The annual event in Cres, Croatia, commemorating the death of Friar Placido CORTESE, was transformed this year into a rich, multi-day spiritual program entitled “Friar Placido Days.” The event featured prayers, Masses, a children’s recital of songs and dialogues, and the screening of documentaries. The initiative was promoted by the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia and was aimed at spreading knowledge of the Venerable’s life and work and praying for his beatification.
The program began on November 6, 2025, with a prayer service at the Cres cemetery, where the faithful gathered near the graves of Friar Placido’s relatives, since Friar Placido’s own remains were never found—he was a victim whose death was shrouded in silence and secrecy. The prayer service was followed by Mass in the nearby Church of St. Francis. Father Mario KOSIĆ presided and prayed that the Venerable’s beatification might soon be proclaimed.
The second day, November 7, was dedicated to the Way of the Cross and the screening of the documentary “The Courage of Silence,” directed by Paolo DAMOSSO. Mass was celebrated by the Guardian of the friary in Cres, Friar Josip PETONJIĆ.
On the third day, those attending included the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giorgio LINGUA; the Minister Provincial, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, the members of Franciscan Youth (YouFra), and the clerical students. Friar Ljudevit MARAČIĆ presided over Mass, and the children of Cres gave a recital dedicated to Friar Placido. The recital alternated between spoken dialogues and songs inspired by Friar Placido’s life.
The event reached its culmination on Sunday, November 9, with Mass presided over by Archbishop LINGUA, Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia. He skillfully connected the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica to the commemoration of the death of Friar Placido, since the Venerable had been ordained to the priesthood in that very basilica ninety-five years earlier.
The Nuncio concluded his moving homily, saying:
“Thank you, you exemplary son of Cres, you Kolbe of your island: you who loved without limits. Pray for us from heaven. Intercede for this city that gave you birth, for the Church of this land, and for all of us, that we may learn to love as you loved: without limits, without self-interest, and without reserve.”
After the Mass, Archbishop LINGUA met with the Mayor of Cres, Marino GREGOROVIĆ, and visited the local Benedictine monastery.
The commemoration event concluded with a solemn lunch attended by ecclesiastical and civil authorities.
Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, Minister Provincial
Friar Josip PETONJIĆ, Guardian of the friary in Cres
