St. Anthony’s Parish in Gornja Močila: Twenty Years of Fighting to Stay Alive
Imagine a village where hundreds of Croats lived before the war, and now only five permanent residents remain. That’s Gornja Močila in Bosnia’s Posavina region. But life there hasn’t stopped! Quite the opposite — a fierce battle for survival and community revival is underway.
Twenty years ago, in March 2003, Father Ivan Tolj arrived at St. Anthony of Padua parish and found the church in ruins, the village nearly empty, and the community spirit on the brink of extinction. But this priest didn’t give up. He launched a wave of projects that slowly but surely brought life back to this place.
An Exhibition That Refuses to Let History Fade
Recently, an exhibition opened in Gornja Močila to mark the 20th anniversary of Father Tolj’s service. Retired professor Jozo Jelinić, a chronicler and writer, diligently collected and preserved all the key moments and events from the past two decades. Fourteen exhibition panels showcase the church’s restoration, new building projects, sports and cultural events, customs, and traditions that must not be forgotten.
One photo shows the large crowd gathered in front of the chapel during its construction, while today only five permanent residents remain. Yet thanks to Father Tolj and the community, the village has become a central hub for displaced Croats from Bosnian Posavina.
Projects Changing Reality
Over the past 20 years, several important projects have been launched: a metal casting factory, a cultural and sports center, the Fraternitas humanitarian foundation, cemetery restoration, and even honey production! Recently, a branch of the Cenacolo therapeutic community opened, where former addicts find new life through work and resocialization.
Many houses have been renovated and are used as weekend homes, further breathing life into the village. All this contributes not only to spiritual but also material progress in the area.
Church Support and Hope for the Future
Archbishop Tomo Vukšić of Vrhbosna emphasizes that the parish’s revival is an example of how joint effort and faith can restore hope and optimism. The consecration of the new church and the installation of relics of St. Pope Pius X symbolize a fresh start.
Though the number of permanent residents is small, the community spirit is strong. This parish proves that even in the toughest conditions, a future can be built.
Conclusion: The Fight Goes On
Twenty years is no small feat. It’s a time full of challenges but also successes. Gornja Močila and St. Anthony’s Parish are proof that faith, unity, and persistence can defeat oblivion and desolation.
If you think this is just another small-town story, think again. This is a story about people who don’t give up, about faith that moves mountains, and about a community fighting for survival. So, what’s your favorite way to fight forgetting? Share your thoughts — maybe your story will inspire someone else!
