Catholic parishes hold blessings for students starting new school year

Religious communities in Croatia held special services to mark the beginning of the new school year. In Dubrovnik, high school students gathered at the Franciscan Church of St. Francis for a celebratory mass led by Friar Antonio Gospić and Don Petar Markić.

During the service, Gospić spoke to the youth about the opportunities a new beginning provides, encouraging them to use the school year to improve themselves and their relationships. He emphasized that while disagreements are part of life, indifference is a greater danger to human connection.

In the Grabovica parish, a similar blessing was held for children and youth. Led by parish priest Don Damir Pažin, the ceremony included the sacrament of reconciliation and a special blessing for students and their school bags. Pažin encouraged parents to serve as primary educators by setting a positive example for their children.