John of Trogir

Born in the eleventh century in Dalmatia, John of Trogir first sought God in the quiet fidelity of monastic life as a Benedictine at the monastery of Saint Peter in Osor on the island of Cres. Formed by prayer, discipline, and love for the Church, he became known for wisdom and steady holiness. At the request of the people, Laurentinus, Archbishop of Split, consecrated him bishop of Trogir, and John shepherded his flock with a pastor’s heart in a turbulent age. His name appears in royal charters near the end of the eleventh century, a sign of the respect he commanded among both clergy and rulers. John is especially remembered for a courageous act of peacemaking in 1105, when he persuaded King Coloman of Hungary, during his campaign for the crown, to spare the city of Trogir from destruction. For this merciful intervention and his faithful episcopal service, he is venerated as a saint and honored as the patron of Trogir. He rests in Trogir Cathedral, and his feast is celebrated on November 14.