February the 19th, 2023 - Father Vuk Buljan, the head of the Croatian Catholic Mission in Cologne, has received the 2023 Alojzije Stepinac Award for his selfless work in promoting patriotism and for his charity work.
The Alojzije Stepinac awards search for and identify outstanding Croats living in the diaspora, whose selfless dedication, contribution and/or philanthropy during their lifetime have significantly contributed to their own Croatian community, the advancement of the Republic of Croatia and the unity of Croats living both in the Homeland and abroad.
The award, a statue of Alojzije Stepinac and a plaque were presented to Father Buljan last Sunday by "Croatian Patriot” Association member Marinko Šušak who, along with two other members, came to Cologne from Zagreb for the occasion. Along with about five hundred believers, the consul of the Republic of Croatia in Düsseldorf, Dr. Ivan Bulić, attended the ceremony.
Father Vuk Buljan is a member of the Franciscan Province of the Holy Redeemer, based in Split. He was born in 1964 in Podbablje near Imotski. He was ordained a priest in 1991, and since 1993 he has been working as a missionary among Croats in Germany: 20 years in Munich and 10 years in Cologne. Since 1994, he has been president of the charity "Hands of Kindness", which aims to help sick children of fallen Croatian veterans and disabled people affected by the Homeland War in a special way. In addition, Fr. Vuk was recognized as a tireless and ardent promoter of love for God, love for humanity and patriotism.
During his speech of thanks, Father Vuk Buljan emphasised the fact that he received this award because of all of the noble believers and good people who enabled him to do good for others.
