50th Anniversary of the Death of Cardinal Stephen Trochta
Celebrating the life and legacy of a great Czech Salesian
(ANS - Francova Lhota, Czech Republic – March 29, 2024) – A significant jubilee is being commemorated in 2024: the 50th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Stephen Trochta, one of the most important figures of the Czech Salesian Family and of the entire Czech Church. His legacy not only remains in history, but is also alive in the present as confirmed by the numerous events prepared to commemorate this anniversary.
For the Salesian
Family of the Czech Republic, this is an opportunity for a deeper reflection on
the legacy left by Stephen Trochta. His memory is still alive in his native
village, Francova Lhota, thru the museum and educational programs that pass on
his memory to the younger generations.
This year’s
anniversary will be commemorated in a special way on April 6 with a solemn ritual
in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Litomerice and in the following days in other
cities related to Trochta’s life. Thruout the year there will be conferences
and exhibitions, and a podcast, films, radio programs, and books about his life
will be produced.
Stephen Trochta was
born on March 26, 1905, in Francova Lhota. From a young age he showed
extraordinary talent and desired to serve young people as a priest. That desire
led him to the Salesians in Italy. He went thru formation, obtained a doctorate
in theology in Turin, and was ordained in the basilica of Mary Help of
Christians in 1932. He was actively involved in the formation of Czech boys,
future Salesians, and played a fundamental role in the arrival of the first
Czech Salesians in Frystak and later in other parts of the country. He led the
construction of Salesian houses and worked among the young people.
During World War II
he was deported and imprisoned in the concentration camps in Terezin,
Mauthausen, and Dachau. After the war he committed himself to the renewal of
the structures of the Church and his country, culminating in his appointment as
bishop of Litomerice in 1947. His episcopal motto “Work - Sacrifice - Love” was
not only the program of his ministry, but also characterized his life.
As bishop he worked
to rebuild and revitalize the diocese, which had suffered the consequences of the
war and the displacement of the original German inhabitants. During the Communist
regime, he was repeatedly imprisoned and persecuted for his courageous defense
of the Church and the faith. After his release from prison, he did some civilian
work for several years, before the regime allowed him to return to pastoral
work. During this period he secretly ordained 30 priests.
Stephen Trochta was
created cardinal in pectore in 1969. This appointment remained
secret for a long time, and the public became aware of it only in 1973. This
act aroused the resentment of the Communist regime, which tried to limit his
activities. But he continued to be active as a voice of faith and hope in times
of persecution.
He died in 1974,
after an exhausting and humiliating 6-hour interrogation. Altho the Communist
authorities tried to prevent a public funeral, the latter became a
demonstration of faith. The funeral was attended by the archbishop of Krakow,
Karol Wojtyla, who eulogized Stephen Trochta as a martyr. His life and work
remain in the hearts of many people as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and
love for God and neighbor.
This anniversary
should be seen not only as an opportunity to remember the past, but also as an
inspiration for the future. Stephen Trochta has been for many a light of faith
and hope, and his legacy is still with us today. His life will be celebrated
and his precious teachings will be remembered, which indicate the way of love,
dedication, and service to others.
Just as it did 50
years ago, Cardinal Stephen Trochta’s appeal remains valid today: “Dear friends
and benefactors of God’s work! We all need an inner renewal, a reconciliation
with God and with others. It’s up to each of us. It is up to the priest, the
layman, and the students. Let’s wake up from indifference, dullness, and
comfort! Let us leave selfish and cowardly complaints to others. Courage!”
See also: From the Eastern Front: The Salesian Cardinals (sdbnews.blogspot.com)
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