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Antun Kalac (27 December 1849 – 13 May 1919) was aCroatian poet, writer, playwright,literary translator, and revivalist ofCroatian nationalism among theIstrian people. He was also aCatholic priest.[1][2]
Kalac was born in the village of Žbrlini in the region ofPazin, where he attended elementary school, followed by lower grammar school with theFranciscans. He attended high school inTrieste before studying at a seminary inGorizia and Trieste.[3]
In Trieste, he came into contact with a group ofCroatian intellectuals associated with the magazineNaša Sloga.
Kalac became a priest in Pazin in 1875 and was a chaplain there until 1882. He supported the Croatian people through his work and came into conflict with Italian political supporters. Since the diocese of Trieste, which at that time included Pazin and other parts of central Istria, was headed by the Istrian revivalistBishop Juraj Dobrila, Kalac was able to continue his work in the region. In 1882, he was transferred toBuzet as pastor and dean. In 1906, he returned to Pazin and took an appointment as prefect and dean. His Croatian revivalist work was well-received. He promoted Croatian education and defended the national rights of Croats in Istria. As a result of his work, he was constantly attacked by the ruling elite.[3][1][2]
Kalac was well known for his position as a defender and protector of the Croatian national spirit during theItalianization of Istria. Because he was a high-ranking priest within theCatholic Church, he did not hold the most prominent positions in civic associations, but his contribution to these circles was still significant.[3][2]
Kalac also contributed to the development ofCroatian poetic expression inIstria during the 19th and 20th centuries. He published about a hundred songs inNaša sloga, often under the pseudonym Nadan Zorin. He also published prose and wrote plays. His songs reflected his commitment to Croatia;[2][3] one song in particular, "Predobri Bože", was once considered the anthem of Istrian Croats. He translated literary works from various languages into Croatian, includingSchiller's "Song of the Bell" andVirgil'sEclogues.
He was also the editor of a memorial book published on the 100th anniversary (1912) of the birth of the Croatian revivalist BishopJuraj Dobrila.
Kalac died on 13 May 1919 in Pazin.[3]
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