Venerable Petar Barbarić

Petar Barbarić, SJ (19 May 1874 – 15 April 1897) is a Bosnian Herzegovinian Catholic novice from Šiljevišta, near Ljubuški, Bosnia Vilayet (modern Bosnia and Herzegovina, who was in the midst of his studies for the priesthood before he died of tuberculosis. Upon realizing his condition, he made his solemn profession as a Jesuit before his death. Barbarić was known for his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ and his charismatic nature among his peers. On 18 March 2015, he was proclaimed to be Venerable after Pope Francis acknowledged the fact that Barbarić had lived a life of heroic virtue. Petar Barbarić was born in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1874 in the Croatian family of Ante and Kata Barbarić (nee. Tolj). He had eight brothers; one was the Franciscan Mate (religious: Marko) Barbarić-Lesko (19 Feb. 1865 – 6 Feb. 1945) who was killed and whose sainthood cause has commenced. He spent his childhood on the farm with the sheep and was known for being an avid reader of religious texts. While in the fields he had his staff in one hand and recited rosaries in the other. His parents also started his initial education with catechism instruction. In 1886 the local school in the village opened and he was quick to enter it to commence his studies. He completed his studies in 1888 prior to the required time he was meant to be in school. Had he been in the school for the traditional period he would have concluded his studies in 1890. He ended his time in school with honors. He could not afford for further education so became an apprentice in Vitina where he became a sales assistant and clerk. He remained there until 1889 He commenced his studies for the priesthood in Travnik with the aid of his former teacher Tomislav Vuksan when the latter received a letter asking for recommendations of the best students qualified for further studies or for the priesthood. Both Barbarić and his father traveled to Travnik after their departure on 24 August 1889.