The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Bern marked the golden priesthood jubilee and 41 years of missionary work of Fr. Šimun Šito Ćorić
At the invitation of the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Switzerland, Dr. Andrea Bekić, representatives of the Croatian Heritage Foundation participated in the formal reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Bern, held in honor of Fr. Šimun Šito Ćorić.
At the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Bern, Switzerland, on November 9, 2025, Ambassador Dr. Andrea Bekić held a reception in honor of Fr. Šimun Šito Ćorić on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of priesthood and 41 years of missionary work in Switzerland.
The ceremony in Bern was attended by representatives of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, Snježana Radoš and Filip Marinović, the President of the Croatian World Congress for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Vinko Sabljo, the coordinator of Croatian Catholic missions in Switzerland, Fr. Antonio Šakota, and numerous guests from the Croatian community – long-time associates and friends of Fr. Šito. Another dimension was added to the ceremony by the Croatian musical artist, the soprano Nikolina Pinko.
“The missionary, academic and artistic engagement of Fr. Šito Ćorić can hardly be put into words. Over four decades of service in Switzerland, he provided pastoral care to generations of Croats, building bridges of understanding and community, and always staying true to his calling – to be close to man,” emphasized Ambassador Bekić in her speech. She also recalled the important assistance of the Croatian community and the Croatian Catholic Mission in Bern during the purchase of the Embassy building in 1993-1994, which testifies to the strong unity between the Church and the diaspora.
Ambassador Bekić presented Fr. Šito with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Switzerland, conveying the greetings of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman, and a message from the State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, Mr. Zvonko Milas.
At the formal reception, Vinko Sabljo, President of the Croatian World Congress for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, addressed those in attendance with an emotional speech, recalling the long-standing involvement of Fr. Šita Ćorić in the establishment and work of the Congress and his lasting commitment to the Croatian diaspora.
On behalf of Zdeslav Milas, M.Sc., Director of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, Snježana Radoš addressed those gathered and extended warm greetings and congratulations to Fr. Šito, thanking him for his many years of cooperation and selfless support over more than thirty years – the last fifteen years also through his notable column in Matica magazine.
On the eve of the formal reception, representatives of the Croatian Heritage Foundation visited the Croatian House in Olten, where they were warmly welcomed by Fr. Šimun Šito Ćorić, and participated in mass celebrations in two Croatian Catholic missions – Trimbach (a suburb of Olten) and Solothurn. On this occasion, they presented the programs and projects of the Croatian Heritage Foundation to the gathered believers and members of the community.
A Life Filled with Faith, Knowledge and Creativity
Fr. Šimun Šito Ćorić, priest, poet, psychologist, professor and musician, has been a symbol of faith, humanity and Croatian unity for half a century. He was born in Paoča, Herzegovina, where he celebrated his Golden Mass on August 24, 2025, which gathered about two thousand believers who celebrated his priestly jubilee with joy and gratitude.
Work with Croatian emigrants began as early as the 1970s in the United States, in Croatian parishes in Chicago and New York; during a period when political freedom was nonexistent, he strongly believed in the realization of a democratic and free Croatia. For over four decades, he has been serving the Croatian diaspora in Switzerland with dedication. He was the coordinator of all Croatian Catholic missions, as well as the head of the missions in Bern and Solothurn, and an indispensable spiritual and cultural link between many Croatian families far from the homeland.
During his stay in America, he published a book of texts by Croatian political dissidents – from Vlado Gotovac and Marko Veselica to Franjo Tuđman – and an anthology of 20th-century Croatian emigrant writers. In addition to lyric poetry, he has written numerous prose works and is the winner of the prestigious Dubravko Horvatić Award.
Fr. Šito’s academic path is equally extensive: he earned his doctorate from the University of Zagreb and obtained two master’s degrees in the US. He is the author of scientific and professional papers, textbooks, journalistic and literary works, further enriching the Croatian intellectual and cultural scene.
Fr. Šito dedicated his life not only to pastoral care, but also to the preservation of Croatian identity, language and culture. His words, music and deeds touched thousands of people and connected generations of emigrants with their homeland, bearing witness to his tireless dedication to God, the people and the talents He bestowed upon him.
Text and photo: CHF
