After a long period of reconstruction of the building at Na križovatkách 8 in Bratislava, the Unobtrusive Heroes Association has opened a space with immense historical value to the public for the first time.
“We are grateful for the trust of the Fatima Community that we can bring the stories of the heroes of our path to freedom to young people at the place where the secret samizdat printing house was located,” said Dominika Semaňáková, chairwoman of the Unobtrusive Heroes Association.
“Great people grew up here who, in secret, with great faith and enthusiasm, created values and helped others discover inner freedom,” she added. “We still draw on their sacrifice and legacy today. We want to bring their inconspicuous actions to light - to bring them closer to young people.”
“Today, as we commemorate 120 years since the birth of the man we know in Slovakia as Professor Kolakovič, we are opening a space associated with the creation and formation of the underground church,” commented historian František Neupauer, the founder of the Unobtrusive Heroes Association.
The event began with Mass at 3:00 p.m. Principal celebrant was missionary and member of the Fatima Community Viktor Jakubov with Salesian missionary in Yakutsk concelebrating. The homily was delivered by Capuchin Fr Jozef Konc delivered the homily.
Other participants included Jesuit Jozef Bartkovjak; Sister Karola, Superior of the Slovak Vicariate of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Cyril and Methodius; Michal Krčméry, Director of the University of Health and Social Work of St Elizabeth; Miroslav Dzurech Jr., Director of ACN Slovakia – Aid to the Church in Need, as well as the monument owner Július Porubský, who purchased the object during the time of normalization for the needs of the Fatima Community. Guests and friends of the Unobtrusive Heroes Association from Italy, the Netherlands and Austria also joined the celebration.
A tour of the secret samizdat printing house followed. Viktor Jakubov described his experiences with printing in this house, where he lived with Jožek Roman and Peter Murdza.
This was followed by art therapy with Katka in which the participants were able to build and paint their own paper house. Afterwards, approximately 30 participants of the event spent a pleasant time together over agape. Also present were historian Juraj Kasarda and guide Zuzana Godárová, who are ready to provide interested parties with expert guidance on the topic of lack of freedom and the significance of this place of memory.
After the ceremony, several participants remained in prayer at the grave of Silvester Krčméry, who is buried in the nearby Martin Cemetery. One hundred people also took part in a prayer novena in his memory from 1-9 September. Archbishop Faustyn from Cameroon also joined the prayers, as well as people from Malaysia, the Czech Republic and France. The novena included Silvester Krčméry’s favorite songs and the thoughts of Prof. Kolakovič in English and Slovak.
Marking the 120th anniversary of the birth of Prof. Kolakovič, the Unobtrusive Heroes Association also prepared a challenge for pupils and students encouraging them to live an active life, to take an interest in others and what is happening around them.
The Unobtrusive Heroes Association thanks the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of St Elizabeth, the Benediktíni v Krásná Association, the Association for Life and Family, the Dobrá kniha Publishing House, Robowe.sk, the Umením Association, the Anton Neuwirth College and other partners and supporters who contributed to the renovation of the space and the implementation of the event.
“We would be happy if others would join us so that the Na križovatkách 8 facility can serve the public even better,” said Dominika Semaňáková, chairwoman of the Unobtrusive Heroes Association.
The association can be contacted by email at: info@november89.eu .
