On Tuesday, November 14, a Solemn academy was held at Hotel Academia in the centre of Zagreb, bringing together numerous partners, collaborators, supporters, and friends of JRS.

This gathering marked the International Day of Jesuit Refugee Service, a day established by the Jesuit Father Pedro Arrupe. In 1980, deeply moved by the plight of thousands of “boat people” fleeing war-torn Vietnam, Father Pedro Arrupe decided to accompany, serve, and advocate for these people on their journey.  Father Stjepan Kušan joined him on this path when Croatia took in a large number of refugees who had to flee a war. From, then, until today, JRS Croatia has persistently pursued its mission of serving those in need.  

This year, marking the thirtieth anniversary of longstanding work and dedication to the most vulnerable, JRS Croatia has decided to celebrate this occasion appropriately.

The event at Hotel Acadelia featured moving speeches, given by individuals who have devoted decades of their lives to the cause of JRS. Musical performances by the talented Mudryk family from Lviv, JRS beneficiary Vasyl Ros playing a traditional Ukrainian musical instrument, and enchanting songs by the JRS children’s choir enriched the occasion. 

In the afternoon, at the premises of the association Art of Smiles, JRS Croatia inaugurated an exhibition showcasing its photographs. Through symbolic thirty thematic panels displaying appropriate photos and text, JRS’s longstanding journey with refugees in Croatia was presented Through thirty thematic panels displaying poignant photos and text, the exhibition depicted JRS’s journey with refugees in Croatia. 

Following the conclusion of this festive program JRS Croatia gathered its teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Macedonia at the “SOL” Integration Center to celebrate once again on this special day for all JRS.