Rađaj, Jelena

The book and poetry collection Rađaj, Jelena! (Give Birth, Jelena!) by Croatian poet and professor Ante Nadomir Tadić Šutra, published in 2004, stands as a prominent work of contemporary Croatian patriotic and spiritual poetry. Named after the figure of the renowned Croatian Queen Jelena the Glorious, the collection conveys a powerful message regarding the preservation of national identity, faith, family, and life, centering on a call for the demographic and spiritual renewal of the Croatian people. The collection is imbued with deep Christian inspiration and reverence for Croatia’s historical and cultural heritage. The poems are written in a rhythmic, emotive, and memorable style, rich in motifs drawn from the Dalmatian karst landscape, Croatian history, sacrifice, and hope for a better future. A special place in the author’s body of work is held by devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the linking of Queen Jelena’s historical role with the role of the mother and guardian of the home in modern society. This 2004 edition is not merely a poetry collection but also a source of spiritual support and a manifesto of love for the homeland. Thanks to their accessibility, patriotic fervor, and expressive lyricism, the poems from this collection are frequently recited at cultural and religious events, remaining a distinctive part of the author’s rich literary and public career.