Photo: http://predsjednica.hr/

Bishop Jezerinac receives the Order of Duke Trpimir

The President of the Republic of Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović presented the first Croatian Military Ordinary, Mons. Juraj Jezerinac with the Order of Duke Trpimir with neck badge and morning star for the exceptional contribution to the independence, integrity and international reputation of the Republic  of Croatia and for the achievements in the relations between the Republic of Croatia and the religious communities.

The Order was presented to Mons. Jezerinac on 23 February 2016.
Reminding of the period prior to the establishment of the Military Bishopric, the President  honoured  the voluntary service by the Catholic chaplains in a number of Army and police units during the Homeland War, who shared the perils of combat with them.

 “It was critical to promote Christian spirituality among the defenders at the time and protect them from committing dishonest acts common in war circumstances. It was equally important to survive the aggression as to keep  their composure in discerning between good and evil.

Speaking of the spiritual care of the millitary servicemen, President  Grabar-Kitarović i emphasised that they made a particular social group operating in risky situations and environments  and required a  special form of spiritual care, provided by he Military Ordinariate timely and highly efficiently.

“I will demand, pursuant to my constitutional authority, that the post and the role of the Ordinariate in the relevant ministries be regulated in accordance with the legislation and the international agreements signed by the Republic of Croatia”.