Lenten Spiritual Retreat for CUC Staff Held

On Wednesday, 1 April 2026, a Lenten spiritual retreat titled “Let Us Also Go That We May Die with Him” was held in the University Chapel for staff of the Catholic University of Croatia.

The programme began with Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Leopold Ćurčić, parish priest of the Parish of the Passion of Jesus in Vukomerec, concelebrated by the Rector, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD; the Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD; the Secretary General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Assist. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, PhD; Prof. Jerko Valković, PhD; Assist. Prof. Odilon Singbo, PhD; and the University Chaplain, Rev. Branimir Jagodić.

Following the Mass, Rev. Ćurčić led the spiritual reflection inspired by the words of the Apostle Thomas from the Gospel of John: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” He invited participants to reflect on the theme of Christian discipleship.

At the centre of his reflection, Rev. Ćurčić highlighted three aspects of readiness: the willingness to sacrifice present reality for the hope of eternity, to renounce personal achievements in order to discover a deeper meaning of life, and to sacrifice one’s own freedom for ideals such as love, friendship, solidarity, and fidelity to the Gospel.

Through the example of the Apostle Thomas, he described the journey from declarative courage to human weakness and doubt as a reflection of every believer’s experience. He emphasized that the gap between what reason recognizes as good and what the heart can truly accept is often bridged through the experience of suffering. Although difficult and uncomfortable, suffering can have a purifying power: it directs a person toward what is essential, helps them recognize the meaning of their life, and opens their perspective toward the transcendent. It is precisely through the experience of the cross that the believer learns deeper trust in God and a readiness to align life with the ideals of faith.