Feast of Blessed King Charles IV and the anniversary of the Croatian Trialist Proclamation of 1918

On October 21, 2021, the Croatian Royal Council (CRC) in Zagreb marked the feast of Blessed Croatian King Charles IV, and the anniversary of the adoption of the Croatian (Trialist) Proclamation of 1918, while paying tribute to fallen Croats in the Great War of 1914-1918.

About 40 members of the Council took part in this event, gathering to attend the celebration of the feast and the commemoration of the anniversary. The CRC started by assembling in front of the Croatian National Theatre, a starting point for a commemorative march that went along Deželić Street towards the Church of St. Blaise, where they were joined by other dignitaries and attendees.

The relic of Blessed King Charles IV, with a fitting arrangement, was on display at the Church of St. Blaise. Alongside the relic, on display was a picture of our king. The Holy Mass was celebrated by reverend Anđelko Katanec in front of some 70 faithful. During the homily, reverend Katanec emphasised the importance of King Charles IV as blessed; his dedication to family life, and his role as a father. Following the conclusion of The Holy Mass, Mr Marko Ivković sang two anthems in a solo performance: The Croatian National Anthem (Our Beautiful Homeland) and The Croatian Royal Anthem (Kraljevka). After the end of that performance, attendees and devotees headed towards Rudolf's barracks, on Austrian Street, where the commemorative program continued.

The commemoration was conducted in front of the main building of Rudolf's barracks (named after Crown Prince Rudolf, son of King Franz Joseph), and was attended by over 20 members of the Croatian Royal Council and other dignitaries. Master of ceremonies was Mr. Borna Kuri, the CRC Secretary. The program consisted of three speakers: Ante Brešić pl. Mikulić, Ante pl. Franić and Dominik Jakov pl. Bulat Vručinić. These nobles, scholars and leaders of the CRC, thematically referred to the historical circumstances of the Great War of 1914-1918 and the role of Croats in it. Further, they also shed light on life and rule of King Charles IV, as well as his religious role and significance as a Blessed of the Church. Following the speech, the guests and dignitaries laid wreaths in front of the monument to fallen Croats in the Great War of 1914-1918. A guard of honour, consisting of two standard bearers wearing a Royal Domobran uniform stood at attention. Standards displayed were a flag of Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia and a flag of all Croatian Lands, also known as Karls’ flag. Lastly, following laying of the wreath, the guests bowed in front of the monument in honour of all Croats and Croatian soldiers who died in The First World War.

(Translated from Croatian by: Kristijan pl. Janković)