Arko Klemenc

This translation is based on the third printing of Reverend Frederic Baraga’s Dushna pasha: Pasture for the Soul, originally published in Ljubljana in 1830. As an everyday prayer book for the laity, Dushna pasha includes common prayers, parts of the Mass (and Masses for special occasions), and an explanation of the sacraments and holy days within the liturgical year. Baraga expands prayers and provides commentary to guide the reader’s spiritual understanding and faith. This book would have been used during the Mass in a time when the priest spoke Latin and had his back to the people so that the faithful could read along in their language and have a deeper understanding of what was taking place. It also would have been used to help prepare for sacraments, holy days and to give lessons in Catholic catechism.

While much of its words hold true today, Dushna Pasha is certainly a historical document and product of its time. Baraga was trying to bring the Church closer to the people and describe how to integrate faith into their everyday lives.