Blessed Alojzije Viktor Stepinac

Biography

Blessed Alojzije Viktor Stepinac, also known as Aloysius Stepinac, was born on 8 May 1898 in the village of Brezaric, Krasic, Croatia. He was raised in a devout Catholic family, his parents being Josip and Barbara Stepinac. After graduating high school in 1916, he served as a soldier in the Austrian army during World War I, fighting in various locations in Italy. Following the collapse of the front in September 1918, he was imprisoned but later released and demobilized in December 1918.

Stepinac briefly pursued studies at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb, Croatia, but soon returned home to work. Initially considering marriage, he discerned a calling to the priesthood and began his studies in 1924. He studied at the Pontifical Germanicum-Hungaricum College and earned doctorates in theology and philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He was ordained a priest on 26 October 1930.

As a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Zagreb, Stepinac dedicated himself to serving the poor in the city's neighborhoods. In order to address their needs more effectively, he established the archdiocesan Caritas on 23 November 1931, which aimed to provide assistance and support to those in need.

Recognition of Stepinac's leadership and dedication to his pastoral ministry prompted Pope Pius XI to appoint him as the Co-adjutor Archbishop of Zagreb on 29 May 1934. Stepinac continued to expand the Catholic Church's presence in the archdiocese, creating twelve new parishes and fostering close ties with lay associations and youth groups. He also played a significant role in promoting the Catholic press and advocating for the protection of the Church's rights against the Yugoslavian state.

In response to the rise of Nazism in the 1930s, Stepinac supported a committee that helped people fleeing from the Reich. In 1938, he instituted the Action for Assistance to Jewish Refugees, demonstrating his commitment to defending human rights regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnic group, or social class. During World War II, Stepinac worked covertly to hide countless individuals, primarily Jews, in monasteries and other Church properties, providing them with safety and protection throughout the war.

However, after the war, Yugoslavia replaced Nazi oppression with Communist rule. Stepinac continued to defend the rights of the Church and the interests of Croatians, often treating the new authorities in accordance with Gospel principles. His vocal opposition to the execution of priests by communist militants led to his arrest in 1945.

Following his release, Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito attempted to persuade Stepinac to break ties with Rome and establish a separate Catholic Church in Croatia. In response, the Bishops of Yugoslavia issued a pastoral letter on 22 September 1945, demanding the restoration of religious liberties and respect for basic human rights. The state-run media launched an attack on the Church, specifically targeting Stepinac.

In September 1946, Stepinac was unfairly tried for defending the unity of the Catholic Church in Croatia and its connection with Rome. Despite the Pope's objection to this show trial and the protest of the Jewish community in the United States, Stepinac was sentenced on 11 October 1946 to 16 years of hard labor and the loss of his civil rights.

Due to ill health, Stepinac was moved from prison to house arrest in Krasic on 5 December 1951. Despite his confinement, he continued to carry out priestly duties, received visitors, and wrote thousands of letters, all reflecting his unwavering faith and absence of resentfulness towards his persecutors.

On 12 January 1953, Pope Pius XII honored Stepinac by creating him a cardinal, acknowledging his apostolic zeal and unwavering Christian strength. However, this action led the Yugoslav regime to sever diplomatic relations with Rome. Stepinac maintained his position and defiance against the oppressive government until his death on 10 February 1960 in Krasic. He suffered from various health issues, including polycythemia rubra vera, thrombosis of the leg, and bronchial catarrh, but it was later discovered that arsenic was found in his bones during the examination for beatification.

Blessed Alojzije Viktor Stepinac was venerated by Pope John Paul II on 3 July 1998 through a decree of martyrdom. He was beatified on 3 October 1998 by Pope John Paul II at Marija Bistrica in Croatia. His life and actions continue to serve as an inspiration for those who seek to defend human rights, promote religious freedom, and remain steadfast in their faith despite challenging times.