The retired archbishop of Split-Makarska, Marin Barišić, presided over the Eucharistic celebration on Monday, the feast of St Matthew, in the concathedral of St Peter in Split. Following the mass, the archbishop presented the papal honour 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice' to Ante Bašić, Neven Matić and Mate Tomislav Peroš.
Seven priests were present at the concelebration, including the parish priests of the recipients, alongside family members and friends of the honourees.
In his homily, Archbishop Bariš reflected on the Gospel account of the call of St Matthew, highlighting the words that Jesus 'saw' Matthew. He emphasised that it is essential to truly see the person, to accept them without prejudice, and to recognise the good within them, building interpersonal relationships upon this foundation.
At the end of his active service, Msgr. Bariš proposed to Pope Francis that three faithful individuals from the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska be honoured with a special ecclesiastical recognition. Pope Francis accepted the proposal, bestowing the cross 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice' upon Ante Baš, Neven Matić, and Mate Tomislav Peroš.
The honours were conferred in June 2022, but were presented ceremonially this year due to the archbishop's illness and changes within the archdiocese, in the presence of their families and friends. The honours recognise their long-standing service to the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska in various fields.
Ante Baš has worked for many years in the central offices of the Archdiocese as a caretaker. Engineer Neven Matić has, since the time of Archbishop Ante Juri, advised archbishops on numerous construction and renovation projects with his expertise, while lawyer Mate Tomislav Pero has represented the Archdiocese for over twenty years, particularly advocating for the return of church property.
At the presentation, Archbishop Bariš thanked the three honourees for the years in which they had made their knowledge, skills, and time available to the Church. He congratulated them on the recognition received and wished them many more years of fruitful work.
On behalf of the honourees, Neven Matić delivered the closing thanks. He thanked God for the gift of the Church, to which, throughout their lives, they had been able to contribute according to their own abilities, as well as for the people they had met along the way. He highlighted that everything has its time, and that each person is given a specific time and place where they are called to do what they can and know for the good of the Church and their neighbours.
