Roman Catholic Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Srbobran, Serbia
The Roman Catholic Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Srbobran (formerly Sentomaš) is the main Catholic parish church in the town and a dominant historic landmark tied to the local Catholic community.
The first church on this site was built in 1783 as a simple structure with a reed roof, without a tower or cross; the rectory was built in the same year and the parish belonged to Stari Bečej. The Monarchy supported the parish with land for its upkeep. The first parish priest was the Franciscan Bernat Salkau, and a school began operating at the same time.
As the population grew, a larger church was built in 1814–1815, measuring about 44.5×11.5 meters, and featuring a 24-meter tower and cross; this building was dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
In 1848 the church was burned during regional unrest, and the local Hungarian population was forced to flee. After the return of residents in the early 1850s, the church and rectory were restored. A full renovation and interior painting were completed in 1868, including likely the two paintings near the altar depicting All Saints and St. Thomas.
Later enhancements include the Calvary chapel (completed 1870) and a small nave added in 1886–87. The church took on its present historic appearance in 1901–1902 with a new tower and roof. In the same period a new organ by Šandor Orsag was installed. In 1952 the painter Pál Ružička created four large ceiling paintings that still decorate the main nave today.
Today the church remains a centre of Catholic life in Srbobran, with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrated annually as one of its main liturgical events.