Galjuf left his native municipality of Župa Dubrovačka between the two world wars. By his efforts he succeeded abroad and gained a significant fortune in Peru. For years he sent monetary assistance to various humanitarian institutions in Dubrovnik, including Domus Christi. The people of Dubrovnik honoured him with the installation of a memorial plaque in 1924.
A celebration was organised to mark the ninetieth anniversary of the installation of a memorial plaque in honour of Croatian emigrant Mato Galjuf, a patriot and philanthropist who lived in Peru. The event was organised by the Dubrovnik branch office of the Croatian Heritage Foundation and the Domus Christi Dubrovnik home for the elderly and infirm.
Galjuf left his native municipality of Župa Dubrovačka between the two world wars in search of a better life. By his efforts he succeeded abroad and gained a significant fortune. He did not forget his homeland and for years sent monetary assistance to various humanitarian institutions in Dubrovnik, including Domus Christi.
As a sign of their gratitude for his selfless assistance the people of Dubrovnik honoured him with the installation of a memorial plaque in 1924 on the façade of what was then the soup kitchen (now a home for the elderly and infirm).
On the occasion of the formal celebration of the anniversary the patrons were warmly greeted by Maja Mozara, the head of the Dubrovnik branch office of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, who noted the devotion and selfless love of Croatian emigrants towards their native land. The home’s director Mirjana Vujović thanked her for the initiative and for the homage paid to the great philanthropy of Mato Galjuf.
Damir Račić offered a historical presentation of the humanitarian activity of emigrants from the Dubrovnik area. He also spoke of all the activities of the Domus Christi institution from its foundation in the year 1347 to the installation of the memorial plaque in honour of Mato Galjuf in 1924.
Text by: Damir Račić; Photos by: Domus Christi