Erasmus+ BIP “Faith in Context”: Lectures Held at St. John’s Fortress in Šibenik

As part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) “Faith in Context”, organized by the Catholic University of Croatia, participants gathered at the historic St. John’s Fortress in Šibenik on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for a day of lectures and academic discussion in a unique historical setting.

The academic program featured lectures by Dr Barnabas Palfrey, Tutor in Christian Doctrine and Spirituality at St Augustine’s College of Theology, and Associate Professor Ivana Brstilo Lovrić from the Catholic University of Croatia.

In his lecture, Dr Palfrey explored different ways of understanding contemporary social and intellectual challenges, drawing on theological perspectives and encouraging students to reflect critically on the role of universities, dialogue and disagreement in modern society. The lecture was followed by an engaging discussion in which students from different academic disciplines shared their perspectives.

Associate Professor Ivana Brstilo Lovrić delivered the lecture “Youth, Fast Fashion and the Challenge of Sustainability”, focusing on contemporary consumer society, youth consumption patterns and the environmental and social challenges associated with fast fashion. Particular attention was given to the tension between young people’s desire for individuality and the increasingly standardized patterns of consumption promoted by the fashion industry.

Holding the academic sessions at St. John’s Fortress provided participants with an opportunity to combine interdisciplinary learning with the cultural and historical heritage of Šibenik, further contributing to the international and experiential character of the “Faith in Context” program.