The Fifth International Summer School "Practicing Resilience - Preparing for Recovery" Officially Opens

On Friday, June 12, the fifth international Summer School "Practicing Resilience - Preparing for Recovery" was solemnly opened at St. Michael's Fortress in Šibenik.

On behalf of the organizers, the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Professor Željko Tanjić, cordially welcomed the attendees. In his address, Rector Tanjić expressed deep gratitude to the key partners who made this year's Summer School possible, highlighting the Nanovic Institute for European Studies at the University of Notre Dame (USA), the Ukrainian Catholic University, and the Catholic Universities Partnership. Welcoming the students, Rector Tanjić wished them fruitful work and expressed his hope that during the school they would build lasting relationships, friendships, and collaborations that would continue long after its conclusion.

On behalf of the Šibenik-Knin County, County Prefect Paško Rakić addressed the school participants, lecturers, and distinguished guests. Welcoming them to Šibenik, he emphasized the importance of mutual support, understanding, and compassion, especially in the context of the challenges faced by the Ukrainian people.

The Bishop of Šibenik, Msgr. Tomislav Rogić, also extended his greetings, emphasizing that this Summer School is an exceptional opportunity for academic and personal growth. He highlighted the importance of learning and togetherness in building individual and community resilience, wishing all participants days filled with new insights.

The gathered participants were also greeted by the Dean of the Polytechnic of Šibenik, Ljubo Runjić, who noted that the doors of the Šibenik polytechnic and its students are always open for cooperation.

Additional welcoming messages for the students, lecturers, and guests of the opening ceremony arrived in written form. Letters of congratulations were sent by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Croatia, His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, as well as the Archbishop of Zagreb and Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia, Dražen Kutleša.

Continuing the successful tradition of summer schools held in Dubrovnik in 2022 and 2025, and in Šibenik in 2023 and 2024, this year's fifth edition in Šibenik brings together six prominent professors and lecturers from various Catholic universities. The Catholic University of Croatia is once again the main organizer, in cooperation with the Nanovic Institute at the University of Notre Dame (USA), the Ukrainian Catholic University, and the Catholic Universities Partnership. The Summer School program, focused on themes of resilience and hope, is designed for students from all over the world and will take place from June 12 to 21, 2026.

The opening program was moderated by Luka Poslon, PhD, head of the Summer School and a teaching assistant at the Catholic University of Croatia.