Review article
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.47960/3029-3103.2026.12.31
Cultural, Sports and Religious Events in Bosnia and Herzegovina Marking the Thousandth Anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom
Ivica Glibušić
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
Even though the celebrations marking the thousandth anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom were largely used for political purposes, they held great national and cultural significance and contributed to strengthening national awareness and building Croatian national identity. The Catholic Church played an important role in this, as it not only emphasized national affiliation but also highlighted the centuries-long connection with the Holy See. Since the Holy Jubilee Year was also celebrated in 1925, two major pilgrimages to Rome were organized, where the presiding Pope Pius XI addressed the faithful, thanking them for their loyalty to the Catholic Church and congratulating them on that historic jubilee.
Considering those two jubilees of 1925, this paper will seek to shed light on the events that became a lasting commemoration of the thousandth anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by Napredak and the Catholic Church. Following the instructions of the Bishops’ Conference, that historic jubilee was celebrated with solemn masses, the placement of commemorative plaques, the writing of articles on Croatian history, and, in some parishes, the construction of church buildings (churches and bell towers) bearing inscriptions commemorating the Croatian King Tomislav. In addition to the celebrations of the jubilee, attention will also be given to the pilgrimages of the faithful from the Herzegovinian dioceses to Rome in the same year, which were imbued with national and religious fervor and a deep devotion to the Holy See.
Keywords
Croatian Kingdom; King Tomislav; the Catholic Church; celebrations; pilgrimage; national awareness.
Hrčak ID:
351271
URI
Publication date:
1.7.2026.
Visits: 0 *