Capuchins’ Traces in Zadar During the 18th and 19th Centuries

U radu se na temelju arhivske građe Državnog arhiva u Zadru i Arhiva Zadarske nadbiskupije razmatra prisutnost franjevaca kapucina u gradu Zadru u hospiciju vezanom za svetište Gospe od Zdravlja. Poticaj prikupljanju dokumentacije i njenoj analizi proizišao je iz činjenice da u hrvatskoj crkvenoj historiografiji gotovo i nema spomena o djelovanju kapucina na prostoru Zadarske nadbiskupije. Cilj rada je prikazati povijesni tijek kapucinske nazočnosti u Zadru i rasvijetliti pastoralnu djelatnost otaca kapucina tijekom 18. i 19. stoljeća.Investigation of the pastoral activities of the Capuchin order in Zadar in the eighteen and nineteen centuries has revealed that evangelic principles of this reformed ecclesiastical order attracted many believers from all the social strata and inspired them for more serious Christian engagement. Namely, simplicity and modesty of Capuchins’ monastic life, together with their assistance to the needed ones and effective evangelic pastoral activities had an impressive impact to the population of contemporary Zadar. Long-lasting connection between the Capuchin hospice and sanctuary of the Our Lady of Health resulted with a special promotion of deeply rooted cult of St Mary within the city walls, but also in the nearby settlements outside of the city; especially thanks to the Shepherds of the Diocese of Zadar like Vicko Zmajević, who recognized values of this relatively new monastic community. Presented brief history of Capuchins’ in Zadar and at the eastern Adriatic coast clearly reveals that this order acted in politically particularly turbulent times, when this area experienced changes of several political suzerainties: Venetian, French, and Austrian. Each of these political powers significantly influenced size and frame of Capuchins’ activities. Still it is clear that humble Capuchin friars, in spite of all the calamities, did not stop their care for sick, wounded soldiers, and all those who needed any spiritual attention. In this way Capuchins testified their love to the God and mankind