
Biserje svetog Ante: molitvenik naroda Božjega
The most famous Catholic prayer book among Croats, first published in 1909 in Sarajevo. It was edited by Fr. Leonardo Čuturić, who called it "Pearls" because of the prayers strung like pearls. Intended for worshippers of St. Anthony of Padua, it is adapte
The prayer book is divided into six parts: 1) daily prayers and introduction to prayer, 2) liturgy of the Church (sacraments, mass), 3) church devotions (to the Heart of Jesus, Mary), 4) devotions to St. Anthony (thirteen Tuesdays, novena, bread of St. Anthony), 5) church hymns (Christmas, Easter, Our Lady, St. Anthony), 6) Christian doctrine for Catholics. It contains the biography of St. Anthony, prayers for married life, health and forgiveness of sins, and hymns such as the "Invocation of the Holy Spirit".
Editors, such as Velimir Blažević, have updated the prayers in modern language, respecting the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Special editions include "Little Pearls" for soldiers (1916) and large-print versions for the elderly. The prayer book was a comfort to believers through trials, promoting faith, justice and communion. With more than 25,000 copies per edition, it remains an indispensable companion in personal and communal prayer.
One copy is available