Saint Vitus Church

Throughout Croatian history, there was a close association between ethnic and religious identity, typically most Croatians were Roman Catholic. Today, Croatians are the largest ethnic group in Croatia; while most identify as Christians, the majority of those still identify as Roman Catholic.

The first Croatian immigrants to Lorain were mostly Roman Catholic. To attend a Croatian language mass, one's only choice was to travel to St. Paul Church in Cleveland. Most would attend Mass at Saints Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Slovenian Church on East 31st Street in Lorain. They were warmly met by their members and pastor Father Ludwig Viron. Even though the Slovenian and Croatian languages were different, there were enough similarities to be understood. Many Croatian immigrants became members but eventually a group voiced their concern to the Cleveland Diocese.

The need for a Roman Catholic Church within the growing Croatian community was fulfilled on October 22, 1922, when Saint Vitus Roman Catholic Church was established. Reverend Joseph Medin, Ph.D. became the pastor of the congregation of 200 families and for the next two years, he engaged his congregation and managed the construction of Saint Vitus Church.

The church was built of brick in a pre-Renaissance style. The church measures 99 feet long by 44 feet in width and at the time boasted a "big auditorium." The 99-foot tower rises in the air from the tile roof and a tall staircase leads to the main entrance. Inside there is the ornate gold-and-white tabernacle, the striking traditional statues, the majestic, stained-glass windows, and the beautiful wood pews. The total construction cost incurred was $65,000. Opening Mass was celebrated by Reverend Medin in early September 1924 and on October 19, 1924, the new church was dedicated with a high Mass by Officiant Bishop Joseph Schrembs D.D. of the Cleveland Diocese.

The Cleveland Diocese only assigned four pastors over the 83 years. Reverend Medin established and developed the congregation from 1922-1931 and then he was transferred within the Cleveland Diocese. Followed by Reverend V. J.

Vukonic, a Croatian immigrant himself, who spiritually led the congregation from 1931-1935. Prior to his transfer, he received a farewell mass reception with 500 people in attendance in the church auditorium to say goodbye. Reverend Joseph Matun followed, ministering to the congregation for 17 years (1935-1952).

Reverend Simon Nekic, became the final pastor and spiritual leader of the congregation on May 1, 1952, until the doors closed on May 20, 2009. More than 260 people filled the pews and lined the aisles of Saint Vitus Croatian Catholic Church, to say one last goodbye to both the church and their pastor. Bishop Richard Lennon and Reverend Nekic presided over the service. When Bishop Lennon spoke about Father Nekic, he described him as "the anchor of your faith. ..the gift that God has given to this parish over the years in priestly leadership." After the service, many members stayed to personally bid farewell to Father Nekic.

Reverend Simon Nekic, served 57 years as the pastor, having the longest tenure at St. Vitus and one of the longest parish priest tenures in the history of the Cleveland Diocese. He was a very strict, devoted, and faithful servant to the Lord and his parishioners. Father Nekic was celebrant at many of the most important moments in our families' lives - baptisms, first Eucharists, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. To many members, St. Vitus Church and Father Nekic were synonymous. He enriched the faith and Croatian heritage of the people he encountered. Father Nekic went to be with the Lord on December 9, 2011.

After the closing of St. Vitus, former members of St. Vitus and Ss. Cyril & Methodius churches merged with members of St. John the Baptist, 2143 Homewood Drive, Lorain, and the latter church was rededicated as St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church on March 6, 2010. The merging of St. Vitus and SS. Cvril & Methodius' parishes brought the Slovenian and Croatian communities full circle.