IN DEFENCE OF THE RIGHTLESS

by Dr. Franjo Komarica

Original title: U OBRANI OBESPRAVLJENIH

Documents selected by: Ivica Bozinovic M.A.
Copyright: Bishop's Ordinary of Banja Luka
Publishers: Bishop's Ordinary of Banja Luka, Croatian Heritage Foundation
For the publisher: Ivica Bozinovic, M.A.
Editor: Aleksander Ravlic
Translators: Snjezana Pezer, Bruna Saric
Language Editor: Bruna Saric
Graphic Editor: Gorana Benic Hudjin
Cover: Aleksander Ravlic
Printed by: TARGA Zagreb
Copies printed: 2000
ISBN 953-6525-06-02

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Regional historic church aspects - region of the Banja Luka diocese

4th century
Traces of early Christian basilicas in the wider Banja Luka region (Blagaj, Japra, Mrkonjic Grad ...)

5th-6th centuries
The Bishop's seat is in Baloe between Banja Luka and Mrkonjic Grad.

Up to 1094
The Banja Luka region forms part of the Split Archdiocese - the Croatian metropoly.

From 1094 to 1735
It forms part of the Zagreb diocese (Croatia).

1273
The first mention of a parish (and parish priest) in the region of today's Banja Luka.

12th-15th centuries
There are 25 monasteries, 200 parish and other churches and a vibrant religious life in the wider Banja Luka region.

1334
Three Catholic churches in the area of today's Banja Luka

16th-19th centuries
Conversion to Islamic and Serbian Orthodox religions of a part of the Catholic population which did not flee before the Turkish advance to the territory of Croatia which had been liberated from the Ottomans after 1699.

Beginning of 18th century
After the Turkish defeat at Vienna (1683) a new pogrom of Catholics from the wider Banja Luka area takes place - only five parishes remain (decimated).

1735
The wider Banja Luka region (today's Banja Luka diocese) joins the established Apostolic Vicary for the territory of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the part which did not belong to the Trebinje diocese) up to 1881.

1881
The Banja Luka diocese within the Vrhbosna church territory is established together with the archdiocese in Sarajevo and the dioceses in Mostar and Trebinje.

1941-1945
One third of the Banja Luka diocese is completely destroyed, many parishes are decimated, ten diocesan priests and 12 monks and more than 5,000 civilians (Catholic) are killed.

1945-1990
The constant reduction of the Catholic population due to the actual political anti-religion system.

The territory of the entire Bosnia-Herzegovina

Up to the 6th century
(Arrival of the Croats) archaeological findings of more than 60 churches.

996-999
The Trebinje diocese established (today's eastern Herzegovina).

1089
The Bosnian diocese established with its seat in the village of Brdo (near today's Sarajevo).

About 1240
The Cathedral and chapter of St Peter in the village of Brdo (Sarajevo).

1233
Dominican friars arrive in Bosnia.

1252
Due to threats against "Bosnian Christians", the Bosnian bishop moves the seat of the diocese to Djakovo (Slavonia - Croatia).

1291
Franciscan friars arrive in eastern Bosnia

Up to the 15th century
(Arrival of the Turks) there are some 800,000 inhabitants of Bosnia of which 700,000 are Catholic and some 100,000 are "Bosnian Christians" ("Bogomiles").
There are 45 Franciscan monasteries on the territory of B-H before its occupation by the Turks (1463)

1463
The Turks pull down 38 Franciscan monasteries and houses.

1463
Friar Andjeo Zvizdovic receives an "Ahdnam" from the Sultan - an imperial decision - granting a certain security (at least on paper) to the Franciscans and the Catholic faithful in the territory under Ottoman control.

17th-18th centuries
Only three Franciscan monasteries on B-H territory (Kraljeva Sutiska, Kresevo and Fojnica - all in central Bosnia).

End of 17th century
More than 90% of the Catholic inhabitants forced to leave Bosnia.

After 1463
The beginning of the islamisation of Bosnia - "Bosnian Christians - Bogomiles" and some Catholics convert to Islam.

16th-17th centuries
Very strong wave of Islamisation (many martyred Catholics who refuse to be converted).

1846
Apostolic Vicary established for Herzegovina (western).

1881
Renewal of regular church hierarchy on the territory of the entire B-H - Archdiocese of Sarajevo and three dioceses (Banja Luka, Mostar and Trebinje).

1882
Seminary for boys opened in Travnik.

1893
Theological seminary and divinity college opened - the first university institution in B-H.

20 August, 1992
Diplomatic ties between the Holy See and B-H established.

1994
Archbishop Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo appointed first Cardinal of B-H.

1994
The Bishop's Conference of Bosnia-Herzegovina established.

1991-1995
More than 430,000 Catholics expelled from B-H (for many - despite their extremely peaceful behaviour).

Next: INCOMPLETE CHRONICLE OF EVENTS IN THE BANJA LUKA DIOCESE DURING THE WAR YEARS FROM 1991 TO 1995