vodstvom, a njegova podrška košarkaškom školskom timu utrla je put na prvenstvo i potaknula duh škole. Fra Blaž je takoÿer potaknio obnovu samostana i vrtiüa. BLESSING OF THE NEW CHURCH BELLS Aug. 15th, 1928 Within months, Fr. Blaž purchased new bells for the church. A special church bell blessing was held in conjuction with the Velika Gospa celebration. 15. kolovoza 1928. BLAGOSLOV NOVIH CRKVENIH ZVONA U roku od mjesec dana, fra Blaž je kupio nova zvona za crkvu. Održan je poseban blagoslov zvona (Posveta Zvona). 11

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Jan. 27th, 1929 CROATIAN WOMAN BRANCH #1 IS FOUNDED The first branch of the Croatian Woman (Hrvatska Žena) organization is founded at St. Jerome’s. 27. sijeþnja 1929. OSNIVANJE PRVOG OGRANAKA DRUŠTVA HRVATSKA ŽENA Prvi ogranak Društva Hrvatska žena osnovan je u Sv. Jeronimu. 1929-1935 AMERICANS HIT WITH HARD TIMES The Great Depression affected many of St. Jerome’s parishioners. Many men lost their jobs, forcing families to accept government aid to survive. Fr. Blaž was limited in how much could be accomplished in renovations and the church’s financial outlook. By 1933, the number of contributing parishioners fell from 890 to 749 and the average annual income fell to about $1,929. 1929.-1935. AMERIKANCI POGOĈENI TEŠKIM VREMENIMA Velika depresija zahvatila je mnoge župljane Sv Jeronima. Mnogi ljudi izgubili su svoja radna mjesta, prisiljavajuüi obitelji da prihati pomoü vlade kako bi opstali. Fra Blaž je bio ograniþen i u obnovi izgleda crkve. Do 1933.godine broj župljana smanjen je sa 890 na 749 i prosjeþni godišnji prihod je pao na oko 1,929$. 1929 THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS The Third Order of St. Francis group is established. 1929. TREûI RED SV FRANJE Osnovan je Treüi red Sv Franje. 1930 YOUNG LADIES SODALITY FORMED Young Ladies Sodality Society was established. 1930. OSNOVANO DRUŠTVO MLADIH GOSPOĈA Osnovano je Društvo Mladih gospoÿa. 1930 CHILDREN OF MARY FORMED The Children of Mary Society established. 1930. OSNUTAK DRUŠTVA MARIJINA DJECA Osnovano je Društvo Marijina djeca. 1931 ST. THERESA ALTAR SOCIETY FORMED The St. Theresa Altar Society was established. Another 13 groups were tied to the parish, the largest being “St. George” of Poljica and “Gospa Sinjska” of Sinj.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 1932 GABRIC BOOSTERS FORMED During the Great Depression, a group of young parishioners formed an athletic social club, inclusive of other men in the neighborhood. Because times were tough, they needed a sponsor and Croatian pharmacist John Gabric answered the call. 1932. OSNIVANJE “GABRIC BOOSTERS” U vrijeme velike depresije, skupina mladih župljana osniva atletski društveni klub, koji je ukljuþivao i ostale muškarce u susjedstvu. Kako su vremena bila teška, hrvatski farmaceut John Gabric postaje sponzor kluba. FIRST CROATIAN CATHOLIC DAY July 28th, 1934 In cooperation with the other Chicago Croatian churches, Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart, St. Jerome’s helped organize the first “Croatian Catholic Day” in Chicago. 28. srpnja 1934. PRVI HRVATSKI KATOLIýKI DAN U suradnji sa ostalim hrvatskim crkvama u Chicagu, Presetog Trojstva i Srca Isusova, Sv Jeronim je organizirao prvi “Hrvatski katoliþki dan” u Chicagu. 1934 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED Mr. & Mrs. Jozo Zidaric celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at St. Jerome’s. The couple had arrived in Chicago in 1887 and had voted in 10 U.S. presidential elections since then. Mr. Zidaric was a founding member of the first parish council. 1934. OBILJEŽENA 50.-ta GODIŠNJICA BRAKA Gospodin i gospoÿa Zidariü proslavili su 50.-tu godišnjicu braka u Sv Jeronimu. Par je doselio u Chicago 1887. i od tada su glasali na 10 ameriþkih predsjedniþkih izbora. Gospodin Zidariü je bio jedan od osnivaþa prvog župnog vijeüa. FATHER BONO BILANDZIC’S FIRST MASS June 24th, 1934 Father Bonaventure Bilandzic celebrated his first Mass at St. Jerome’s. Fr. Bono was the uncle of St. Jerome parishioner Michael A. Bilandic, a future Mayor of Chicago and Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice. 24. lipnja 1934. PRVA MISA FRA BONE BILANDŽIûA Fra Bono Bilandžiü proslavio je svoju prvu misu u Crkvi Sv Jeronima. Fra Bono je bio ujak župljaninu Sv Jeronima, Michael A. Bilandiüu, bivšem gradonaþelniku gradu Chicaga i predsjedniku Vrhovnog suda Savezne države Illinois. 1935 CHURCH ENVELOPES The parish incorporated a better system to track donations. Church envelopes were introduced for the first time.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 1935 UVEDEN SUSTAV PRIKUPLJANKJA MILOSTINJE Župa uvodi bolji naþin prikupljanja milostinje. Prvi put je predstavljena kuverta za crkvenu milostinju. 1936-1943 6TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Franjo ýuturiü became the parish’s 6th pastor. Fr. Francis is remembered for his oratorical skills and eloquent sermons. He also helped reduce the debt of the parish. 1936-1943 DOLAZAK 6. ŽUPNIKA Fra Franjo ýuturiü postaje 6 župnik. Zapamüen je kao župnik sa izvrsnim govorniþkim sposobnostima i elokventnim propovijedima. Takoÿer je pomogao u smanjenju župnog duga. CROATIAN DRAMA CLUB May 3rd, 1936 The women belonging to the Croatian Dramatic Club participated in the celebration of the century of the “Croatian National Hymn.” The event was called “My Sweet Country”. 3. svibnja 1936. HRVATSKI DRAMSKI KLUB Žene Hrvatskog dramskog kluba su prisustvovale proslavi povodom stoljeüa “Hrvatske nacionalne himne”. Proslava je bila nazvana “Moja draga zemlja”. FATHER FRANCIS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD Nov. 15th, 1936 A special Mass and celebration was held to commemorate Fr. Francis’s Silver Jubilee. 15. studeni 1936. FRA FRANJO SLAVI 25 GODINA SVEûENIŠTVA Povodom srebrnog jubilea fra Franje ýuturiüa održano je posebno misno slavlje i proslava. 1937 OLD PARISH HALL SOLD, NEW ONE PURCHASED The location of the first church, the old parish hall on 25th Street, was sold. A new hall was purchased at the corner of 28th Place & Princeton – it was formerly the “Portland Avenue” German Methodist-Episcopal Church. 1937 PRODAJA STAE I KUPNJA NOVE ŽUPNE DVORANE Prodana je lokacija stare župe i župne dvorane na 25. ulici. Kupljena je nova župna dvorana na uglu 28. ulice i Princetona – bivša Njemaþka Metodistiþka episkopalna crkva poznata i kao “Portland Avenue”. 1937 ST. JEROME 25TH ANNIVERSARY – SILVER JUBILEE Fr. Francis and his parishioners worked hard to renovate the church for the parish’s silver jubilee. New stained-glass windows were installed – the same ones in use today. A special dinner was celebrated in the old parish hall on Wentworth & 25th. 1937. OBLJETNICA ŽUPE SV. JERONIMA – SREBRENI JUBILEJ Fra Franjo i njegovi župljani ulažu velike napore u renoviranje crkve povodom srebrnog jubilea. 14

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Postavljena su novi vitražni prozori koji stoje i danas. Sveþana veþera je održana u župnoj dvorani na uglu Wentwort i 25. ulice. 1937 FIRST MASS FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS The first weekly Mass in English was offered on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. 1937 ODRŽANA PRVA MISA NA ENGLESKOM JEZIKU Mise na engleskom jeziku poþele su se služiti nedjeljom u 11:30 sati. 1939-1945 WORLD WAR II BEGINS Many parishioners enlisted in the U.S. Armed forces at the start of World War II. 1939-1945 POýETAK 2. SVJETSKOG RATA Poþetkom 2. Svjetskog rata velik broj župljana se prikljuþuje vojnim snagama Sjedinjenih ameriþkih država Feb. 1943 – 1955 7TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Ferdo Skoko serves as the parish’s 7th pastor. The founding pastor, Fr. Leon, returned to serve as Fr. Ferdo’s assistant. Veljaþa 1943 – 1955 DOLAZAK 7. ŽUPNIKA Fra Ferdo Skoko je služio kao 7. župnik župe sv. Jeronima. Fra Leon, osnivaþ župe, se takoÿer vraüa u župu kao fra Ferdin suradnik. August 22nd, 1943 SPECIAL MASS FOR THE ARMED FORCES A special Mass was celebrated for the many men who had enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. 22. kolovoza 1943. SLUŽENA POSEBNA MISA ZA VOJNE SNAGE Služeno je posebno misno slavlje za sve muškarce koji su se prikljuþili vojnim snagama Sjedinjenih Ameriþkih Država u 2. Svjetskom ratu. 1944 CROATIAN FRANCISCAN MONASTERY OPENS The Croatian Franciscan Monastery of Chicago opened. The entire parish participated in the opening event. The parish also donated the main altar of St. Anthony for the monastery chapel. A chapel window, depicting Bl. Nikola Tavelic, was also donated by the youth of St. Jerome. 1944 OTVORENJE HRVATSKOG FRANJEVAýKOG SAMOSTANA Otvoren je Hrvatski franjevaþki samostan. Cijela župna zajednica je sudjelovala u sveþanom dogaÿaju. Župa je donirala glavni oltar sv. Ante za samostansku kapelicu. Mladež sv. Jeronima je donirala prozor kapelice s prikazom blaženog Nikole Taveliüa.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 1945 ST. JEROME BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS St. Jerome’s basketball team wins the championship of the Catholic Youth Organization. 1945 SV. JERONIM – PRVAK U KOŠARCI Košarkaški tim sv. Jeronma postaje prvak u ligi Organizacije katoliþke mladeži. 1945 NEW WAVE OF CROATIAN IMMIGRANTS The end of World War II and the dissolution the Independent State of Croatia became the catalyst for the next wave of Croatians to come the U.S. A communist Yugoslavia in 1945 meant political and religious persecution for many Croatians. The imprisonment and execution of clergy and political dissidents underscored the loss of freedoms and fueled the gradual exodus. It is estimated that at least 20,000 Croatians came to the Chicagoland area after 1945. 1945. NOVI VAL HRVATSKIH IMIGRANATA Kraj 2. Svjetskog rata i pad Nezavisne države Hrvatske postao je povod za dolazak novog vala hrvatskih imigranata u Sjedinjene ameriþke države. Osnutak komunistiþke Jugoslavije 1945. godine je znaþio politiþki i vjerski progon velikog broja Hrvata te ubojstvo preko 600 sveüenika. Zatvaranje crkvenog klera i politiþkih disidenata samo je naglasio gubitak hrvatske slobode i postao povod postupnog odlaska iz zemlje. Procijenjuje se da je u šire podruþje Chicaga 1945 godine došlo najmanje 20,000 Hrvata. FIRST ISSUE OF THE JEROMITE STAR IS PUBLISHED Sept. 30th, 1945 The first issue of the Jeromite Star was published on the feast day of St. Jerome under the leadership of Fr. Ferdo and Fr. Steve Raich. It became a monthly newsletter distributed on the first Sunday of each month. 30. rujna 1945. OBJAVLJENO PRVO IZDANJE “THE JEROMITE STAR” Prvo izdanje “The Jeromite Star” je objavljeno na dan proslave sv. Jeronima pod vodstvom fra Ferdinanda Skoke i fra Stevea Raicha. Od tada je “The Jeromite Star” postao mjeseþni bilten koji se dijelio svake prve nedjelje u mjesecu. March 13th, 1946 ST. JEROME POST AND AUXILIARY NO. 595 With the end of the war, the need to help returning veterans in their social and health care was great. St. Jerome’s Post and Auxiliary No. 595 was chartered on March 13, 1946 for the purpose to serve “God, country and home in a non-military way”. The group met in the parish clubroom. The first Commander was attorney Nick Matkoviü. 13. ožujka 1946. UDRUGA VOJNIH VETERANA BROJ 595 ŽUPE SV. JERONIMA Sa završetkom rata postojala je velika potreba za pomoü vojnim veteranima u njihovoj socijalnoj i zdravstvenoj skrbi. Udruga vojnih veterana župe sv. Jeronima broj 595 osnovana je 13. ožujka 1946. pod geslom “Bog, domovina i dom na ne-vojni naþin”. Udruga se sastajala u župnom klubu. Prvi predsjednik udruge je bio odvjetnik Nick Matkoviü. 16

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Sept. 29th, 1946 BURNING OF THE CHURCH MORTGAGE Under Fr. Ferdo’s leadership, all of the remaining debts were paid off, including the last church mortgage payment of $3,000 (almost $40,000.00 in today’s dollar value). A celebration of the “burning of the mortgage” was held on the feast of St. Jerome. Fr. Leon, Fr. Venceslav and Fr. Blaz attended the celebration. 29. rujna 1946. OTPLAûEN ŽUPNI DUG U vrijeme fra Ferdinanda Skoke otplaüeni su svi župni dugovi, ukljuþujuüi i otplatu hipoteke u iznosu od $3,000.00 (gotovo $40,000 u današnjoj vrijednosti dollara). Proslava povodom “paljenja župnog duga” je održana na dan sv. Jeronima. Fra Leon, Fra Venceslav i fra Blaž su prisustvovali slavlju. 1946 NEW PIPES FOR THE CHOIR A new organ is purchased and installed for $9,127. This same organ is in use today. 1946 NOVE ORGULJE ZA CRKVENI KOR Kupljene su i postavljene nove orgulje za 9,127 dolara koje se i danas koriste u župi. 1946 CLUB POLJICA FOUNDED Club Poljica was founded. 1946 OSNUTAK KLUBA POLJICA Osnovan je Klub Poljica. April 1947 CLUB SINJ FOUNDED Club Sinj was founded. Travanj 1947 OSNUTAK KLUBA SINJ Osnovan je Klub Sinj. FUNDRAISER TO HELP EUROPE RECOVER Oct. 12th, 1947 The rebuilding of Europe after World War II was of great interest to the Croatian community. Members of St. Jerome’s Club Preko organized a European Relief Banquet. The proceeds went toward relief supplies to the affected nations. Special collections were held during Mass. 12. listopada 1947. PRIKUPLJANJE SREDSTAVA ZA POMOû OPORAVKU EUROPE Hrvatska zajednica je gajila velik interes za obnovu Europe nakon 2 svjetskog rata. ýlanovi “Kluba Preko” župe sv. Jeronima su organizirali banket za pomoü Europi. Prikupljena sredstava su poslana pogoÿenim nacijama Europe. Posebna sredstva su prikupljana za vrijeme misnih slavlja. Feb. 1951 LADIES AUXILIARY FORMED The Ladies Auxiliary was formed. 17

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Veljaþa 1951. OSNOVANA UDRUGA MAJKI I SUPRUGA VOJNIH VETERANA Osnovana je Udruga majki i supruga vojnih veterana. 1953 FOURTH CONVENT BUILT & RECTORY ADDITION Fr. Ferdo and his generous parishioners built a fourth and final convent for the sisters at a cost of $68,269 (about $578,000 in today’s dollar value). Today, the building houses St. Jerome’s preschool and computer lab in the basement. Later, an addition was made at the rear of the rectory for more than $50,000 (about $423,000 in today’s dollar value). 1953 SAGRAĈEN ýETVRTI SAMOSTAN I ŽUPNI URED Fra Ferdo i njegovi darežljivi župljani su sagradili þetvrti i posljednji samostan za þasne sestre a troškovi su iznosili $68,269.00 (oko $578,000.00 u današnjoj vrijednosti dolara). Danas prostori služe za Djeþji vrtiü Sv. Jeronima i informatiþku radionicu u prostorima podruma. Kasnije su kupljeni prostori za stražnje strane župnog stana u iznosu oko $50,000 (otprilike 423,000.00$ u današnjoj vrijednosti). 1953-54 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT PEAKS School enrollment peaks at 583. 1953-54 VRHUNAC BROJA UPISANIH U ŠKOLU Broj upisanih ÿaka u školu Sv. Jeronima broji 583. 1954 CHURCH BRICK FAÇADE IS REPLACED BY STONE Old brick on front of church covered by a contemporary stone façade. 1954 CRKVENA FASADA OD CIGLE ZAMIJENJENA KAMENOM Stara ciglena fasada zamijenjena suvremenom kamenom fasadom. THE MARIAN YEAR of 1954 Aug. 15th, 1954 The Marian Congress is held in 1954, a Jubilee international Year in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary — Croatians from all over U.S. and Canada came to St. Jerome to celebrate the feast of the Assumption – Velika Gospa. 15. kolovoza 1954. MARIJANSKA GODINA Marijanski kongres je održan meÿunarodno proglašene Marijine godine, 1954. Hrvati iz svih krajeva Sjedinjenih ameriþkih država i Kanade su došli na veliko slavlje Marijinog uznesenja na nebo - Velike Gospe. Mid-1950s ST. JEROME CROATIAN CREDIT UNION A credit union was founded to help parishioners gain low-interest loans, offer savings options, life insurance and other financial planning options. The union dissolved in the 1980s.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Sredina 1950-ih HRVATSKA KREDITNA UNIJA SV. JERONIMA Kreditna unija je osnovana kako bi omoguüila župljanima dobivanje zajmova sa niskim kamatama te je nudila moguünost štednje, životnog osiguranja i druge opcije financijskog planiranja. Unija se ugasila 1980-ih. 1955-1956 8th PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Serafin Vištica serves as the parish’s 8th pastor. 1955-1956 DOLAZAK 8. ŽUPNIKA Fra Serafin Vištica je služio kao 8. župnik župe sv. Jeronima. 1956-1958 FR. FERDO RETURNS Fr. Ferdo returns to serve as the parish’s 9th pastor. 1956-1958 POVRATAK FRA FERDE Fra Ferdo se vraüa u župu kao 9. župnik. 1956 ALL TIME LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS 73 students of the Class of ’56 become the all-time largest graduating class. 1956 NAJVEûI BROJ ZAVRŠENIH OSMOŠKOLACA 73 uþenika generacije 1956. su ujedno i najbrojnija generacija osmog razreda škole sv. Jeronima. Feb. 1958 – 1960 10TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Zvonko Manduriü serves as the parish’s 10th pastor. He succeeds in saving money to address the deteriorating school and parish hall. Veljaþa 1958 -1960 DOLAZAK 10. ŽUPNIKA Fra Zvonko Manduriü je služio kao 10. župnik u župi sv. Jeronima. Vrijeme njegove službe se pamti po štednji sredstava u svrhu izgradnje nove škole i župne dvorane. May 1960 – 1965 11th PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Vitomir Naletiliü serves as parish’s 11th pastor. Svibanj 1960 – 1965 DOLAZAK 11. ŽUPNIKA Kao 11. župnik župe sv. Jeronima služio je fra Vitomir Naletiliü GROUND-BREAKING FOR NEW SCHOOL AND HALL Sept. 18th, 1960 Construction on the new school and hall begins. 18. rujna 1960. POSTAVLJANJE KAMENA TEMELJCA ZA NOVU ŠKOLU I ŽUPNU DVORANU Poþetak radova na izgradnji nove škole i župne dvorane. 19

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE

ARCHBISHOP BLESSES NEW SCHOOL AND HALL Sept. 24th, 1961 Albert Cardinal Meyer, Archbishop of Chicago, blessed the new school and hall. It was built and furnished for $256,000 (equivalent to $1,940,000.00 in today’s dollars) and is still in use today. 24. rujna 1961. NADBISKUP BLAGOSLIVLJA NOVU ŠKOLU I ŽUPNU DVORANU Nadbiskup Meyer blagoslivlja novu školu i župnu dvoranu. Izgradnja i ureÿenje je iznosilo tadašnjih $256,000 (otprilike $1,940,000 u današnjoj vrijednosti) . 1962 DAN RYAN OPENS, DISPLACES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES The Dan Ryan Expressway was opened. Although the initial plans for the south side expressway that became the Dan Ryan would have cut through the Bridgeport neighborhood along Normal Avenue, in 1956 Mayor Richard J. Daley and the city council moved the route to Wentworth Avenue along the eastern edge of Armour Square and Fuller Park. The new route displaced residents and businesses in neighborhoods adjacent to the neighborhoods that had already been displaced by the new housing projects. 1962 OTVORENJE DAN RYAN AUTOCESTE DOVODI DO RAZMJEŠTAJA STANOVNIKA I POSLOVA Otvorena je autocesta Dan Ryan. Iako su prvotni planovi izgradnje autoceste prema južnoj strani grada ukljuþivali prolazak kroz Bridgeport duž Normal avenue, gradonaþelnik Richard J. Daley i gradsko vijeüe su 1956. promijenili rutu nove autoceste na Wentworth Avenue uz istoþni rub Armour Square i Fuller Parka. Novi plan izgradnje autoceste je doveo do raseljavanja stanovnika i poslova u susjedne þetvrti koje su veü bile raseljene po novom projektu stambene izgradnje. 1965-1967 12TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Steve Raich serves as parish’s 12th pastor. 1956-1967 DOLAZAK 12. ŽUPNIKA Fra Steve Raich je služio kao 12. župnik župe Sv. Jeronima 1967-1969 13TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Theodore Benkoviü serves as parish’s 13th pastor, paying down the debt. 1967-1969 DOLAZAK 13. ŽUPNIKA Fra Theodore Benkoviü je služio u župi kao 13 župnik i radio je na otplati župnog duga. ZRINSKI FRANKOPAN SOCIETY IS FORMED Dec. 15th, 1968 The cultural and art society “Zrinski Frankopan” was formed with the goal of fostering Croatian cultural traditions. The group rehearsed weekly at St. Jerome’s hall. The group dissolved in 1988. 15. prosinac 1968. OSNOVANO DRUŠTVO ZRINSKI FRANKOPAN Kulturno umjetniþko društvo “Zrinski Frankopan” je osnovano s ciljem poticanja i gajenja 20

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE hrvatske kulturne tradicije. Društvo se okupljalo jednom tjedno u župnoj dvorani. Društvo se ugasilo 1988. godine. 1969-1976 14TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Marko Kozina serves as parish’s 14th pastor. 1969-1976 DOLAZAK 14. ŽUPNIKA Fra Marko Kozina je u služio kao 14. župnik župe sv. Jeronima. CITY OF CHICAGO ADOPTS “CROATIAN AMERICAN DAY” Aug. 15th, 1970 Alderman Michal A. Bilandic presents a Resolution to City Council to recognize the Holy Day of the Feast of the Assumption and Croatian American Day. 15. kolovoza 1970. GRAD CHICAGO USVAJA “HRVATSKO-AMERIýKI DAN” Vijeünik Michael A. Bilandiü predstavlja Rezoluciju gradskog vijeüa kojom se prepoznaju i prihvaüaju blagdan Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije i “Hrvatsko-ameriþki dan”. 1971 SCHOOL KITCHEN REMODELED A modern kitchen was built in the school hall making St. Jerome’s renowned cook, Mary Mandic, and her crew a very happy group of women! 1971 OBNOVA ŠKOLSKE KUHINJE Izgradnja moderne školske kuhinje jako je usreüila poznatu kuharicu u sv. Jeronimu, Mary Mandiü i njezin kuharski tim! 1971 VATICAN II INSPIRES CHANGES Vatican II brings changes to the church interior, including an abstract depiction of the descent of the Holy Spirit, whose tongues of fire were symbolized by red curves. A new white sculpture of St. Jerome translating the Bible in his grotto cave in Bethlehem was donated to the church. 1971 II. VATIKANSKI SABOR DONOSI PROMJENE Drugi vatikanski sabor je donio promijene u crkvenom interijeru Sv. Jeronima, ukljuþujuüi i prikaz silaska Sv. Duha þiji su plameni jeziþci bili simbolizirani crvenim krivuljama. Postavljena je nova bijela skulptura sv. Jeronima kako radi u svojoj spilji. 1972 FATHER IVAN BRADVICA ARRIVES Father Ivan Bradvica arrived as an associate pastor to Father Kozina. 1972 DOLAZAK FRA IVANA BRADVICE Fra Ivan Bradvica postaje župni suradnik fra Kozini. CROATIAN SCHOOL IS FORMED Feb. 3rd, 1973 Croatian-language School “Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac” is established by Fr. Marko and Fr. Ivan 21

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Bradvica. 40 children attended the Saturday morning classes in the first year. 3. veljaþe 1973. OSNOVANA HRVATSKA ŠKOLA Fra Marko i fra Ivan Bradvica osnivaju novu hrvatsku školu “Kardinala Alojzija Stepinca” sa 40ero djeco koja pohaÿaju subotnju nastavu. MARY MANDIC POPULARITY FEATURED IN THE TRIBUNE Nov. 15th, 1974 Popular St. Jerome’s cook, Mary Mandich is featured in the Chicago Tribune. Known for her traditional “Rizot” dish, Mary had prepared meals for up to 2,000 people since 1944. 15. studenog 1974. POPULARNOST MARY MANDIC ISTAKNUTA U TRIBUNEU Popularnost kuharice u sv. Jeronimu, Mary Mandic, istaknuta je u “The Chicago Trinune”. Bila je poznata po svom tradicionalnom rižotu, a od 1944. Mary je pripremila obroke za više od 2000 ljudi. 1976-1979 15th PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Paul Maslach serves as the parish’s 15th pastor. 1976-1979 DOLAZAK 15. ŽUPNIKA Fra Pavao Maslaü je služio kao 15. župnik župe sv. Jeronima 1976 - 1979 FIRST & ONLY CROATIAN MAYOR OF CHICAGO St. Jerome graduate and parishioner Michael A. Bilandic becomes Mayor of the City of Chicago from Dec. 28, 1976 to April 16, 1979. He becomes the first non-Irish mayor since 1933. Prior to that, he served as a top Alderman in the City Council and later was elected to the Illinois State Supreme Court in 1990 and served until 2000. He was the Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice from 1994 to 1996. 1976 –1979 PRVI I JEDNI HRVAT NA MJESTU GRADONAýELNIKA CHICAGA Uþenik škole i župljanin župe sv. Jeronima Michael A. Bilandiü postaje gradonaþelnik grada Chicaga. Prvi je ne-Irac na mjestu gradonaþelnika od 1933. godine. Prije toga je služio kao vijeünik Gradskog vijeüa a 1990. godine je bio izabran za þlana Vrhovnog suda Savezne države Illinois gdje je radio do 2000. godine. Bilandiü je bio sudac Vrhovnog suda Savezne države Illinois od 1994-1996. July 1979 – 1982 16th PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Anthony Dukiü serves as parish’s 16th pastor. Srpanj 1979-1982 DOLAZAK 16. ŽUPNIKA Fra Ante Dukiü je služio kao 16. župnik župe sv. Jeronima. 1979 PAPAL RECOGNITION ANNIV. - NEW OAK DOORS FOR CHURCH Renovation of church and sisters convent, including new oak doors for church commemorating 22

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE the 1,100th anniversary of the 879 Papal recognition of the Croatian state, led by Prince Branimir. (Pope John VIII recognized and blessed Croatia as a Catholic Christian land.) 1979 OBLJETNICA PRIZNANJA HRVATSKE– NOVA VRATA Obnova crke i samostana þasnih sestara, koja je ukljuþivala nova crkvena vrata od hrastovine u spomen na 1100. godišnjicu (879.) papinskog priznanja države Hrvatske voÿene knezom Branimirom. (Papa Ivan 8. je priznao i blagoslovio Hrvatsku kao katoliþku kršüansku zemlju). Dec. 1979 CROATIAN RADIO PROGRAM BEGINS “Voice of Croatian Parishes and Cultural Institutions” radio program begins, taped at St. Jerome’s by Fr. Ljubo Krasiü, the associate pastor. Prosinac 1979. POýINJE HRVATSKI RADIO PROGRAM “Glas Hrvatskih župa i kulturnih institucija” – zapoþinje radio program pod vodstvom fra Ljube Krasiüa, župnog pomoünika. 1982-1985 17TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Jerome Kucan serves as parish’s 17th pastor, and obtains the statue of St. Leopold Mandiü, canonized in 1983 and the second Croatian saint. 1982-1985 DOLAZAK 17. ŽUPNIKA Fra Jerome Kuüan služi kao 17. župnik župe i dobiva kip sv. Leopolda Mandiüa, kanoniziranog 1983. godine. 1982-1992 FR. HRVOSLAV BAN’S INFLUENCE Fr. Hrvoslav Ban serves a record 10 years as associate pastor, during which time his ministry to the Croatian School flourished. 1982-1992 UTJECAJ FRA HRVOSLAVA BANA Fra Hrvoslav Ban služi rekordnu 10-godišnju službu u župi sv. Jeronima. Tijekom njegove sveüeniþke službe bilježi se procvat djelovanja Hrvatske škole. 1985 June – 1995 18TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Matthew Ruyechan serves as parish’s 18th pastor. Lipanj 1985-1995 DOLAZAK 18. ŽUPNIKA Fra Matthew Ruyechan služi kao 18. župnik župe sv. Jeronima. CROATIA DECLARES INDEPENDENCE June 25th, 1991 Croatia declares independence. The parishioners, neighbors and friends of St. Jerome’s came together to send money and needed goods to the war-ravaged Croatia. Countless of containers full of needed supplies were packed and shipped from the steps in front of St. Jeromes. 23

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 25. lipanj 1991. HRVATSKA PROGLAŠAVA SVOJU NEZAVISNOST Proglašenje Hrvatske nezavisnosti. Župljani, susjedi i prijatelji župe sv. Jeronima šalju novþanu i humanitarnu pomoü u ratom pogoÿene dijelove Hrvatske. Na ulaznim stepenicama u crkvu sv. Jeronima pakirani su nebrojeni kontejneri puni humanitarne pomoüi i poslani u Hrvatsku. Feb. 1993 CLUB ZADAR FOUNDED Club Zadar founded. Veljaþa 1993. OSNOVAN KLUB ZADAR Osnovan je klub Zadar 1995-1997 19th PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Zvonko Kutleša serves as parish’s 19th pastor. He installs red tile roof on church, stone front and rectory renovation. 1995-1997 DOLAZAK 19. ŽUPNIKA Fra Zvonko Kutleša služi kao 19. župnik. Za vrijeme njegove službe postavljen je krov od crvenih crijepova na zgradu crkve, kameno proþelje te ureÿenje župne kuüe. 1996 FATHER JOE ARRIVES Fr. Jozo “Joe” Grbeš begins serving at St. Jerome, as associate pastor. 1996 DOLAZAK FRA JOZE Fra Jozo “Joe” Grbeš zapoþinje svoju službu u sv. Jeronimu kao suradnik župnika. 1996 NEW STONE FAÇADE FOR CHURCH New stone façade for church installed and church steeple renovated for $295,000. 1996 CRKVA DOBIVA NOVU KAMENU FASADU Postavljena nova kamena fasada na crkvu i obnovljen crkveni zvonik $295,000 . 1997-2001 20TH PASTOR ARRIVES Fr. Jozo Grubišiü serves as parish’s 20th pastor. 1997-2001 DOLAZAK 20. ŽUPNIKA Fra Jozo Grubišiü služi kao 20. župnik župe sv. Jeronima. 1997 MARIAN SOCIETY Fr. Jozo Grubišiü initiated the effort to revive the Marian Society. Today the group continues to be active organizing retreats and helping with parish event.s 1997 MARIJINO DRUŠTVO Fra Jozo Grubišiü ulaže napore u obnovu Marijinog društva. Društvo je aktivno i danas u 24

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE organiziranju i pomoüi oko župnih dogaÿaja. CROATIAN CATHOLIC RADIO PROGRAM RE-ESTABLISHED April 30th, 1998 Fr. Joe Grbeš and Fr. Jozo Grubušiü re-establish Croatian Catholic radio program for first time in almost 18 years. 30. travanj 1998. PONOVNO USPOSTAVLJANJE RADIO PROGRAMA Fra Jozo Grbeš i fra Jozo Grubišiü, nakon 18 godina stanke, ponovno uspostavljaju Hrvatski katoliþki radio program. 1998 ST. JEROME WEBSITE CREATED St. Jerome was one of the first churches in Chicago to launch their website. 1998 AKTIVIRANA INTERNETSKA STRANICA ŽUPE SV. JERONIMA Aktivirana je internetska stranica župe, meÿu prvima u Chicagu. 1998 75th ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JEROME SCHOOL Over 750 school alumni gathered together for a formal banquet to celebrate the anniversary of their school.

1998 75. OBLJETNICA POSTOJANJA ŠKOLE SV. JERONIMA Na banketu povodom proslave 75. godišnjice postojanja škole sv. Jeronima okupilo se preko 750 gostiju koji su pohaÿali tu školu. CENTENNIAL OF CARDINAL STEPINAC’S BIRTH May 24th, 1998 St. Jerome’s celebrated the 100th anniversary of Croatian Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac’s birth (May 8, 1898) with a formal Sunday Mass officiated by Bishop Komarica from Banja Luka. 24. svibnja 1998. 100. OBLJETNICA ROĈENJA KARDINALA STEPINCA Proslava 100. obljetnice roÿenja kardinala Stepinca (8. svibanj 1898.) održana je na nedjeljnoj misi u župi sv. Jeronima koju je predvodio biskup Komarica. CARDINAL STEPINAC BEATIFIED Oct. 3rd, 1998 Pope John Paul II beatifies Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, the final stage before sainthood. 3. listopad 1998. BEATIFIKACIJA KARDINALA STEPINCA Papa Ivan Pavao II proglašava kardinala Alojzija Stepinca blaženim – posljedni korak do svetosti. 2 PRIESTS ORDAINED AT ST. JEROME’S Nov. 15th, 1998 Two Franciscan friars ordained as deacons by Croatian Bishop Slobodan Štambuk, the bishop of Hvar: Friar Danko Perutina and Friar Dario Dodig. 25

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE

15. studenog 1998. ZAREĈENJE SVEûENIKA U SV. JERONIMU U župi sv. Jeronima hrvatski hvarski biskup zareÿuje za ÿakone dva franjevca: fra Danka Perutinu i fra Daria Dodiga. STREET DEDICATED IN HONOR OF CARDINAL STEPINAC April 18th, 1999 Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago presides in the official ceremony of the City’s bestowing the honorary name of “Cardinal Stepinac Way” upon Princeton Avenue between 26th and 33rd streets, the route of the Velika Gospa procession. 18. travnja 1999. ULICI DODIJELJEN POýASNI NAZIV: CARDINAL STEPINAC WAY Kardinal Nadbiskupije Chicaga Francis George sudjeluje u proslavi župe sv. Jeronima povodom darivanja poþasnog imena “Put kardinala Stepinca” dijelu Princeton Avenue od 26. do 33. ulice – putem koji prolazi procesija na Veliku Gospu. 1999 SMALL PARISH HALL RENOVATED The parish small hall (first and second floors) were completely renovated. 1999 OBNOVA MALE ŽUPNE DVORANE Obnovljena je mala župna dvorana (1. i 2. kat) PRIESTS ORDAINED AT ST. JEROME’S May 7th, 2000 Three Croatian Franciscan friars were ordained as priests by Bishop John Gorman, auxiliary bishop of Chicago: Fr. Tomislav Puljiü, Fr. Ivica Majstoroviü and Fr. Mario Knezoviü. 7. svibnja 2000. ZAREĈENJE SVEûENIKA U SV. JERONIMU Biskup John Gorman u župi sv. Jeronima zareÿuje trojicu franjevaca u sveüeniþku službu: fra Tomislava Puljiüa, fra Ivicu Majstoroviüa i fra Maria Knezoviüa. 2000 - early 2001 A NEW LOOK FOR THE ALTAR AND CHURCH Under the leadership of Fr. Jozo Grubišiü, the interior of the church was painted and a new look transformed the altar and sanctuary. New images of the 12 Apostles adorned the Sanctuary – painted by Polish artist Zygmunt Kimel, a native of Krakow. The ceiling was painted with a new motif and the Croatian Franciscan coat of arms and the symbol of the Holy Spirit were applied to the ceiling of the sanctuary area. The image of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane was cleaned and renewed – the historic image dates back to the very construction of our church building in 1884. The image, along with the basic internal architecture of our church, was largely unchanged since the building was constructed. Several new stained-glass images were added to the sanctuary and rear of the church. The statues of the saints along the each sidewall were restored to their original beauty. The altar was transformed with the installation of the tabernacle altar, matching inlaid side altars, a main pulpit, a baptismal font and the communion rails - all marble remnants from St. Laurence 26

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE Church (7148 S. Dorchester Ave.), which closed its doors in 1999. Newly-cut white and black marble flooring was also added to the sanctuary floor. 2000- poþetak 2001 NOVI IZGLED OLTARA I CRKVE Pod vodstvom fra Joze Grubišiüa oliþen je inerijer crkve a novi izgled su dobili oltar i crkveno svetište. Poljski umjetnik Zygmunt Kimel (Krakow, Poljska) slika crkveni interijer, ukljuþujuüi i slike 12 apostola u svetištu crkve. Strop svetišta dobiva nove motive, a franjevaþki grb i simbol Duha Svetog su dodani stražnjem zidu crkvenog svetšta. Slika Isusa u Getsemanskom vrtu, koja datira od vremena izgradnje crkve 1884. godine, je oþišüena i obnovljena. Slike, kao i untrašnja arhitektura crkve ostaju oþuvane od vremena gradnje crkve. Nekoliko novih vitražnih prozora su dodani svetištu i crkvi. Kipovima svetaca koji krase crkvene prolaze vraüena je originalna ljepota. Oltar je izmijenjen dodavanjem novog tabernakula koji svojim stilom i ukrasima odgovara boþnim oltarima, propovjedaonice, krstionice i priþesne ograde za što je korišten mramor iz crkve Sv. Laurence, 7148 S. Dorchester Ave., zatvorene 1999. Obnova crkvenog svetišta je dovršena postavljanjem novog crno-bijelog mramornog poda. July 2001 21st PASTOR LEADS THE PARISH Fr. Jozo Grbeš begins serving as parish’s 21st pastor. Srpanj 2001 21 ŽUPNIK VODI ŽUPU Fra Jozo Grbeš poþinje služiti kao 21. župnik župe sv. Jeronima 2001 CARDINAL STEPINAC SIDE ALTAR IS DEDICATED Fr. Zlatko Sudac painted a special portrait of Blessed Cardinal Stepinac, Archbishop of Zagreb, who was killed by the Communist regime in 1960 and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998. The oil-painting has been placed on what is now his side altar. 2001 POSVEûENJE OLTARA KARDINALA STEPINCA Veleþasni Zlatko Sudac u župnom uredu slika portret blaženog Alojzija Stepinca, zagrebaþkog nadbiskupa, kojeg je ubio komunistiþki režim 1960. godine a beatificirao ga je Papa Ivan Pavao II 1998. Ulje na platnu je smješteno na mjesto koje je danas oltar posveüen kardinalu Stepincu. 2001 FATHER TOMISLAV JOINS ST. JEROME’S Fr. Tomislav Puljic, OFM, became associate pastor. 2001 DOLAZAK FRA TOMISLAVA U SV. JERONIM Fra Tomislav Puljiü postaje župnik pomoünik. 2001 SISTERS OF ST. JEROME’S COMPLETE THEIR SERVICE After almost 80 years of dedication and love, the Sister Adorers of the Blood of Christ complete their service to St. Jerome’s parish. Their convent is converted to a preschool.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 2001 ýASNE SESTRE ZAVRŠAVAJU SVOJU SLUŽBU U SV. JERONIMU Nakon gotovo 80 godine službe, sestre Reda Predragocjene Krvi Isusove završavaju svoj rad u župi sv. Jeronima. Samostan postaje djeþji vrtiü. 2002 ST. JEROME’S RENOVATES FOR UPCOMING 90TH ANNIVERSARY The parish kept busy this year to prepare for the upcoming anniversary. New steps were built and the sidewalk was expanded in front of the church. A new oak floor was installed throughout the entire church, pews were refinished, kneeler-cushions replaced, and new runners placed in the aisles. The foyer was renewed to its original state and restrooms improved to accommodate the elderly. The balcony area was upgraded with new rugs placed throughout the seating area. The pipe-organ was also renovated and new electronics added to enhance the sound. 2002 OBNOVA CRKVE ZA NADOLAZEûU 90. OBLJETNICU Cijela župa je bila zaposlena oko obnove i pripreme crkve za nadolazeüu 90. obljetnicu. Izgraÿene su nove srkvene stepenice i ureÿen je i proširen ploþnik ispred crkve. Postavljen je novi pod od hrastovine u cijeloj crkvi, dovršene su crkvene klupe, zamijenjena su klecalima i postavljeni novi sagovi u crkvene prolaze. Predvorje crkve je potpuno obnovljeno u svoje prvotno izdanje, a prostori zahoda su obnovljeni i prilagoÿeni korištenju starijim osobama. Takoÿer su ureÿeni crkveni balkoni na kojima su postavljneni tepisi (sagovi) na svim sjedeüim mjestima. Obnovljene su i crkvene orgulje kojima su dodane nove elektroniþke novine u svrhu poboljšanja njihova zvuka. 2002 ST. JEROME’S CELEBRATES 90 YEARS St. Jerome marked its 90th anniversary with a series of special events including lectures, pilgrimages, and exhibits, which took place throughout the year. The main celebration was held on October 6th, with a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by most Reverent Bishop John Gorman, with provincial fra Slavko Soldo, followed by a banquet at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Chicago. 2002. SV. JERONIM SLAVI SVOJU 90. OBLJETNICU Obilježena je 90. obljetnica postojanja župe serijom predavanja, hodoþašüa i izložbi koje su trajale cijelu godinu u spomen na ovu prigodu. Glavna proslava je održana 6. listopada na misnom slavlju na Dan zahvalnosti predvoÿenim biskupom Johnom Gorman, te provincijalom fra Slavkom Soldom. Nakon misnog slavlja je slijedio banket u hotelu Sheratonu u centru Chicaga. 2004 2ND PARKING LOT A parcel of land, west of the parish school entrance on Princeton Ave, was purchased for $700,000 to serve as a much-needed additional parking lot. 2004 2. ŽUPNO PARKIRALIŠTE Kupljena je zemljišna parcela preko puta Škole sv. Jeronima za $700,000 koja je pretvorena u župno parkiralište. 28

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 2004 FIRST VELIKA GOSPA GOLF TOURNAMENT The first “Velika Gospa” golf tournament was organized as a fundraising event. It has remained an annual fundraising event to help needy children. 2004 PRVI “VELIKA GOSPA GOLF TURNIR” Prvi put je organiziran dobrotvorni “Velika Gospa golf turnir”. Turnir je postao tradicija i održava se jednom godišnje u svrhu prikupljanja sredstava za pomoü djeci u Hrvatskoj. 2005 FIRST-TIME PARISH CENSUS The parish embarked on a large-scale census, collecting various information from parishioners, including sacramental, personal, general background and other data. 2005. PRVI POPIS ŽUPE Župa sv. Jeronima je po prvi put zapoþela detaljan popis svih þlanova župe koji je ukljuþivao i prikupljanje informacija o sakramentima, osobnih i drugih podataka. 2005 FATHER IVAN JOINS ST. JEROME Fr. Ivan Strmeþki, OFM, became our new assistant pastor. 2005. DOLAZAK FRA IVANA U SV. JERONIM Fra Ivan Strmeþki postaje župni pomoünik. 2005 Oct. 26 NEIGHBORHOOD’S TEAM TAKES WORLD SERIES The Chicago White Sox, who play exactly a mile south of St. Jerome’s, win the World Series after a drought of 88 years. Many in the parish rejoice, and church bells were heard ringing. 2006 100 YEARS OF VELIKA GOSPA IN BRIDGEPORT A special celebratory year marking 100 years of the Velika Gospa Procession and Feast tradition of the Croatians of Bridgeport. To mark the occasion, special guests from Sinj, Croatia, the “Sinjski Alkari” were invited to lead the festivities, making this a memorable milestone. The Velika Gospa tradition has become Chicago’s oldest neighborhood procession/parade celebrated on the same day of the year, and in the same neighborhood. 2006. 100 GODINA PROSLAVE VELIKE GOSPE U BRIDGEPORTU Obilježena 100. godišnjica slavlja Velike Gospe, blagdana Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije, koja je postala tradicija Hrvata u Chicagu. Posebni gosti iz Sinja, “Sinjski Alkari” su uveliþali ovaj veliþanstveni dogaÿaj. Tradicija slavljenja Velike Gospe je najstarija takva proslava u svim þetvrtima Chicaga, koja se slavi na isti dan i na istoj lokaciji od svog poþetka. 2006 FIRST ST. JEROME CROATIAN WHITE SOX NIGHT After the White Sox won their first World Series in 88 years in 2005, the first “St. Jerome Croatian White Sox Night” was held at U.S. Cellular Field. Parishioners, families and students attended. Since 2006, students from St. Jerome School, the Croatian school and Klub Stepinac 29

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE have kicked-off the game with the singing of the national anthem. This event has now become a popular annual tradition for the parish and school. 2006. PRVA HRVATSKA VEýER NAS SOX STADIONU Održana prva “Hrvatska Sox veþer” na utakmici baseball kluba White Sox na njihovom stadionu, US Cellular Field. Od 2006. godine uþenici škole sv. Jeronima, uþenici Hrvatske škole i þlanovi Kluba Stepinac zapoþinju utakmicu pjevajuüi nacionalnu himnu. Ovaj dogaÿaj je postalo tradicija za župu i školu. OLDEST ST. JEROME PARISHIONER DIES Nov. 17th 2007 Mary Harzich, the oldest parishioner, passed away at the age of 102. 17. studenog 2007. UMRLA NAJSTARIJA ŽUPLJANKA SV. JERONIMA Umrla je najstarija župljanka župe sv. Jeronima, Mary Harzich, u svojoj 102. godini. 2009 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPLACED ORIGINAL ONE A new electrical system was installed in the church. All of the original wiring from the steeple to the basement was replaced and upgraded to meet the current building codes. 2009 NOVE ELEKTRIýNE INSTALACIJE Postavljen je novi elektriþni sustav u crkvu. Originalne instalacije su zamijenjene novim elektriþnim vodovima od zvonika do podruma crkve, koji odgovaraju najnovijim standardima. 2009 STAINED-GLASS WINDOW AT ENTRANCE PROTECTED The street-side stained-glass windows, including the large image of St. George displayed over the front entrance of the church, were protected with new outer windows. These outer additions safeguard the stained-glass from the elements. These delicate windows were installed in 1937. 2009 NOVO STAKLO NA PROýELJU CRKVE Postavljeni su novi vanjski prozori na proþelju crkve u svrhu oþuvanja vitražnih prozora sa prikazom sv. Jure. Novo staklo štiti originalne vitraže iz 1937. godine od vremenskih nepogoda. 2010 PARKING LOT UPGRADE A new digital display sign was placed in the southeast parking lot to inform passers-by of church schedules, events, school news, general parish information, and uplifting quotes and wisdom. New lights, a fence and asphalt were also installed. 2010 NADOGRADNJA CRKVENOG PARKIRALIŠTA Postavljen je novi digitalni zaslon na parkiralištu crkve koji projicira vrijeme održavanja misnih službi, novosti iz škole i sve nove župne informacije. Takoÿer su postavljeni: nova rasvjeta, ograda i asfalt.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 2010 MODERNIZING OUR CAMPUS Many upgrades to our buildings and campus communication system were completed: 1) The 1st floor of the preschool and computer lab (formerly the sisters’ convent) was completely refurbished, 2) A new digital communications system was installed to connect the campus, 3) steel steps were installed to join together the small hall and the basement, 4) the basement area beneath the old school was completely gutted and cleaned out. New partitions were erected to make the space more usable for storage and other needs, 5) all the water pipes were changed to copper and the heating system was also refurbished. 2010 MODERNIZIRANJE KAMPUSA Dovršene su brojne nadogradnje i obnove zgrada i sustava komunikacije crkvenog kampusa: 1) Obnovljen je prvi kat djeþjeg vrtiüa i raþunalne radionice (prije samostan þasnih sestara), 2) postavljen je novi digitalni komunikacijski sustav koji je povezao kampus, 3) postavljene su stepenice koje povezuju malu dvoranu i podrum, 4) podrumske prostorije su u potpunosti oþišüene i ureÿene, 5) zamijenjene su sve vodovodne cijevi i sustav grijanja. 2010-2011 ST. JEROME’S FIRST HISTORICAL PARISH ARCHIVE After a century of collecting books, documents, pictures, movies and other valuable traces of our parish history, St. Jerome began to professionally organize and digitize its historical archives. The collection currently boasts more than 2,000 catalogued items and over 1,200 digital scans and is now a functional resource for research and education. 2010-2011 PRVI POVIJESNI ARHIV ŽUPE SV. JERONIMA Nakon mnogo godina prikupljanja knjiga, dokumenata, slika, filmova i druge vrijedne graÿe povijesti župe, profesionalno je organizaran i digitaliziran povijesni arhiv. Graÿa arhiva broji više od 2,000 kataloga i više od 1,200 digitalnih dokumenata, te je sada mjesto istraživanja i edukacije. 2011 AMONG THE FIRST TO DIGITIZE SACRAMENTAL RECORDS St. Jerome leads the way as one of the very first Chicago parishes to fully organize and digitalize their parish sacramental records, including records of baptisms, weddings and deaths dating as far back as our founding year of 1912. We are proud of the great value this has for our parish and the archdiocese. 2011 SV. JERONIM MEĈU PRVIMA DIGITALIZIRAO SVOJU BAZU PODTATAKA CRKVENIH SAKRAMENTA Župa sv. Jeronima je meÿu prvim župama u Chicagu koja je u potpunosti organizirala i digitalizirala evidenciju crkvenih sakramenta. Digitalizirana je baza podataka krštenja, vjenþanja i smrti do današnjih dana pa sve od vremena osnivanja župe 1912. godine. Župa je ponosna na znaþaj koji ovakva baza podaka ima za život župe i nadbiskupije.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR PARISH * POVIJESNI PREGLED NAŠE ŽUPE 2011 PRE-JUBILEE YEAR KICK-OFF EVENT We opened St. Jerome’s 100th Jubilee Year on November 1st with a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land of about 50 friends of St. Jerome’s, including a visit to St. Jerome’s cave in Bethlehem. 2011 POýETAK JUBILARNE GODINE Poþetak jubilarne godine sa prvim organiziranim župnim hodoþašüem u Svetu zemlju. 2010-2012 ST. JEROME MODERNIZES ITS INTERNET PRESENCE St. Jerome’s major Facebook page and smart phone apps were created and developed. 2010-2012 MODERNIZACIJA SV. JERONIMA Uspostavljanje Facebook stranice i mobilne aplikacije župe sv. Jeronima. 2012 YEARLONG CELEBRATION OF JUBILEE EVENTS The 100th Jubilee year is being marked with special events throughout the year of 2012. The premiere event will be the Solemn Mass celebrated by Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, on April 29th at St. Jerome Croatian Church followed by a reception at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. Throughout the year, special events will commemorate the anniversary with pilgrimages, retreats, book publishing and a film debut. 2012 CIJELOGODIŠNJA PROSLAVA ŽUPNOG JUBILEA Jubilarna godina je obilježena nizom posebnih dogaÿaja koji üe se odvijati kroz cijelu godinu. Glavni dogaÿaj je sveþano misno slavlje predvoÿeno kardinalom Francis Georgeom, nadbiskupom Chicaga, u Hrvatskoj crkvi sv. Jeronima iza kojeg slijedi sveþano primanje u hotelu Hiltom Towers u centru Chicaga. 100. godišnjica župe obilježena je hodoþašüima, duhovnim obnovama , objavljivanjem knjige i snimanjem filma.

… MORE TO COME IN THE NEXT CENTURY … NASTAVAK SLIJEDI U DRUGOM STOLJEûU ŽUPE

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As a new community, the Croatians did not have their own Catholic church, so they attended Croatian Mass when it was available at the nearby Bohemian parish of St. John Nepomucene. /ŶϭϵϬϲ͕ƐŽŵĞŽĨƚŚĞƌŽĂƚŝĂŶŝŵŵŝŐƌĂŶƚƐĨƌŽŵ^ŝŶũ͕ƌŽĂƚŝĂ͕ĨŽƌŵĞĚĂĨƌĂƚĞƌŶĂůƐŽĐŝĞƚLJ͕͞dŚĞDŝƌĂĐƵůŽƵƐ >ĂĚLJŽĨ^ŝŶũ͕͟ǁŚŝĐŚĞǀĞŶƚƵĂůůLJďĞĐĂŵĞŽŶĞŽĨ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĨŝƌƐƚĐŚƵƌĐŚŐƌŽƵƉƐ͘dŚĞŐƌŽƵƉŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞůLJ ƚŽŽŬƵƉĂƚƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĨƌŽŵ^ŝŶũ͗ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŶŐ͞sĞůŝŬĂ'ŽƐƉĂ͕͟ƚŚĞƐƐƵŵƉƚŝŽŶŽĨƚŚĞůĞƐƐĞĚsŝƌŐŝŶDĂƌLJ͕ ǁŝƚŚĂƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͘dŚŝƐƵŐƵƐƚϭϱ͕ϭϵϬϲƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŽŶƚŽ^ƚ͘:ŽŚŶ͛ƐĨŽƌƚŚĞƌŽĂƚŝĂŶDĂƐƐǁĂƐƚŚĞĨŝƌƐƚ ͞sĞůŝŬĂ'ŽƐƉĂ͟ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĂŶŶƵĂůŚĂůůŵĂƌŬĞǀĞŶƚ͘

A marriage in 1903 between Duje Bilic and Luce Radan was later verified with an official certificate stamped by Fr. Leon DĞĚŝĐ͕^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĨŝƌƐƚ pastor, who arrived in 1912.

^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĨŽƵŶĚŝŶŐƉĂƐƚŽƌ͕&ƌ͘>ĞŽŶDĞĚŝĐ͕ĂƌͲ rived in Chicago on April 26th, 1912. He offered weekly Masses in Croatian at St. John Nepomucene. By Nov. 26th, 1912, Fr. Leon had secured enough funds to purchase the first church.

^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĨŝƌƐƚůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶǁĂƐŝŶĂĨŽƌŵĞƌůLJ'ĞƌŵĂŶ>ƵƚŚĞƌĂŶ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ͕^ƚ͘^ƚĞƉŚĞŶ͛Ɛ͕ŽŶϮϱth St. near Wentworth Ave. The Catholic altar, seen in the photo above, was quickly put together to service ƚŚĞĂƚŚŽůŝĐƌŽĂƚŝĂŶƐ͘ŚŝĐĂŐŽ͛ƐƌĐŚďŝƐŚŽƉ:ĂŵĞƐĚǁĂƌĚYƵŝŐůĞLJ himself blessed the church on Dec. 15th, 1912, less than a month after its purchase. The back of the spacious church is seen at right.

dŚĞƉĂƌŝƐŚ͛ƐĨŝƌƐƚĐŚƵƌĐŚ building would later become a social hall for the community. The adjacent rectory would later be used as the first convent, and then after ƚŚĂƚĂƐƚŚĞũĂŶŝƚŽƌ͛ƐŚŽŵĞ͘ Both buildings would later make way for the Stevenson Expressway.

St. Jerome was a well-known scholar who lived in the 4th and 5th century. His biblical translations and interpretations serve as the foundation for Biblical scholarship. He was born in what is now the Croatian region of Dalmatia. Below is a bas-relief of the saint translating the Bible into Latin in his grotto cave in Bethlehem, where he perfected his Hebrew.

By mid-1913, Fr. Leon had baptized 142 children.

Wedding ceremonies with large bridal parties like this one in 1914 were common. Pictured here is the Gruica-Pivac wedding.

Fr. Ambrose Sirca arrives in 1916, to replace Fr. Leon as pastor.

^d͘:ZKD͛^DKs^&ZKDϮϱd,Θ WENTWORTH TO PRINCETON AVE.

Father Vjenceslav Vukonic arrived in 1921.

The community grew quickly, and a larger church on Princeton Ave. was purchased in 1922 from the Swedish Lutherans .

The Croatians transferred their old altar to the new church and added twin towers to fill out the altarpiece, as seen to the left in an early interior photo.

The community came together for additional ĨƵŶĚƐĨŽƌ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐŝŶϭϵϮϮ͘

The Annual Church Report from 1922.

Fr. Vjenceslav moved quickly to open a school. Within months, the Sister Adorers of the Most Precious Blood of Christ arrived in Chicago. The Sisters helped organize and staff the Catholic school when it opened in the Fall of 1922. The Sisters greatly assisted the Young Ladies Sodality Society, pictured at left and founded in 1930.

d,'/EE/E'^K&^d͘:ZKD͛^^,KK>

A Lesson Book for the Croatian students A large addition to the school was built, doubling the capacity ŽĨ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĂƚŚŽůŝĐ Elementary School.

dŚĞ^ŝƐƚĞƌƐ͛ĐŽŶǀĞŶƚĂŶĚ the kindergarten were in two buildings immediately to the north of the church.

CLASS OF 1927 The first students to graduate ĨƌŽŵ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛Ɛ͘ Their class motto was ͞KŶǁĂƌĚĂŶĚhƉǁĂƌĚ͘͟

Father Blaz Jerkovic arrived as pastor in 1928. He is pictured here with the Parish Council of 1932.

Š‡‰”‘—’Dz ƒ†”ƒ•ƒ‹Žƒdz’‹…–—”‡†Š‡”‡‹ͳͻʹ͸

dŚĞĞĚŝĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐEĞǁĞůůĂƚsĞůŝŬĂ'ŽƐƉĂ͕ƵŐƵƐƚϭϱƚŚ͕ϭϵϮϴ͘

The church choir of 1928 poses with Father Blaz.

Father Bono Bilandzic celebrates his first Mass on June 24, 1934.

^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛Ɛ^ĐŚŽŽůͶ all of the students of 1928, including the troublemaker spotted by a nun at center below:

1937 May Crowning

Velika Gospa Procession circa 1939

The St. Theresa Altar Society formed in 1931

Celebrants of First Holy Communion May 5th, 1940

Croatian Woman, Branch No. 1, formed in 1929

Croatian Woman particiƉĂƚĞĚŝŶƚŚĞϭϵϯϯtŽƌůĚ͛Ɛ Fair with their own float.

A Croatian Woman Membership Certificate Above, they celebrate their 5th Anniversary in 1934.

At left, they wear traditional Croatian clothing worn in villages on festive occasions.

The Dalmatian Benevolent Society of St. George poses here in 1948. (St. George is the patron saint of the villages of Poljica, from which many parishioners came.) The group was founded in 1913.

The old parish hall on 25th near Wentworth was used for weddings and other special occasions

Velika Gospa in the 1940s

LADIES OF THE KITCHEN ͙ůĞĚďLJƚŚĞĨĂŵŽƵƐDĂƌLJDĂŶĚŝĐ

First Holy Communion in 1940, with Father Francis Cuturic and Sr. Mary Hubert

The St. Mary/Island of Cres Society was formed in 1917.

The Holy Name Society was also formed in 1917.

THE JEROMITE STAR PRINTED ITS FIRST ISSUE IN 1945

^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĂƚŚŽůŝĐ War Veterans Post was chartered on March 13, 1946 by the returned World War II veterans.

The Catholic War sĞƚĞƌĂŶƐ>ĂĚŝĞƐ͛ Auxiliary Post 595 was formed in 1951.

83 Sister Adorers of the Precious Blood of Christ served from 1922-2001

Sister Benedict Bakarich

Sister Loretta Bozich

dŚĞƐŝƐƚĞƌƐ͛ĨŝŶĂů convent was blessed in 1953. Today, it houses ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛Ɛ preschool and computer lab.

1954: THE GREAT YEAR IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

ALTAR IN 1959 AND THE NEWLY PAINTED LAMBS AROUND THE GREAT MURAL

St. Jerome School Dance 1960

St. Jerome Grade 5Ͷ1950

Dinner in honor of Fr. Francis Cuturic held in the new parish hall on 28th & Princeton.

^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů Team 1945 Champions of the Catholic Youth Organization

May Crowning Ceremony

Fun clubs at ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛Ɛ

Velika Gospa - in the 1960s and 1970s

Velika Gospa - 1976 Bicentennial Commemoration

Mayor Richard J. Daley attends, with the future Mayor Michael A. Bilandic, our parishioner, at his side

The First Croatian Mayor of Chicago, St. Jerome parishioner Michael A. Bilandic, marches in the Velika Gospa Procession

1973 ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛ƐƌŽĂƚŝĂŶ^ĐŚŽŽů ͞ĂƌĚŝŶĂů^ƚĞƉŝŶĂĐ͟ǁĂƐĨŽƌŵĞĚ with the help of dedicated parents, under the leadership of Fr. Marko Kozina and Fr. Ivan Bradvica

Father Ivan Bradvica

OUR PRIESTS OVER THE YEARS

Father Marko Kozina

Father Hrvoslav Ban

Father Paul Maslac & Father Anthony Dukic

Father Matt Ruyechan

THE NUNS TAUGHT AND PREPARED STUDENTS FOR THE HOLY SACRAMENTS

1990s: The War in Croatia and Bosnia and Hercegovina The Croatian Community came together to send relief supplies to the homeland. Thousands of pounds were packed into containers like these.

CROATIAN SCHOOL OVER THE YEARS...

Dedication of our Honorary Street: Cardinal Stepinac Way, honoring the newly beatified Croatian cardinal and martyr. ŚŝĐĂŐŽ͛ƐĂƌĚŝŶĂů Francis George came.

1999

2001 SIDE ALTAR IS DEDICATED TO BLESSED CARDINAL ALOJZIJE STEPINAC. THE PORTRAIT WAS PAINTED BY FR. ZLATKO SUDAC.

2002 ϵϬzZ^K&^d͘:ZKD͛^

90th Velika Gospa procession for St. Jerome Parish

90 YEARS OF ^d͘:ZKD͛^

August 15, 2006 100 years of Velika Gospa in the Bridgeport community

2006 100 years of Velika Gospa in Bridgeport

TRADITION Good Friday procession in the streets around ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͛Ɛ

St. Jerome Croatian Night at White Sox Park has been an annual event since 2006

KsZd,zZ^͙ Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary

^d͘:ZKD͛^/EdZ/KZKsZd,zZ^

1912-1922 (on 25th Street near Wentworth)

1922-1940s (at 2823 S. Princeton Ave.)

Late 1950s through the 1960s

^d͘:ZKD͛^/EdZ/KZKsZd,zZ^

1971 Vatican II inspired many changes, and the sanctuary was redesigned to include red crescents, symbolizing the tongues of fire at the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

2001 New design: the 12 Apostles & the Croatian Franciscan Coat of Arms

d,ydZ/KZK&^d͘:ZKD͛^KsZd,zZ^

1912 The first location on 25th Street near Wentworth had a plain façade.

1922 When the parish moved to 2823 S. Princeton Ave. in 1922, the old brick façade received a new inscription stating ͞ƚŚĞĂƚŚŽůŝĐŚƵƌĐŚŽĨ^ƚ͘:ĞƌŽŵĞ͟ŝŶƌŽĂƚŝĂŶ͗ ͞ĞŽŶDĞĚŝđ ĨƌĂŵďƌŽnjŝũĂaŝƌĐĂ ĨƌĂWůĂĐŝĚĞůĂǀŝđ ĨƌĂsũĞŶĐĞƐůĂǀsƵŬŽŶŝđ ĨƌĂůĂǎ:ĞƌŬŽǀŝđ

1936-43

ĨƌĂ&ƌĂŶũŽƵƚƵƌŝđ

1943-55

fra Ferdinand Skoko

1955-56

ĨƌĂ^ĞƌĂĨŝŶsŝƓƚŝĐĂ

1956-58 1958-60

fra Ferdinand Skoko ĨƌĂǀŽŶŬŽDĂŶĚƵƌŝđ

1960-65

ĨƌĂsŝƚŽŵŝƌEĂůĞƚŝůŝđ

1965-67 1967-69 1969-76 1976-79

fra Steve Raich ĨƌĂŽǎŝĚĂƌĞŶŬŽǀŝđ fra Marko Kozina ĨƌĂWĂǀĂŽDĂƐůĂđ

1979-82

ĨƌĂŶƚŚŽŶLJƵŬŝđ

1982-85 1985-95

ĨƌĂ:ĞƌŬŽ