Report on the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, the Patron Saint of Physicians and Members of the Croatian Catholic Medical Association
Croatian Medical Association, October 18th, 2025
Archbishop of Zagreb Msgr. Dražen Kutleša presided over a Mass on Friday, October 17, in the Basilica of St. Anthony in Zagreb, on the eve of the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of physicians and members of the Croatian Catholic Medical Association (CCMA).
Concelebrating with him were the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Croatia, Archbishop Giorgio Lingua; Secretary General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Rev. Krunoslav Novak; Spiritual Assistant of the CCMA, Rev. Ivan Bodrožić; Rrector of the Basilica, Fr. Ivan Marija Lotar; and other spiritual assistants, hospital chaplains, and other gathered priests.
At the beginning of the celebration, Fr. Ivan welcomed Archbishop Kutleša, the concelebrating priests, and members of the CCMA, which has been active for 35 years. He reminded those present that the Mass marked the conclusion of the Conference “Pastoral Care in Healthcare,” organized by the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, the CCMA, and the Catholic University of Croatia.
In his homily, Archbishop Kutleša emphasized the need to “follow the example of St. Luke, who in his mission united two realities: medical skill and faith, reason and heart, the healing of the body and the proclamation of the Gospel. You, healthcare workers, know how fragile the human body is—but even more, how sensitive the human soul can be. You know that a patient does not seek only medicine, but also a contact, understanding, and presence; that often the hands that heal and the words that comfort are equally powerful. (…) Both doctors, nurses, and chaplains—though with different emphases—share the same mission: to fight against illness, but also to strive for the salvation of the soul. Whether you wear a white coat or a priestly stole, in all things you are called to be a sign of God’s tenderness toward humanity. That is why today the Lord calls you to rediscover the greatness and holiness of your vocation. You are not only healers of the body but witnesses of life. As Catholic doctors, you are called not only to be medical experts but also servants of mercy. Each of your days is filled with encounters with those who carry the cross of sickness, anxiety, or fear. Precisely for this reason, your vocation is among the most exalted places where God touches humanity,” the Archbishop said.
Before the final blessing, the president of the CCMA and FEAMC, Prof. Rok Čivljak, expressed gratitude on behalf of the members of the CCMA to Archbishop Kutleša, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Lingua, and all those present. Along with words of thanks for the unity in the Eucharist—through which the attending archbishops and priests expressed their closeness and spiritual care for healthcare workers, for which Prof. Čivljak sincerely thanked them—he promised that the members of the CCMA would remain faithful to Christ, just as St. Luke remained faithful to Paul in today’s Gospel (2 Tim 4:11); that they would continue to “go in pairs” (as physician and nurse), approaching and helping all those in need, for “the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few” (Lk 10:1–2); and that they would follow the example of the Good Samaritan from the parable described by their heavenly patron, St. Luke (Lk 10:29–37), offering their patients not only medical care but also compassion and spiritual support.
The Eucharistic celebration was accompanied by the “Choir of Zagreb Doctors”. After the Mass, members of the CCMA with guests joined a pleasant reception during which they celebrated the birthdays and name days of several members of the CCMA.
Rok Čivljak
