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The 17th Academic Year Commences at Our University
On Monday, September 28, 2026, the Catholic University of Croatia marked the start of its new, 17th academic year with the Eucharistic celebration of the Invocation of the Holy Spirit and an orientation program for students.
The Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua at Sveti Duh was presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Ivan Šaško, envoy of the Archbishop Metropolitan of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the CUC, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša. Concelebrating were the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD; Asst. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, PhD, General Secretary of the Croatian Bishops' Conference; Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity, and Mission; Prof. Jerko Valković, PhD, from the University Department of Communication Studies; Prof. Odilon Singbo, PhD, from the University Chair of Theology; and University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić.
In his homily, Msgr. Šaško noted that he could not recall ever beginning a school or academic year with reflections from the Book of Job. "When I saw that the reading was from the Book of Job, I paused and wondered whether it might be better to choose a more conventional, topical reading. I do not remember ever experiencing the start of an academic year through the lens of Job-like challenges, yet that very perspective prevailed and became decisively compelling for me to share with you an encounter with the Good News at this new academic beginning... Is not every learning and teaching endeavor today woven through with the question of good and evil, their origin, and their meaning? Love without eternity is bounded and in time grows flavorless; only through eternity does love acquire flavor and allure. Thus, there is much that is 'Job-like' in university life—not because of toil or passing exams, but because of God's love. Job's phrase, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away,' matures into an integral truth of which we speak joyfully. The Lord gave, and the Lord has restored; moreover, He remained with us and within us—in our struggles, in our sufferings, and above all in our joys," concluded Msgr. Šaško.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Rector Tanjić addressed Msgr. Šaško with words of gratitude on behalf of our academic community, stating: "Any further words would be superfluous amid the beauty of the mystery we have celebrated. With Bishop Ivan, every celebration is solemn, authentic, profound, and rich in a simplicity where words transform into a lived reality. Thank you, Ivan, for your devotion to the University, and thank you for your contributions to its very first steps. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the CUC, we remember that as president of the founding committee and subsequently its first rector, he laid our foundations, mapped out our path, and conceptualized the visual and living identity of the University to which we constantly return. These milestones are not mere memories for me and our community, but a mirror in which I observe and evaluate the present. Therefore, personally and on behalf of the University, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude with a commemorative plaque and unite us all in saying: 'Thank you for the light you faithfully carry before us!'"
The program continued in the Great Hall of the CUC with students of the university study programs in history, sociology, psychology, communication studies, nursing, midwifery, law, engineering, and medicine, alongside twenty Erasmus+ exchange students arriving from France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Spain.
Addressing the audience on behalf of the academic community, the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, emphasized: "Through the Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Ivan—our first rector who shared an exceptionally powerful spiritual message with us—and through this formal academic assembly, we have inaugurated our 17th academic year, marked especially in 2026 as the 20th anniversary of our University’s founding... Thank you for placing your trust in us by choosing the Catholic University of Croatia! Yes, dear students, you are our future! By their very nature, universities are engines of new ideas and fresh impulses for human life, reflection, and societal challenges; in essence, they are generative places. Remain steadfast in pursuing the truth in service of what we call our shared progress... Let us practice patience with one another, and we will achieve great things together. University is a time for fellowship, fun, study, hard work, friendship, and leisure," concluded Rector Tanjić.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Roko Mišetić, PhD, welcomed the assembled faculty and students, remarking: "As we celebrate the beginning of a new academic year today, emotions are naturally diverse. You are undoubtedly feeling excitement and joy, perhaps paired with a touch of apprehension, while I feel deep joy and pride. I am thrilled that you chose our University. Seeing so many of you fills me with pride because it reaffirms that this year, once again, we are recognized as a desirable place to study. With every new generation comes fresh energy, novel ideas, and suggestions to enrich and enhance life at our University. Speak with us openly; together, we can surely find the best solutions. Welcome!"
On behalf of the Student Council, students were greeted by the newly elected President of the Student Council, Jakov Ladešić. Offering a warm welcome, he encouraged the incoming students from the viewpoint of a senior peer who walked the same path: "Do not be afraid to be at the beginning or to start something new. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Every one of us here was once in your shoes, and we are here to support you throughout your academic journey," Ladešić concluded.
University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić introduced the University Chaplaincy and its activities throughout the year, inviting students to take part while reminding them that his door is always open whenever support is needed.
We wish all our students abundant God's blessings in the new academic year!
