BLESSED IVAN MERZ | KAIROS GLOBAL | FEBRUARY 2019

Author: Sharrol Jose

Ivan Merz was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia, on 16 December 1896. After his schooling in Banja Luka, he attended the military academy of Wiener Noustadt for a brief period and then moved on to the University of Vienna. During the First World War, Ivan was enlisted in the army and shipped to the Italian battle front where he experienced all the horrors of war. It marked a turning point in Ivan's young life and contributed greatly to his spiritual growth, prompting him to abandon his future into God's hands and strive with all his might towards the goal of Christian perfection. At this time, Ivan also made a private vow of perpetual chastity.

After the war Ivan continued his studies at Vienna and then in Paris. He received his PhD from the University of Zagreb. He then became a professor of language and French literature and was exemplary in his dedication to his students and his responsibilities as a teacher. In his spare time he studied philosophy and theology and deepened his knowledge of the documents of the Magisterium of the Church.

Ivan had a special interest in young people and concern for their growth in faith and holiness. He started the "League of Young Croatian Catholics" and the "Croatian League of Eagles" within the Croatian Catholic Action Movement. Their motto was: "Sacrifice - Eucharist - Apostolate". For him, the purpose of this organization was to form a group of front-line apostles whose goal was holiness. Ivan was able to guide young people and adults to Christ and Church through his writings and organized gatherings. Ivan had great love and dedication to the Church, Rome and Pope. He tried to impart this same love and dedication with everyone he knew. Although he was a young layman, he was considered a "pillar of the Church in Croatia”.

Ivan’s eyesight was bad since his childhood; later on he developed teeth problems and several other health problems. In the last year of his life he was seriously ill. He had an acute inflammation of the mandibular cavity and had to undergo surgery. Before the surgery, Ivan visited his spiritual leader, Fr. Vrbanek, a Jesuit, fully conscious that he was to die. Ivan felt that God requested from him the sacrifice of his life for the benefit of the young people he had been working with. Ivan said goodbye to his confessor with the following words: “Yes, I have been convinced of this for a long time: one must sacrifice! I am ready!!

On 26th April Ivan underwent surgery, but it was not successful. Ivan developed meningitis and his health deteriorated.  On 6th May his confessor, Fr. Vrbanek administered the Last Sacrament to him. On 9th May, Ivan received a telegram from the Holy Father who sent his blessing to Ivan. Thus Ivan, who during his lifetime had loved and respected Christ’s Deputy, received this rare consolation in his last moments. He was still conscious when they told him the news.

Ivan died in Zagreb, on the 10th of May 1928, at the age of 32. Shortly before his death, he offered his life for the youth of Croatia. He believed that his vocation was very simply "the Catholic faith".

Quick Facts

1896 - Born in Banja Luka, Bosnia

1923 – Received his PhD from University of Zagreb

1928 – Died in Zagreb, Croatia

2003 – Beatified by Pope John Paul II