Abstract

In the year 1933, for the beginning of the Holy Year (April 2, 1933), the Central Catholic People's Union (Središnji katolički narodni savez), through Rev. Lovre Katić, asked Rev. Frane Bulić to compose a votive inscription that was to be carved into a stone block of the Zagreb Cathedral. Although the inscription has never been placed, Rev. Frane Bulić compiled and submitted an inscription in which, through the actions of Roman bishops throughout history, he provided an overview of the close bond between the Croatian people, the Croatian Church and the Holy See. The text nevertheless saw the light of the day in an appropriate form after some time, namely it served as a template for creating a unique publication signed by the very Rev. Frane Bulić and Rev. Lovre Katić, that was presented to the then Pope as a votive gift and a memorial to the institutional re-establishment of the relations between the Croatian Church and the Roman Bishop. The research based on this inscription/charter looks at the long-term scientific research work of the two priests, scientific champions of the Split-Makarska (Arch)Diocese, aimed at discovering and defining historical relationships, as well as insisting upon their preservation and deepening in the cultural and social, as well as in the ecclesiastical and the pastoral, senses. The immeasurable contribution of the two priests and scientists set the frameworks for future research as well as relations.

Keywords: Holy Year; Catholic Union; Rev. Frane Bulić; Rev. Lovre Katić; Bishop of Rome; international relations