Published: October 15, 1998**
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-20.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 20 is a reflective and deeply spiritual issue that intertwines remembrance with renewal. Marked by the approaching visit of Pope John Paul II to Croatia, the newsletter explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and gratitude. It acknowledges the scars left by war but calls for a moral rebuilding — one rooted in unity, compassion, and truth.
Motrišta: “The Heart Remembers What History Forgets”
Editor Valentina Krčmar opens this issue with an essay on the persistence of memory. She writes about the invisible weight carried by those who survived the Homeland War — mothers, soldiers, widows, and refugees — and the need to honor their suffering not through anger, but through love.
Valentina draws inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s message of reconciliation, connecting it to Croatia’s national spirit. “To forgive,” she writes, “is not to forget. It is to remember without hate.” Her column encourages readers to embrace faith as the only path strong enough to heal wounds that politics cannot.
She also reminds readers that the visit of the Holy Father is not only a religious event, but a moment for moral reflection — a time to rebuild Croatia not just in stone, but in conscience.
News from Croatia and Abroad
The HINA news section captures a transformative moment in Croatia’s modern history.
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Pope John Paul II begins his second pastoral visit to Croatia, with stops in Zagreb, Marija Bistrica, and Split. His beatification of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac is described as one of the most significant spiritual moments since the country’s independence.
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The Croatian Parliament debates new pension reforms to support war veterans and widows.
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Foreign Minister Mate Granić meets with the Vatican delegation to strengthen Croatia’s role in European peace efforts.
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Reports detail rising tensions in Kosovo, where NATO prepares airstrike plans to prevent further civilian casualties.
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The government announces housing programs for returnees displaced by the war, marking slow but steady progress in reconstruction.
Voices of Gratitude and Faith
Letters from readers fill this issue with warmth and sincerity. One comes from a parish group in Mississauga thanking Iskra for continuing to “speak the truth when others remain silent.” Another from a Croatian family in Hamilton shares personal reflections on the power of faith during hardship, inspired by the Pope’s upcoming visit.
A feature titled “Faith and the Croatian Spirit” profiles several priests and nuns who dedicated their lives to humanitarian work during the 1990s conflict. Their stories reflect resilience, compassion, and unwavering belief that moral strength can transform despair into purpose.
Community and Cultural Highlights
The Canadian-Croatian community remains active and close-knit.
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Toronto’s Croatian parishes announce upcoming celebrations to coincide with the Pope’s visit, including vigils, youth choirs, and televised masses.
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Croatian Heritage Day in Mississauga features folk performances, traditional food, and an exhibit of children’s art inspired by themes of peace and faith.
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The Croatian Canadian Cultural Centre hosts a panel discussion on identity and reconciliation, inviting writers, educators, and local leaders to reflect on the meaning of faith in a multicultural society.
Health and Lifestyle
Dr. Darko Desaty contributes a practical health article about vitamins and mental well-being, explaining how nutrition, rest, and spiritual balance support emotional resilience. His writing blends scientific explanation with gentle moral reflection — emphasizing that peace of mind begins with both care of the body and care of the soul.
Poetry and Reflection
The issue concludes with poetry celebrating Croatia’s rebirth through faith. Among the featured pieces is “Oče Naš za Domovinu” (“Our Father for the Homeland”), a prayer-like poem that invokes strength, patience, and divine protection. Each verse echoes the same message carried through the issue — that gratitude and faith are the truest forms of patriotism.
Closing Reflections
In Iskra No. 20, Valentina Krčmar weaves faith into the fabric of remembrance. She does not shy away from the pain of the past but insists that the only way forward is through compassion and truth. This issue stands as both a spiritual guide and a historical record — one that asks readers not only to remember, but to rise above.
