Round Table of the Croatian Benedict Association
On the Feast of Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe and Patron of the Croatian Benedict Association, Saturday, 11 July 2026, I took part in Split in a round table and commemorative celebration marking the fifteenth anniversary of the Association.
The anniversary brought together a large number of participants and distinguished guests. The Holy Mass in the Church of St Catherine of Alexandria and the round table held in the "Vinko Draganja" Hall of the Dominican Monastery were attended by a capacity audience.
Among the guests were Tomislav Šuta, Mayor of Split, representing the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament; Damir Gabrić, Head of the Administrative Department for Croatian Veterans, Civil Protection and Human Rights of Split-Dalmatia County, representing the County Prefect; Mate Šimundić, President of the County Assembly; as well as representatives of the Church, academic and cultural institutions, veterans' associations, public and political life, together with numerous members and friends of the Association.
At the opening of the round table, the participants were welcomed by Radoslav Zaradić, President of the Croatian Benedict Association. He recalled that, for the past fifteen years, the Association has brought together lay Catholics who, through their cultural, social, and public engagement, promote Christian and civic values, Croatian identity, and Europe's cultural heritage.
The discussion was moderated by Dr Stipe Kljaić. The other panellists were Mirko Bilandžić, Mladen Parlov, Davor Ivo Stier, Miro Kovač, and myself.
In my presentation, I spoke about the cultural and value foundations of Europe. I emphasised that European unity cannot be built solely on the economy and the common market, but above all on shared values, cultural heritage, and European identity. I also underlined the decisive role of education in shaping Europe's future.
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