The 15th Academic Year Opens at the Catholic University of Croatia

On Tuesday, 1 October 2024, the 15th academic year at the Catholic University of Croatia began with the Mass of the Holy Spirit and a formal academic ceremony, during which the University’s new leadership and new heads of departments were introduced.

The Holy Mass, held at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Sveti Duh and attended by vice-rectors, department heads, professors, staff, and students of the Catholic University of Croatia, was celebrated by Mons. Ivan Šaško, representative of the Archbishop of Zagreb, Mons. Dražen Kutleša. Mons. Šaško, Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb and the first Rector of the University, was joined in concelebration by Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Asst. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, Ph.D., Secretary General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Prof. Ante Crnčević, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić, Rev. Filip Šešek, Delegate for Youth of the Archdiocese of Zagreb, Pastoral Care for Athletes and Coordinator of Student Chaplaincy in Zagreb, Fr. Zlatko Vlahek, Prof. Jerko Valković, Ph.D. from the Department of Communication Sciences, and Asst. Prof. Odilon Singbo, Ph.D. from the Chair of Theology.

The liturgical celebration was enhanced by the harmonious singing of Chorus Unicath, the University Choir, joined by other members of the University community.

In his homily, Mons. Šaško greeted the academic community on behalf of the Grand Chancellor, Mons. Dražen Kutleša, and wished everyone a successful start to the new academic year. He reflected on the symbolic alignment of the academic year’s beginning with early October liturgical feasts—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Guardian Angels, and St. Francis of Assisi—highlighting their shared traits of humility, simplicity, and closeness. “Looking back to the beginnings of our University,” he said, “I always recall the humility we embraced from the very start, trusting that God reveals Himself through the small and seemingly insignificant, where hope takes root and grows.”

He added, “Universities are often seen as places of knowledge and professional formation, yet Catholic universities are uniquely called to be nurseries of hope. So, at this beginning, let us see ourselves reflected in the mirror of hope.”

The formal academic ceremony continued in the University’s Great Hall, attended by undergraduate and graduate students of history, sociology, psychology, communication sciences, nursing, and medicine, along with fifteen Erasmus+ students from Spain, France, Italy, Slovakia, and Portugal.

Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, welcomed the gathered community, recalling the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose feast was celebrated that day. He emphasized the importance of humility and obedience in daily life and learning. “Alongside the knowledge and skills you seek to gain,” he said, “I invite you to help one another to do good—that is the fundamental mission of a Catholic university.”

The Rector referenced Pope Francis’ address in Belgium, highlighting the responsibility of Catholic universities to offer a holistic education and nurture hope for both individual and collective futures. “You, dear students, are our future. Universities are by nature hubs of new ideas and inspiration. I am grateful you have chosen our University to share the most vibrant years of your lives. You will face challenges, but also experience many joyful and unforgettable moments. May God’s blessing and the intercession of our heavenly patron, Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, accompany you on this journey.”

Rector Tanjić also introduced the new members of the University’s leadership and department heads. Alongside current Vice-Rectors Prof. Gordan Črpić, Ph.D., Prof. Roko Mišetić, Ph.D., and Prof. Robert Antolović, Ph.D., the team now includes Prof. Jasna Ćurković Nimac, Ph.D., and Prof. Ante Crnčević, Ph.D., as Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission. As of this academic year, Asst. Prof. Ivica Matić, Ph.D., is the new Head of the Department of Nursing, and Asst. Prof. Ivana Brstilo Lovrić, Ph.D., is the new Head of the Department of Sociology.

Prof. Roko Mišetić, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Education, welcomed the gathered professors and students and emphasized the importance of cooperation among students, department coordinators, professors, and older peers. “We, as an academic community, along with all our staff and faculty, are here for you. There is no problem we cannot solve together. You have entrusted us with your future, and we hope to prove worthy of that trust.”

Representing the Student Council, Pero Josip Maslać, a second-year graduate student of Sociology and President of the Council, addressed the students with a welcome and introduced the Council’s representatives and functions. “As President, my goal is for your voices to be heard and for us to work together to enhance our student experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or approach us in the hallways—we’re here for you.”

Five student clubs are active at the University: Homo volans (History), Nexus (Sociology), Hexis (Psychology), Nutrix (Nursing), and Protagonisti (Communication). Nikola Budor, first-year History graduate student and President of Homo volans, presented their activities and encouraged students to join. “Beyond personal growth, the clubs play a key role in building our University into a true community. They offer space for connection, idea exchange, and collaborative projects that enrich our academic life.”

Representing the University’s sports community, Communication Sciences student Vid Belčić invited all students to join and expressed enthusiasm for the athletic achievements to come.

Lovro Knežević, Assistant at the Department of Sociology, presented the Chorus Unicath choir and invited students to upcoming auditions, describing singing and making music together as a valuable escape from daily academic pressures.

On behalf of the University’s Alumni Association, Dr. Filip Hren addressed the new students, encouraging them to form bonds that will continue even after graduation. The Alumni Association will be organizing a variety of events throughout the academic year, open to all students.

University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić introduced the University Chaplaincy and its upcoming activities, reminding students that the chaplaincy’s doors are always open for spiritual or personal support.

Following the ceremony, students met with their department heads, year coordinators, and faculty who will guide them through their studies.