Croatian priests and nuns from Canada and the U.S. gather in Hamilton for annual pastoral meeting

Croatian priests and nuns from Canada and the United States gathered in Hamilton for their annual pastoral meeting, focusing on preserving the faith, unity and Croatian identity of communities abroad.

They discussed the challenges facing Croatian Catholics in the diaspora, exchanged pastoral experiences and agreed on joint projects, including the next Mladifest youth festival, scheduled for June in Mississauga.

The meeting began on October 12, 2026, with the Croatian Catholic Parish of the Holy Cross in Hamilton, led by Rev. Marko Štefanec, serving as host.

Participants were welcomed by Rev. Tomislav Markić, national director of the pastoral care for Croats abroad; Rev. Marko Štefanec, delegate for the Croatian Catholic community in Canada; and Fr. Nikola Pašalić, delegate for the United States and custos of the Croatian Franciscan Custody based in Chicago.

Preserving the Faith and Addressing Challenges Facing Croatian Communities Abroad

On the second day, Rev. Dr. Mladen Horvat, a professor of Holy Scripture and pastor in Toronto, delivered a lecture on Jesus’ call to the four apostles in the Synoptic Gospels.

Rev. Tomislav Markić spoke about the current situation and challenges facing Croatian Catholics abroad. He also discussed Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), which focuses on preserving human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

Next Mladifest to Be Held in Mississauga

On the third day, priests and nuns shared experiences from their pastoral work and agreed on details for future joint projects.

One key decision was to hold the next Mladifest youth festival for Croatian Catholics from Canada and the United States in Mississauga in June. The event will continue to bring together young Croatian believers from across North America.

On Wednesday, participants also took a joint trip to Niagara Falls and the surrounding area.

Bringing Croatian Catholic Communities Together Across North America

Eucharistic celebrations were held daily during the meeting. Tuesday evening Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton Wayne Lobsinger.

A total of 19 priests took part, representing communities in Hamilton, Oakville, Mississauga, Norval, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, San Jose, San Pedro, Phoenix, Chicago, Cleveland and New York.

They were joined by three nuns from Oakville and Chicago and recently ordained permanent deacon Ivan Želježnjak from Hamilton.

The annual meeting once again brought together Croatian clergy serving communities across Canada and the United States, strengthening ties among Croatian Catholics and helping preserve their faith and sense of community far from their homeland.