St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church

“Is that Croatian I hear?” a passerby might ask, drawn in by the melodic sounds emanating from St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church. This church, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles at 712 North Grand Avenue, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant hub for the Croatian community, a testament to their enduring faith and rich cultural heritage. St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church was established in 1913. It has served as a spiritual anchor for generations of Croatian immigrants and their descendants. The church offers mass in both English and Croatian, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of its parishioners. Sunday mass is held at 8:30 AM in English and 10:30 AM in Croatian. Daily masses are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 AM in English. Beyond its religious services, St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church is a cultural center. It’s home to the St. Anthony’s Tamburica & Kolo Club. This group was founded in 1960 by Josip Bachman, a Croatian immigrant from Osijek. The club has been instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional Croatian music and dance. Their repertoire includes everything from Croatian opera excerpts to folk songs and dances. They even perform a “Hrvatska pučka misa” (Croatian Folk Mass). The church also houses an impressive collection of tamburicas, traditional Croatian instruments, and costumes. These artifacts are a tangible link to the community’s heritage. Over the years, the St. Anthony’s Tamburica & Kolo Club has performed at various prestigious events, including a pre-liturgy program for Pope John Paul II at Dodger Stadium in 1987. They have also graced the stage at Croatian Fraternal Union festivals across the United States and Canadian/Croatian festivals in Canada. St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride in the heart of Los Angeles. It embodies the spirit of the Croatian community, keeping their traditions alive while embracing their new home.