St. John of Trogir in the Traditional Culture of the Trogir Region

Abstract

Before becoming the bishop of Trogir in the eleventh century, Saint John of Trogir was a Benedictine monk in the monastery in Osor on the island of Cres, where he met the Ar­chbishop of Split, Lovro. These two names are recorded in im­portant historical documents of Kings Krešimir and Zvonimir. As a bishop, Saint John was active in pastoral activities and fo­unded a Convent of the Benedictine sisters, which continues to operate to this day as his spiritual legacy. Saint John of Trogir is recognized for promoting peace among citizens and resolving their conflicts. In 1105, he protected the city of Trogir from King Coloman, who was intent on destroying it. He performed many good deeds for Trogir, for which the people of Trogir remained grateful. He was chosen as the bishop of Trogir, and after his de­ath, he became recognized as a saint, even though there was no formal process of beatification or canonization at that time. The people of Trogir solemnly celebrate the feast day of their hea­venly patron, St. John of Trogir, on November 14th with a mass in Trogir. Another significant celebration in Trogir is „Primišće­nje“, commemorating May 4, 1681, when the relics of St. John of Trogir were transferred to the newly built chapel in Trogir’s cathedral.