Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The Conventual Franciscans of the Province of San Geronimo of Argentina are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the arrival of Fray Leonardo Ruskovic. His primary mission was to assist the Croatian people immigrating to Argentina. Many years have passed since that time when this South American country represented hope to many European immigrants. Now, Argentina is a country that is experiencing a difficult period in its own history. The serious economic and political crisis of 2001 has affected numerous families and greatly increased poverty, with its social consequences, such as unemployment and crime. Only recently did the country seem to have once again been back up on its feet, especially in the larger cities. However, the situation remains extremely precarious.
The first Franciscan missionary was soon followed by more Franciscan brothers who continue to work even to this day. The community is currently led by Fr. Joso Peranic and Fr. Stjepan Gregov. This past Sunday, they celebrated the 80th anniversary in the Nikola Tavelic Croatian Catholic Center in Buenos Aires. Other Franciscans in Argentina also joined in the event, including Fr. Marijan Zlovecera and Fr. Matita Matosevic, who concelebrated the Mass along with Fr. Joso Peranic and Fr. Sandro Longin. Fray Leonardo Ruskovic also brought several sisters with him to work on the mission, the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul of Zagre, who celebrated their 75th anniversary in Argentina and are now located in various parts of Buenos Aires. The Croatian Franciscans have communities in the Nikola Tavelic Croatian Catholic Center, in Parco Sarmento; Leopoldo Mandic Center in San Justo; in the Marija Districa in Vucetich; and in Cardinal Stepinac, in Hurlingham. There are nearly 400,000 Croatians or their descendants living in Argentina. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2009)
