Bulgaria
The parish priest, Father Zbigniew Tecza, described the life of the community in the heart of the capital, which revolves around the cathedral of St. Joseph. The state of the relations with the Orthodox faithful. Charitable actions for the needy and special attention to families, coupled by cultural events for an original form of evangelization.
It’s the only parish of Latin rite in the Bulgarian capital. Its territory extends far beyond the boundaries of Sofia, covering an area of 150 kilometers. Community life revolves around the new cathedral, built 10 years ago. Located in the city center, it forms part of the unique religious quadrangle that includes “St. Nedelja” Orthodox cathedral, the “Banja Bashi” Mosque, the Great Synagogue, and, indeed, the majestic Catholic Cathedral. Dedicated to Saint Joseph, on Sundays the Cathedral is full with faithful attending the ten-thirty Mass. “The rapid growth of the city was accompanied by a threefold increase in the number of parishioners,” said the parish priest, Capuchin Father Zbygniew Tecza. “Many young people come here for education or employment purposes and eventually settle down in Sofia.” “However – he added – also many foreigners move to Bulgaria.” Mass celebration is followed by catechism for children, attended also by Orthodox youths. “It may seem odd, but some Orthodox families decide to bring their children to catechism here because they have no such possibilities in their parish or because, they have told us, they appreciate our approach with children.” They feel assured also because no one in St. Joseph will force them to convert to Catholicism. After the first meetings, also some parents ask to receive a Christian education and many continue attending Catholic Church services.
Relationship with the Orthodox community. “In Bulgaria, after the years of Communism, the Orthodox Church started to recover at a very slow pace”, pointed out Stoyan Karageorgiev, one of the Catechists. “Most people know nothing about confession or communion,” he remarked. “Half of those attending the parish are not of Catholic origin”, he added.
St Joseph Cathedral is also attended by seminarians from the nearby Orthodox Theology faculty. They are interested in the differences between Catholics and Orthodox and they want to know Mass liturgy”
said Fr Tecza. In his opinion, “although the Orthodox hierarchy is occasionally overtly closed, relations between the priests and the faithful are good”.
From the Orient Express to Bergoglio. The Cathedral, originally conceived as a place of worship for the workers involved in the construction of the Orient Express, has also witnessed the presence of the then pontifical delegate Angelo Roncalli. It was destroyed by bombardments during the Second World War. Since then, for sixty years, the small theatre hall was adapted for the liturgical celebrations.
“It is customary to say that the building doesn’t make the Church”, Karageorgiev said. “However, the new cathedral determined a complete transformation of the entire parish”.
Situated at the exit of the Underground station, the Cathedral is an attraction also for passers-by. The building often hosts classical music concerts and choirs of great importance. “This too is a form of cultural evangelization – underlined Father Tecza. He added: “generally Bulgarians welcome the activities of the Catholic Church, have respect for us and for Pope Francis in particular.”
Attention to the poor, care of the family. The Francis effect is evident also in the offerings for the poor. “Encouraged by the Pope’s words, people bring clothing, toys and food”, said the parish priest. He went on: “They say the Pope is loved so much because he is close to the people”. Like in every large city, in Sofia there are many people in need – homeless, beggars, orphan children, convicts – whom the Capuchin friars try to assist with the help of the Sisters of Mother Teresa.
Special pastoral care is dedicated to the families, given also the large number of mixed marriages.
“We live in a very secularized and materialistic environment, much more than other European countries”, said Fr Tecza. “It’s not easy being a Catholic or a Christian in Sofia”. Catholics who settled down from other areas of the Country attend church occasionally, “as they were used to having a parish church near home”. “The fact that St. Joseph is the only Latin rite church in Sofia is a problem”, Karageorgiev said, “however, ten years after its construction now also the new cathedral seems small”.
