Original scientific paper
Capuchin Order in Dubrovnik – On the occasion of 100th anniversary of their constant presence and activity
Vinicije B. Lupis
; The Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Dubrovnik
Abstract
The Capuchin order, as a result of subsequent development
of Franciscan monasticism, did not fall on fertile ground, because
the state territory had already been covered by a network of Franciscan monasteries, organized in a separate Dubrovnik Province,
while also the Republic could not tolerate the activity of an order
whose seat was in the territory of another state. The only precedent
in the territory of the Republic of Dubrovnik was the activity of the
Jesuit order. However, archival research confirmed an attempt to
build a Capuchin monastery in Dubrovnik, in which some prominent noblemen and ship-owners of Dubrovnik were involved. The
first attempt to establish the Capuchin monastery by the unnamed
citizens of Dubrovnik took place in 1541, and the second arrival of
the Capuchins, also unsuccessful, was in 1587, but this time financially supported by a list of distinguished names of the Dubrovnik
nobility and traders. There were few citizens of Dubrovnik who were
active among the Capuchins and rare are the ones who were recorded in the history of Dubrovnik. The most prominent name among
the Capuchins of Dubrovnik is Mihovil (Miho) Arkanđel Boždarević
(1654-1729). The Capuchins as missionaries worked in Dubrovnik
during the XIX century. In November 1875 Father Roberto Menini,
a native of Split, led eight-day missions for the people of Dubrovnik. He put the eight-day spiritual retreat under the intercession
of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As an excellent preacher
he fired the people of Dubrovnik about that devotion. In memory
of that spiritual retreat he suggested that they procure a statue of
Our Lady, which they did. Today this statue is kept on the Baroque
altar made by Giuseppe Sardi in the church of the Franciscan Friars
Minor in Dubrovnik. Through the efforts of Josip Marčelić, a bishop of Dubrovnik, Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy at Lapad was handed over to the Capuchin Fathers in 1913 and next to it a Capuchin
monastery originated. Our Lady of Mercy and the Capuchin Fathers
have become synonyms for the Marian devotion and the sanctuary
of sailors, who have left numerous votive objects in this church.
Keywords
Capuchins; Dubrovnik; diocese of Trebinje; Our Lady of Mercy; bishop Josip Marčelić
Hrčak ID:
141342
URI
Publication date:
14.7.2015.
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