Book Presentation: "In the Service of Croatia" by Marijan Šola

The Catholic University of Croatia and the "Don Frane Bulić" Center of the Catholic Faculty of Theology at the University of Split are organizing the presentation of the book In the Service of Croatia (U službi Hrvatske) by Marijan Šola.

The presentation will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Catholic University of Croatia in the "Bl. Alojzije Card. Stepinac" Hall.

The book is an extensive and detailed autobiographical testimony of Marijan Šola (Prisoje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 30, 1913 – Sudbury, Canada, February 6, 1993), tracing the author's life journey from his youth in his native Prisoje, through emigration in Belgium, Ustaše camps and other locations across Italy, the wartime years in the Independent State of Croatia, and the ordeal of the Way of the Cross (Križni put), all the way to going into hiding with the Crusaders (križari) and subsequent 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 immense sacrifices 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 intricate historical circumstances, the fight for survival, and the personal and collective Calvary of a generation that decisively shaped modern Croatian history, as noted by the book's editor, Assoc. Prof. Josip Dukić, PhD.

Participants in the presentation include:

• Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, Rector of the CUC

• Ivan Kozlica, MSc, presenter

• Alma Tea Rugelj, book editor

• Assoc. Prof. Josip Dukić, PhD, book editor