On November 14, we celebrated JRS Day, reflecting on the mission of our founder, Fr. Pedro Arrupe. This date, marking the establishment of JRS in 1980, also coincides with Fr. Arrupe’s birthday (November 14, 1907). It serves as a reminder of the core values he envisioned and established in the mission of our organization – love, openness, and care for people on the move. These guiding principles continue to inspire our work, which has been assisting refugees and vulnerable groups around the world for over four decades.

This year, International JRS community marked the 44th anniversary of serving those forced to leave their homes in search of safety and dignity. At the same time, we in JRS Croatia celebrated 31 years of our work, recalling its beginnings in 1993, when Fr. Stjepan Kušan founded the service amidst the Croatian War of Independence.

A grand celebration was held at SOL Integration Center, featuring a rich program in the spirit of community and cultural diversity. Ana Marčinko, our country director, welcomed the attendees and reflected on the significant moments that marked this year. Our team expressed gratitude to beneficiaries for entrusting us to become part of our family and to the volunteers who make the world a better place each day.

Our beneficiaries prepared dishes from seven different countries, symbolizing the richness of cultural traditions and cuisines that enrich the community. A special highlight was a quiz on cultures and traditions, which included interesting facts from over 12 countries where JRS beneficiaries originate.

The program also featured a formal awarding of diplomas to participants of Croatian language courses and certificates of appreciation to volunteers for their selfless contributions. The youngest participants were recognized for their efforts in creating Christmas cards, receiving certificates and small gifts.

The celebration concluded with a collective song, symbolizing the power of solidarity and love that can overcome all obstacles. This event reaffirmed the importance of creating an encouraging environment for refugees and continuing our mission of building a world rooted in solidarity and mutual understanding.