The Catholic University in Ružomberok opens the academic year with the Veni Sancte Mass, traditionally celebrated by Mons. Bernard Bober, Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University (CU) and Metropolitan Archbishop of the Košice Archdiocese. It was no different during the opening of the academic year 2024/2025. In his words, the Grand Chancellor addressed the students, many of whom were present, opening a new chapter in their lives - university studies.

After the Holy Mass, the attendees moved to the John Paul II Auditorium on the university campus. There followed an address by CU's rector and a lecture by Czech priest, scholar and writer Marek "Orko" Vácha.

The rector of the Catholic University in Ružomberok spoke to the audience about the challenges we will face in the months and years to come. He was not only referring to the challenges for the university, but also to the challenges for individuals inside and outside academia. As the university marks its 25th anniversary during the current academic year, the rector's words were also directed towards plans for the coming years. "With gradual steps, we are preparing the ground for expanding our educational offer. We want to focus on medicine and especially on military medicine," the rector said.

The invited speaker, the popular priest Marek "Orko" Vácha, gave a lecture on "Love creates beauty". He reminded the members of the academic community how important it is to be in the right place at the right time and how important it is to bring love into every step we take, because "without it, everything else would be meaningless," he concluded.

After the opening ceremony of the 2024/2025 academic year, winter semester classes began. Teaching will continue till December 15. Afterwards, the examination period will begin in all faculties.