For the Salesian Family of the Czech Republic, this is an opportunity for a deeper reflection on the legacy left by Štěpán Trochta. His memory is still alive in his native village, Francova Lhota, through the museum and educational programs that pass on his memory to the younger generations.
This year's anniversary will be commemorated in a special way on 6 April with a solemn function in St Stephen's Cathedral in Litoměřice and in the following days in other cities related to Trochta’s life. Throughout the year there will be conferences and exhibitions, and a podcast, films, radio programmes and books about his life will be produced.
Štěpán Trochta was born on 26 March 1905 in the village of Francova Lhota. From a young age he showed extraordinary talent and had the desire to serve young people as a priest. A desire that led him to the Salesians in Italy. He was formed, obtained his doctorate in Theology in Turin, at the Crocetta and was ordained a priest in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in 1932. He was actively involved in the formation of Czech boys, future Salesians, and played a fundamental role in the arrival of the first Czech Salesians in Fryšták and later in other parts of the country. He led the construction of Salesian houses and worked among the young people.
During the Second World War he was deported and imprisoned in the concentration camps in Terezín, Mauthausen and Dachau. After the war he committed himself to the renewal of the structures of the Church and his country, culminating in his appointment as Bishop of Litoměřice in 1947. His episcopal motto “Work - Sacrifice - Love” was not only the program of his ministry, but also characterised his life.
As Bishop he worked to rebuild and revitalise the diocese of Litoměřice, which had suffered the consequences of World War II and the displacement of the original German inhabitants. During the communist regime he was repeatedly imprisoned and persecuted for his courageous defence of the Church and the faith. After his release from prison he did some civil work, for several years, before the regime allowed him to return to pastoral work. During this period he secretly ordained thirty priests.
Štěpán Trochta was created Cardinal in pectore in 1969. This appointment remained secret for a long time and public opinion only became aware of it in 1973. This act aroused the resentment of the communist regime, which tried to limit his activities. However, he continued to be active as a voice of faith and hope in times of persecution.
He died in 1974, after an exhausting and humiliating six-hour interrogation. Although the communist authorities tried to prevent a public funeral, the latter became a demonstration of faith. The funeral was also attended by the Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyła (later Pope John Paul II), who in his eulogy described Štěpán Trochta as a martyr. His life and work remain in the hearts of many people as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and love for God and neighbour.
This anniversary should be seen not only as an opportunity to remember the past, but also as an inspiration for the future. Štěpán Trochta has been for many a light of faith and hope, and his legacy is still with us today. His life will be celebrated and his precious teachings will be remembered, which indicate the way of love, dedication and service to others.
Just as it did 50 years ago, Cardinal Štěpán Trochta's appeal remains valid today: "Dear friends and benefactors of God's work! We all need an inner renewal, a reconciliation with God and with others. It's up to each of us. It is up to the priest, the layman and the students. Let's wake up from indifference, dullness and comfort! Let us leave selfish and cowardly complaints to others. Courage!”
