Anton Srholec facts for kids
Anton Srholec (born June 12, 1929, died January 7, 2016) was a Slovak Roman Catholic priest. He was also a Salesian, which is a member of a religious group dedicated to educating and helping young people. Anton Srholec was known for his writing, his charity work, and for leading a center that helped homeless people in Bratislava.
Contents
Anton Srholec: A Life of Service
Early Life and Education
Anton Srholec was born in Skalica as one of seven children. His parents were farmers. He went to secondary school in Skalica, Trnava, and Šaštín.
Dream of Becoming a Priest
In 1946, Anton joined the Salesian Society. He wanted to help and educate young people who were struggling. However, in 1950, the government at the time made it very difficult for religious groups to operate. Because of this, he had to finish his secondary education as a regular student.
Challenges and Imprisonment
Since he could not study to become a priest in his home country, Anton tried to leave Slovakia in 1951. He wanted to continue his studies abroad. Unfortunately, his attempt was not successful, and he was arrested. At just 22 years old, he was put in prison for trying to cross the border without permission.
He spent 10 years in prison. During this time, he worked in very tough conditions, including in labor camps. He later wrote a book about his experiences there.
Secret Studies and Ordination
After being released from prison in 1960, Anton worked various jobs. He worked at construction sites and in factories. At the same time, he secretly continued his studies in theology. He even passed state exams in English and German. He tried twice to officially enroll in a seminary to study for the priesthood, but he was not allowed.
Despite these challenges, he secretly made his final promises to the Salesian order in 1964. In 1969, during a time when rules were a bit more relaxed, he got permission to travel to Italy. He stayed for a year and finished his theology studies in Turin. He was then ordained as a priest by Pope Paul VI in Rome on May 17, 1970.
Serving His Community
As a new priest, Anton Srholec returned to Slovakia. He wanted to help people in his own country. He found work as a sacristan, which is someone who helps prepare for church services. He also got permission from the government to serve as a priest. He focused much of his energy on working with young people.
Working with Young People
Anton Srholec was very dedicated to the youth. He organized activities and programs for them. However, the government's security forces kept a close watch on his work.
Facing Difficulties
Because of his activities with young people, Anton was moved to different parishes outside Bratislava. He was transferred to Pernek in 1974, then to Veľké Zálužie, and finally to Záhorská Ves in 1982. Even in these new places, many people, including other Salesians, continued to visit him. In 1985, after he organized a youth program at a large religious gathering, the government took away his permission to work as a priest.
Helping Those in Need
For four years before he retired, Anton Srholec worked as an operator at a depot. He continued his pastoral work, helping people in unofficial ways. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, when the government changed, he began to focus on helping people who were struggling in society.
As a pensioner, he joined the board of a group called Konto nádeje. He also became a leader in the Slovak Confederation of Political Prisoners, which helped people who had been imprisoned for their beliefs. In 1995, he founded a shelter for homeless people in Bratislava called Resoty, and he became its manager.
His Legacy
Anton Srholec passed away on January 7, 2016, at the age of 86. He had been a Salesian for 68 years and a priest for 45 years. His funeral was held in Bratislava and in Skalica, where he is buried. He is remembered for his strong faith, his courage, and his dedication to helping others, especially the young and the homeless.
