Croatian Jesuits
Jesuits arrived on Croatian soil in the mid-sixteenth century by invitation, shortly after the founding of the Society of Jesus. In the seventeenth century, they established high schools (called colleges) in several of the region’s cities (Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Rijeka, and Požega). These lasted for almost two centuries and were among the most important pedagogical institutions in Croatia, resulting in outstanding contributions from famous Jesuits in almost all intellectual fields. One of the conditions for obtaining permission to establish a college was the presence of a library. The structure of surviving collections of the former Jesuit libraries places them at the core of the colleges’ educational work. When the Society was suppressed in 1773, their colleges were closed and their books were scattered. However, numerous volumes have been preserved, and they can be found in various places today: in Jesuit residences, as well as in universities, monasteries, and other libraries. Jesuit operations in Croatia were interrupted, but their legacy has not been: the remains of their original book collections provide evidence that the Society’s pursuit of knowledge has been a continuous part of the intellectual history of the region.
Our work
Ignatian spirituality challenges us to encounter God in all things, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel. We go forth into the world as contemplatives in action, discerning God’s desire for our lives here, now, and acting on God’s invitation. We are women and men for and with others, hearing both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor—and responding. And we do all for the greater glory of God.
SKAC PALMA: SUMMER FOR YOUNG ADULTS IN CROATIA
SKAC (The Student Catholic Center) Palma, run by the Jesuits, has organized five summer programs this year. Two were held on the mountain Medvednica near the Croatian capital Zagreb, and three programs on the Adriatic coast. The first program, “More in Creation with...
SKAC OSIJEK ORGANIZED SPIRITUAL SUMMER CAMPS
With the help of Croatian Jesuits, SKAC (The Student Catholic Center) Osijek, founded in 2018, has for the first time organized spiritual camps in the Franciscan Monastery of St. Domnius on the island of Pašman. The first two weeks were for young people, during which...
CROATIA: SKAC OSIJEK VOLUNTEERS HELPING IN EARTHQUAKE AFFLICTED AREAS
On the 28th and 29th December 2020, two strong earthquakes hit the Banovina area (c. 50 km south of Zagreb). Seven people lost their lives in the destructive earthquake, many were injured, and many lost their homes. In order to help the earthquake victims, SKAC (The...
What Is Ignatian Spirituality?
Ignatian spirituality is a spirituality for everyday life. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others.
Ignatian spirituality challenges us to encounter God in all things, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel. We go forth into the world as contemplatives in action, discerning God’s desire for our lives here, now, and acting on God’s invitation. We are women and men for and with others, hearing both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor—and responding. And we do all for the greater glory of God.
Start Practicing Ignatian Spirituality Right Now
Ignatian spirituality isn’t some high-minded path for a few saints, but a spirituality for all of us — no matter who we are or what we’re going through. It’s a set of tools available to us right now in our everyday life. Ready to get started?
Support Us
For more than 450 years Jesuit priests and brothers have served the Church, often on the frontiers of our society, in order to help people experience Christ in their daily lives. Today, more than 16,000 Jesuits worldwide, in collaboration with donors and lay partners, continue to advance the mission of reconciliation, and promote a faith that does justice. Together we place ourselves in the presence of the God who created all people and ask ourselves the questions that St. Ignatius suggested to his first companions: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? And what will I do for Christ?
In Croatia, Jesuits and their partners eagerly advance the universal mission of the Society of Jesus. This mission is only made possible through the kindness and generosity of our friends and benefactors who support us in our work through their prayers and gifts. In turn, the Jesuits are ever mindful of our friends and benefactors in their Masses and prayers.
No matter how you are connected to the Society of Jesus, you can become part of the Jesuit mission; you can join men and women of faith and generosity who want to make a difference in the world by putting their beliefs into action. Some do this as volunteers; many participate as donors, giving Jesuits the freedom, flexibility, resources, and training to respond to the greatest needs of the Church. Through these gifts, large and small, our donors make possible the daily work of the Society of Jesus and its ministries throughout the world.
We recognize fully that benefactors and friends are truly partners in advancing the mission of the Jesuits and of the Church and we invite you to work together to accomplish God’s work on earth.
Thank you and may God bless you abundantly.
Privredna banka Zagreb:
IBAN: HR1623400091110098690
Bic/Swift Code: PBZGHR2X
Hrvatska pokrajina Družbe Isusove
Palmotićeva 31, Zagreb
OIB 36546360268
Zagrebačka banka:
IBAN: HR4923600001101576399
Bic/Swift Code: ZABAHR2X
Hrvatska pokrajina Družbe Isusove
Palmotićeva 31, Zagreb
OIB 36546360268
New earthquake in Zagreb
The 6.3-degree earthquake which had its epicenter in Petrinja, 46 km from Zagreb, on December 29, 2020, has caused new damages on the Sacred Heart Basilica and other Jesuit communities in Zagreb. They were already severely damaged by the earthquake of March 22, 2020...
The earthquake in Zagreb damaged Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Dear Friends, On Sunday, 22 March 2020, 6:24 AM, Zagreb City was hit by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake, which had its epicentre just 6 km north of the City. The earthquake has caused a lot of material damage, especially to the old buildings in the historical City Center....