CHICAGO (AP) — The Croatian heritage of the next archbishop of Chicago — and his fondness for traditional delicacies such as sarma (cabbage rolls) and povitica (walnut pastry) — brought delight to the city’s Croatian community Saturday.
On the day he was introduced in Chicago, Bishop Blase Cupich told his family’s story with pride, adding that his legacy shapes his views on the need for changes in U.S. immigration policy to increase lawful ways for immigrants to live and work in the country.
Cupich, now bishop of Spokane, Washington, was appointed Saturday to succeed Cardinal Francis George. Cupich, 65, said his heritage is “100 percent” Croatian, with all four of his Croatian grandparents making their way independently to Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 20th century and finding jobs in the city’s meatpacking houses.
“It makes me sensitive to the aspirations of people always to look for a way to provide their families and children with a better life. I had firsthand contact with immigrants in Washington state who worked in the fields and the orchards,” Cupich told The Associated Press. “When I look at them, I see my heritage and my family.”
The Chicago area is home to more than 250,000 Catholics of Croatian descent, said Maria Dugandzic-Pasic, author of “Croatians of Chicagoland.” At least three Catholic parishes in Chicago hold Mass in the Croatian language.
“The Croatian community is very ecstatic today,” said the Rev. Joe Grbes, head of the Croatian-American Franciscans of North America and a leader in the Croatian community. “After being present in the Chicagoland for more than 175 years, we have a new archbishop of Chicago who is very proud of his Croatian origins.”
Grbes said the community wishes “many years of continued health” to George, who is retiring. Grbes said George had a special spot in the community’s heart.
The Rev. Paul Maslach of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, a Croatian church on the city’s North Side, said he’s met Cupich and found him “very down to earth” and someone who will appeal to Catholics of all ethnic backgrounds. Told that Cupich had mentioned enjoying Croatian food, Maslach said the next archbishop should attend his church’s annual banquet Nov. 8.
“He can come and he’ll have lots of sarma,” the priest said.
