The XVI Academic Year Begins at Our University

The XVI academic year at the Catholic University of Croatia began with the traditional Holy Mass of the Veni Creator Spiritus and a formal academic ceremony held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
 

The Holy Mass in the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua at Sveti Duh was presided over by Archbishop of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia, Mons. Dražen Kutleša, concelebrating with the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, Assist. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, PhD, Secretary General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, Domagoj Maošević, MSc, Moderator of the Archdiocesan Chancery and Acting Diocesan Economist, Fr. Ivan Marija Lotar, parish priest of St. Anthony’s parish, Rev. Filip Šešek, Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain, Sports Pastoral Minister and Coordinator of Student Pastoral Care in Zagreb, Rev. Domagoj Topić, Archdiocesan Secretary, Prof. Jerko Valković, PhD, from the University Department of Communication Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Richard Pavlić, PhD, and Assist. Prof. Odilon Singbo, PhD, from the University Chair of Theology.
 

In his homily, Mons. Kutleša emphasized that every new academic year is a special moment in which “at the wellspring of life and the source of all truth given to us in Christ Jesus, as an academic community we wish to recognize that our search for truth and wisdom both begins and ends here, if it is to be an expression of service to the Church and the world.” Reflecting on the Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 9:57–62) concerning three candidates for following Christ, Mons. Kutleša invited the academic community to consider three key points: to follow Christ without illusions, not to delay, and not to look back. He underlined the need for men and women who will live the truth they have come to know, serve with knowledge and love, and witness through their actions that Christ is indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). “This is precisely the mission of the Catholic University of Croatia: to be a seedbed of people rooted in faith yet open to the world; faithful to the Church, yet capable of dialogue with culture; humble before God, yet courageous in facing the challenges of our time… Therefore, with trust in Divine Providence, begin this new academic year with joy and courage,” he concluded.
 

The program continued in the Great Hall of the Catholic University of Croatia with students from the university programs of history, sociology, psychology, communication sciences, nursing, midwifery, law, computer science, and medicine, together with seventeen Erasmus+ students from France, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Slovakia, and Spain.
 

Mons. Kutleša addressed the students, particularly welcoming first-year students as the newest members of the university family. “Before you lies a new chapter of life, a time in which you will shape not only your intellectual abilities but also your character, moral compass, and worldview. At the start of this journey, we want to tell you: you are not just a number in the enrollment system. You are persons whom we wish to accompany, form, and encourage to grow in wisdom, responsibility, and maturity.”
 

On behalf of the academic community, Rector Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, spoke, highlighting the identity of the Catholic University of Croatia as academic, Croatian, and Catholic, noting that the Catholic inspiration of the University reveals the spiritual dimension inherent in research, learning, and knowledge acquisition. He expressed gratitude to all present and extended special encouragement to the new students of law, midwifery, and computer science: “Be young, courageous, and responsible—for us you are not numbers, but persons with names and surnames. Your academic path will not be easy, but it will be beautiful.” Rector Tanjić also introduced the deans of the newly established faculties: Prof. Zlatan Car, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Kristian Turkalj, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Assist. Prof. Ivica Matić, PhD, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
 

Vice-Rector for Education Prof. Roko Mišetić, PhD, welcomed the gathered professors and students, underlining the importance of cooperation among students, year coordinators, professors, department heads, and senior colleagues.

On behalf of the Student Council, Acting President Pero Josip Maslać addressed the students, encouraging them not to fear being beginners, reminding them that “every expert was once in your place at the start of their journey.”
 

Dr. Filip Hren spoke on behalf of the Alumni Association, emphasizing the importance of building connections during studies and maintaining them afterward.

University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić presented the University Chaplaincy, announcing upcoming activities and assuring students that the chaplaincy’s doors are always open for any questions, challenges, or conversations.

The formal academic ceremony was moderated by Paula Zujić, Assistant at the University Department of Sociology.

We wish all our students abundant God’s blessings in the new academic year!