RMG – SDB Provinces: The "St. John Bosco" Province of Croatia (CRO)

25 March 2025
RMG – SDB Provinces: The "St. John Bosco" Province of Croatia (CRO)

(ANS – Rome) – Even during Don Bosco’s lifetime, requests for Salesian missionaries reached him from Croatia, requesting their presence in Croatian territories. One of the most prominent requests came from the bishops and clergy of Split and Krk in the 1880s and early 1900s. Additionally, there was an attempt to establish the first Salesian community in Pula during the rectorate of Fr. Michele Rua, Don Bosco’s first successor.

After these early but unrealized efforts, the Salesians finally arrived in Croatia in the 20th century with the establishment of three foundations: in Rovinj in 1913, in Rijeka in 1918, and in Zagreb in 1922.

For several decades, Croatian Salesians shared a single province with Slovenian Salesians. However, in 1970, the Salesian Vice-Province of Croatia-Zagreb was founded, becoming an autonomous province in 1972.

Current Status of the Croatian Province

Today, the Croatian Salesian Province has 101 members:

22 clerics 5 coadiutor brothers 4 deacons 60 priests 10 novices

There are 10 canonically established houses in the province, located in two countries:

9 in Croatia 1 in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Some Salesians from this province serve in Croatian Catholic Missions in Germany, under the jurisdiction of the German Province. Others are studying in Italy (Turin-Crocetta, Rome-Via Bufalotta, Rome-San Tarcisio), or are part of the communities in Rome-Catacombs and Rome-UPS. Additionally, some young Salesians are studying theology in London and Jerusalem.

Currently, seven Salesians from this province have chosen missionary service "ad gentes":

Two priests (serving in Rwanda and the Dominican Republic) Five clerics (assigned to Brazil, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and Venezuela)

The novices of the Croatian Province prepare for their first profession at Colle Don Bosco, with the ceremony scheduled for September.

Salesian Houses in Croatia

The Salesian mission in Croatia is still influenced by 45 years of communist rule (1945–1990). Today, the Sons of Don Bosco primarily serve in nine parishes and operate four schools:

Two high schools One elementary school One technical school

Most of the parishes have oratories, some of which attract a large number of children and young people. In addition, three Salesians serve as university chaplains in different dioceses, officially recognized by both the Church and civil authorities.

The work with young people is a collaborative effort between Salesians and laypeople, particularly youth animators, for whom various training courses are organized at different levels.

Several youth activities take place both at the local and national level. One noteworthy initiative is the evening Rosary prayer, held outdoors in oratory courtyards every night at 9:30 PM, attracting groups of young people—sometimes in large numbers.

During the year, and especially in the summer, recreational-spiritual camps are organized, where young people can engage in activities such as nature games, swimming, and excursions. At the same time, a strong focus is placed on the spiritual aspect, with daily participation in the Eucharist and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Salesian Publishing and Digital Presence

The province runs a publishing house, "Salesiana", known for its educational and pedagogical materials aimed at young people and adults. One of its key outreach programs is the "Salesian Evenings", which specifically target parents with educational initiatives.

Additionally, various activities—primarily in the digital space—have grown around a smartphone application called "Nova Eva", which offers free content, including:

Daily live-streamed Mass Prayers and the Breviary Sunday homilies Thoughts and quotes (from Don Bosco, saints, etc.) Current events Liturgical music and song lyrics Spirituality and vocations Answers to faith-related questions Multimedia content (audio and video)

The Salesian Family in Croatia

Besides the Salesians, other groups within the Salesian Family are active in the province, including:

Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) Salesian Cooperators Past Pupils of Don Bosco The Salesian presence in Croatia remains strong, continuing Don Bosco’s legacy through education, evangelization, and pastoral care for young people and families.

To learn more about the province of CRO, a video is available on ANSChannel.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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