Plošča Targa Stanko Zorko Plaque

Why a plaque? The Plošča Targa Stanko Zorko Plaque isn’t just a piece of metal. It’s a whisper of gratitude, echoing against the stone of the chapel it adorns. Here, at the intersection of Via dei Moreri and Via dei Molini, in the Lajnarji locality of Sottomonte, rests a tangible piece of Roiano’s history. The Plošča Targa Stanko Zorko Plaque commemorates Monsignor Stanislav Zorko, a man whose life intertwined with the fate of the Slovene community in this very spot. This plaque, installed on August 30, 2015, serves as a permanent reminder of his dedication. The inscription, a testament carved in stone, reads: “KAPELICO JE LETA 1954 DAL ZGRADITI MSGR. STANKO ZORKO, 50 LET DUŠNI PASTIR ZA SLOVENSKE VERNIKE V ROJANU // V HVALEŽEN SPOMIN SLOVENSKA ROJANSKA SKUPNOST.” This translates to, “The chapel was built in 1954 by Msgr. Stanko Zorko, for 50 years the spiritual shepherd of the Slovene believers in Roiano // In grateful memory, the Slovene Roiano Community.” Don Zorko, affectionately known as Don Stanko, arrived in Roiano on October 1, 1952. He found a community yearning for spiritual guidance. He poured his energy into pastoral and cultural work. He organized pilgrimages and religious events. He became a vital voice for the community, editing religious books, liturgical texts, and the Roiano parish newsletter “Rojanski Vestnik.” He even hosted a Sunday Slovene language mass broadcast on Radio Trst A. For 30 years, he also led the religious program “Vera in naš čas” (Religion and Our Time). His dedication culminated in the establishment of the Marijin dom (Marian House) in 1961. The small chapel beside the Plošča Targa Stanko Zorko Plaque stands as a physical embodiment of his love for his community. Don Zorko spearheaded its construction in 1954. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the dogma and feast of the Immaculate Conception. This place held a special significance for him. It was a place of solace, a testament to his unwavering faith, a legacy he left for generations to come. The Plošča Targa Stanko Zorko Plaque and the chapel stand as a quiet tribute. They remind us of the enduring power of faith, community, and the unwavering spirit of one man who dedicated his life to serving others.