Book "In the Service of Croatia" Presented at CUC

In the "Blessed Alojzije Card. Stepinac" Hall at the Catholic University of Croatia, the presentation of the book In the Service of Croatia (U službi Hrvatske) by Marijan Šola was held in cooperation with the "Don Frane Bulić" Center and the Catholic Faculty of Theology at the University of Split.
 

The book was edited by Assoc. Prof. Josip Dukić, PhD, and Alma Tea Rugelj, and the work was presented by Ivan Kozlica, MSc, and Rector prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD. In his address, the Rector welcomed the attendees and shared his perspective on the book, as well as the life and events that defined Marijan Šola.

Dukić and Rugelj discovered, digitized, and compiled into a book the extensive and detailed autobiographical testimony of Marijan Šola, which chronicles his life journey from his birth in Prisoje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, through emigration in Belgium, Ustaše camps and other locations in Italy, the wartime years in the Independent State of Croatia, and the ordeal of the Way of the Cross (Križni put), up to his period in hiding with the Crusaders (križari) and subsequent return to exile.

"Šola's biography mirrors the profound tragedy and fearlessness of a generation that bore the heaviest burden of struggle during exceptionally complex and brutal times of the 20th century. His personal story is not merely the testimony of an individual, but a moving, authentic chronicle of hundreds of thousands of Croats who made an immense sacrifice out of love for their homeland, people, and heritage. The publication of this memoir sheds light on little-known details of Marijan Šola's life, and his journey stands as an enduring testament to the complex historical circumstances, the fight for survival, and the personal and collective Calvary of a generation that decisively shaped modern Croatian history," noted the book's editor, Josip Dukić.

The autobiographical testimony of their father and grandfather was followed from the audience by Marijan Šola's children and grandchildren, who were presented with copies of the book at the conclusion of the event.