Šprajc After Mass at Trsat

After Rijeka's Archbishop Mate Uzinić spoke about topics such as patriotism, environmental protection, and civic responsibility during the Mass at the Trsat shrine for the Assumption of Mary, Zoran Šprajc, who is both host and editor, addressed the public via Facebook. Šprajc particularly linked Uzinić's words to the politicians and other notable figures who followed the solemn Mass from the front row of the church.

Archbishop's Message on Homeland and Environment

In his homily, Uzinić reflected on the consequences of the fires that hit the Omiš area and warned how vulnerable the shared space we live in truly is. He emphasized that preserving it requires responsibility from everyone, as well as a change in everyday behavior.

"Love for one's homeland is not shown with flags and words; it is proven by how we protect our land, water, and sea of our homeland, how we handle waste, how we respect laws and think of the children who will tomorrow live with the consequences of our decisions today, how we behave when our common home is threatened," said the Archbishop of Rijeka.

Šprajc's Reaction: Criticism of the Front Row

Šprajc responded to Uzinić's words, directly linking the Archbishop's message to those who sat in the front row at the Mass at Trsat.

"One can only hope that the words of Archbishop Mate Uzinić from the Mass at Trsat reach as many ears as possible. If nothing else, at least those in the front row of the church, because hollow folk patriotism always starts from the front row," wrote Šprajc.

In the front row, among others, were Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Mayor of Rijeka Iva Rinčić, Minister of Labor, Pension System, Family and Social Policy Alen Ružić, and Deputy Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Robert Matić.

Šprajc's comment, published on August 16, 2026, on the very day of the Assumption, gained additional weight precisely because of their presence in the front row.