Catholic University of Croatia at the Croatian Catholic Youth Meeting in Požega

Led by the University chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić, students of the Catholic University of Croatia participated in the Croatian Catholic Youth Meeting held in Požega on 2 and 3 May 2026.

A rich welcome programme took place at St Teresa Square, where numerous Catholic institutions, communities, and artistic groups presented their work. This was followed by a prayer preparation at Holy Trinity Square ahead of the central event—the Eucharistic celebration. The Mass gathered more than 12,000 young people and was presided over by Ivo Martinović, together with around 30 bishops and 350 priests.

In his homily, Bishop Martinović encouraged young people to remain rooted in Christ, recalling Jesus’ words: “I am the vine; you are the branches,” and inviting them to remain in His love by living according to His commandments.

At the end of the celebration, Tomislav Rogić, President of the Youth Commission of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, thanked the organisers and announced that the next meeting will be held in the Diocese of Krk in two years.

Participants were then hosted overnight in parishes across the Požega Diocese. Students of the University were welcomed by the Parish of St Augustine the Bishop in Velika.

On Sunday, a concluding programme and Eucharistic celebration took place in the park beneath Mount Papuk. Alongside host groups and other visiting youth communities, representatives of the Catholic University of Croatia—medical student Lea Šečić, history student Jeronim Grbeša, and teaching assistant Matea Vidulić—presented the University.

The closing Mass was again presided over by Bishop Martinović, who entrusted all participants and their families to the protection of Our Lady of Consolation, especially venerated in the parish of Velika.

The University community expresses its gratitude to all organisers in the Požega Diocese, particularly the hosts in the parish of Velika, for their hospitality, generosity, and joyful welcome.