Summary
A Dominican from Selca who led the Diocese of Hvar, which also includes Brač. His life connects his roots in Selca, Dominican education in Bol and the wider church community across the islands.
A commemorative plaque was installed in Podsmrčevik in 2012, marking the centenary of his birth.
Selca and Dominican education
Bezmalinović was born in Selca and also attended secondary school in Bol. He trained for the priesthood in the Dominican order and was ordained in 1938. He also completed studies in natural sciences. Biographical sources give different days for his birth, 7 or 8 May, but agree on the place and year.
Episcopal and cultural work
As an auxiliary bishop, he took part in the Second Vatican Council. He led the Diocese of Hvar from 1968 to 1989, and his work extended across Hvar, Brač and Vis. He supported the preservation of church collections and archives, so his contribution also includes cultural heritage.
Commemoration in Podsmrčevik
A commemorative plaque to Celestin Bezmalinović was unveiled in Podsmrčevik in 2012. A municipal announcement describes the initiative by his nephews and the event marking his centenary. The plaque bears witness to family and local memory; it does not change the biographical fact that he was born in Selca.
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