Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia on a Pastoral and Academic Visit to Croatian Communities in Canada

The Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Professor Željko Tanjić, PhD, visited Croatian parishes in Mississauga and Toronto from 5 to 16 February 2026, where he met with members of the faithful, priests and representatives of the academic community.

At the Parish of the Croatian Martyrs in Mississauga, he was hosted by Rev. Filip Pavlović. In communion with priests of Croatian parishes in that part of Canada, he presided over the Holy Mass on Sunday, 8 February, on the occasion of the feast of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, preaching on the meaning of sacrifice and conscience in the life of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac. At the end of the Mass, the Rector presented the renovation of the University Campus and the development and growth of our University, which this year marks its 20th anniversary, expressing gratitude to parishioners for their numerous donations.

On Monday, 9 February, Rector Tanjić visited the Parish of the Holy Cross in Hamilton and the Parish of the Most Holy Trinity in Oakville, where he met with their parish priests, Rev. Marko Štefanac and Rev. Stipe Galo.

On the feast of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, 10 February, the Rector was hosted at the Parish of Our Lady Queen of Croatians in Toronto by Rev. Mladen Horvat, PhD. During the Holy Mass, the Rector delivered the homily, reflecting on the life and work of Blessed Cardinal Stepinac. On that occasion, he expressed gratitude to all present priests and donors who have supported the University’s growth and development since its foundation.

“Cooperation between the University and Croatian parishes in Canada is important because it strengthens ties with the diaspora and ensures support for educational, scientific and cultural projects. Thanks to cooperation with the parish in Mississauga and donations from its parishioners, we were able to establish the Laboratory for Psychological Research, which has so far produced a significant number of research projects by our psychology staff and students. With donations from parishes in Toronto, we equipped the University television and radio studio. On this occasion, I would particularly like to thank Rev. Mladen Horvat for hosting our priests and teaching staff in his parish, and for regularly supporting the creativity of our students by financing a photography competition and exhibitions of our students’ work. The cooperation and openness of all the people I met in Canada demonstrate how much our University serves as a link with their Church and Homeland,” emphasised Rector Tanjić.

On Friday, 13 February, Rector Tanjić met with parishioners at the Parish of Our Lady Queen of Croatians in Toronto, where he spoke about the development of our University. He also presided over Masses on 15 and 16 February.

During his stay in Canada, Rector Tanjić also established contacts with the academic community of the University of Toronto. He met with Professor David Sylvester, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, whom he introduced to our University, and they discussed possibilities for international cooperation between the two institutions. The Rector also met with Dr Moira McQueen, Executive Director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute at St. Michael’s College, with whom he had previously collaborated as members of the International Theological Commission at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican.