Mass Celebrations during the General Assembly of the European Federation of Catholic Universities in Zagreb

The Catholic University of Croatia was host of the General Assembly of the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), held in Zagreb from 20 to 22 May 2026. The meeting gathered rectors, professors and representatives of Catholic universities from all over Europe with the aim of strengthening international academic cooperation, developing joint educational programmes and promoting European humanism in contemporary society.

At the Eucharistic celebration held on Thursday, 21 May 2026, in the Church of St Mark in Zagreb, Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb Mons. Ivan Šaško spoke about the mission of Catholic universities in a time of social and cultural challenges. Starting from the symbolism of the Church of St Mark itself, located between the most important state institutions of the Republic of Croatia, he emphasised the connection of faith, social responsibility and public action, as well as the importance of the presence of Christian values in European society.

In his homily, Mons. Šaško particularly emphasised the meaning of the concept “universitas” as an expression of unity and common orientation towards truth and the common good. Speaking about the culture of gift and communion, he pointed out that Catholic universities are not only educational institutions, but places of encounter, dialogue and service to society. He also warned of the challenges of excessive competitiveness in the contemporary academic and social space, calling for cooperation, joint search for knowledge and the building of communion among people and nations.

The concluding Mass celebration of the Assembly was marked by the homily of Rev. Branimir Jagodić, held on Friday, 22 May 2026, inspired by the Gospel encounter of the risen Christ and the apostle Peter after Peter’s denial. At the centre of the homily was the theme of forgiveness, mercy and the possibility of a new beginning, emphasising that Jesus does not return Peter to his guilt, but restores him with the question: “Do you love me?”

It was particularly emphasised that the Christian faith is not founded on human perfection, but on trust in God who knows the human person and raises him after weakness and mistakes. The homily reminded participants that precisely the experience of one’s own weakness can make a person more sensitive to others and more capable of responsible service to the community. The concluding message “Follow me” was presented as a call to renewed faith, hope and continuation of the mission despite life’s falls and challenges.

The General Assembly of FUCE in Zagreb thus, alongside the academic and international programme, strongly emphasised the spiritual dimension of the mission of Catholic universities as spaces of dialogue, responsibility, humanism and the building of the common good in Europe.