Josip Stadler - a man of prayer and boundless trust in God

O Josipu Stadleru, prvomu vrhbosanskom nadbiskupu, postoji bogata povijesna izvorna građa kao i stručna literatura, koja omogućava temeljito proučavanje njegova lika. Bio je napose čovjek molitve, koja je prethodila svim njegovim zadacima i iz koje je crpio snagu za svoje brojne aktivnosti i pothvate. Molitvom je jačalo njegovo pouzdanje u Boga, kojemu se djetinje povjeravao, predajući mu kako uspjehe, tako i neizvjesnosti i neuspjehe svakodnevnih nastojanja. Već u ranom djetinjstvu Stadler je bio suočen s teškim okolnostima života ostav- ši bez oba roditelja. Taj životni križ oblikovao je mladog Josipa u snažnog muža punog suosjećajnosti za sve potrebne bez razlike, osobito za siromašne i napuštene. Školovanje, uz pomoć plemenitih ljudi, napose studij u Rimu, otvorio je put Josipovu duhovnom i intelektualnom sazrijevanju gdje je na Papinskom Sveučilištu Gregoriani postigao doktorat iz filozofije i teologije. U isusovačkom kolegiju Germanicumu usvojio je zdrave temelje duhovnosti, koji će biti presudni u oblikovanju njegova duhovnog i intelektualnog identiteta. Tu će, predvođen poznatim profesorima i duhovnicima, steći iskustvo bratskog zajedništva, pouzdane molitve, solidnoga studija. Bio je jedan od najboljih studenata. Vrativši se u domovinu kao svećenik, obavljao je ponajprije odgojiteljsku i profesorsku službu ulažući na oba područja sve snage svojega bogatog talenta. Trudio se ponajviše oduševiti mlade za temeljito i solidno stjecanje znanja u svim materijama kako bi prednjačili zdravim razmišljanjima i odgovornošću za dobro Crkve i domovine. Njegov lik zasjao je napose u vršenju službe nadbiskupa vrhbosanskoga, gdje je nakon više stoljeća ponovno uspostavio hijerarhijsku strukturu Nadbiskupije sa sjedištem u Sarajevu. Obdaren plemenitošću srca i krajnjim sebedarjem brinuo se svim žarom oko formacije klera i izgradnje potrebnih ustanova za život Nadbiskupije. Osobito se zalagao za njezino duhovno podizanje, o čemu svjedoči 85 napisanih poslanica upućenih puku i svećenicima kojima je bio otac i učitelj. Upravo u tom vremenu zadivljuje njegova povezanost između molitve i svekolike aktivnosti koju je njegova služba iziskivala. Neobično je puno molio, a uz to neumorno radio, gradeći, podižući, bodreći, zauzimajući se napose za siromašne. U tu svrhu osnovao je redovničku Družbu koja je nastavila njegovu zamisao i nadahnuće. Njegova djela plod su Providnosti u koju se bezgranično pouzdavao i na koju se u potpunosti oslonio.There is a wealth of historical source material about Joseph Stadler, the first Archbishop of Vrhbosna, as well as expert literature, which allows a thorough study of his character. He was in particular a man of prayer, which preceded all his tasks and from which he drew strength for his many activities and pursuits. Prayer strengthened his confidence in the God to whom he had entrusted himself as a child, accompanying him in the successes and the uncertainties and failures of daily efforts. Already as a child, Stadler was faced with difficult circumstances of life – left without both parents. This cross shaped young Joseph into a strong advocate with full compassion for all in need without distinction, especially for the poor and the abandoned. Education, with the help of kind people, especially study in Rome, paved the way for Joseph’s spiritual and intellectual maturation, as he obtained a doctorate in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. In the Jesuit college, the Germanicum, he adopted sound foundations of spirituality, which would be crucial in shaping his spiritual and intellectual identity. Led by renowned professors and priests, he gained there the experience of fraternal fellowship, trusting prayer, and solid study. He was one of the best students. Returning to his homeland as a priest, he primarily served as an educator and professor, investing in both areas all the strength of his rich talent. He tried most of all to inspire young people to a thorough and solid acquisition of knowledge in all matters in order to be leaders of sound thinking and responsibility for the good of the Church and their homeland. His character came to the fore especially during his service as the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, where, after many centuries, he restored the hierarchical structure of the Archdiocese based in Sarajevo. Endowed with nobility of heart and selflessness, he cared passionately about the formation of the clergy and the construction of the necessary facilities for the life of the Archdiocese. In particular, he was an advocate of spiritual renewal, as evidenced by the 85 epistles written to the people and clergy, of whom he was a father and teacher. It was during this period that the connection he made between prayer and active ministry shone forth. He was conspicuous in his prayerfulness, and he worked tirelessly, building, cultivating, encouraging, taking care especially of the poor. For that purpose, he founded a Religious Congregation which continued his conception and inspiration. His works are the fruit of Providence, which he trusted infinitely and relied on completely