The Eucharist in the life of Blessed Ivan Merz

U ovom ćemo radu promišljati o životu i djelu blaženog Ivana Merza te ćemo posebno istaknuti utjecaj svete euharistije na njegov duhovni život i djelovanje. U prvom dijelu rada prikazat ćemo blaženikovo odrastanje i školovanje. U drugom dijelu rada prikazati ćemo njegovu aktivnost u katoličkoj organizaciji pod imenom „Hrvatski orlovski savez“ te utjecaj književnosti i liturgije na njegov život i stvaralaštvo. U trećem dijelu rada prikazat ćemo utjecaj i snagu svete euharistije u Merzovom mladenačkom životu te posebno ljepotu Merzovih misli koje su nadahnute svetom euharistijom, a ostale su sačuvane u njegovoj pisanoj baštini. Blaženi Ivan Merz primjer je vjernika laika koji zajedno ujedinjuje svoju katoličku vjeru i ljubav prema domovini. Poseban je primjer mladima kojima je potreban lik bl. Ivana Merza kao istinskog životnog uzora koji se bori duhom i tijelom protiv zla ovoga svijeta te slavi Boga cijelim svojim bićem.In this paper, we will reflect on the life and work of Blessed Ivan Merz and we will especially emphasize the influence of the Holy Eucharist on his spiritual life and work. In the first part of the paper, we will show the childhood and schooling of Ivan Merz. In the second part of the paper, we will present his activity in a Catholic organization called the "Croatian Eagle Alliance" and the impact of literature and liturgy on his life and work. In the third part of the paper, we will show the influence and power of the Holy Eucharist in Merz's youthful life and especially the beauty of Merz's thoughts inspired by the Holy Eucharist, which are preserved in his written heritage. Blessed Ivan Merz is an example of a faithful layman who unites his Catholic faith and love for his country. He is a special example for young people who need the image of the Blessed Ivan Merz as a true role model who fights with spirit and body against the evil of this world and glorifies God with all his being