On September 30, 2025, the friars of the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia once again gathered on the feast day of their heavenly patron St. Jerome, to conduct a Province Day. Each year they celebrate this event at one of the friaries of the Province. This year, they chose the Friary of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Molve, Croatia.
The Province Day program began with the friars gathering in the friary’s pastoral activity rooms, followed by a special meeting at the neighboring Dr. Ivan Ivančan Cultural Center. The Guardian of the friary in Molve, Friar Zdravko TUBA, greeted and welcomed the visiting friars. After him, the Minister Provincial, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, addressed everyone present.
This year’s specially prepared program for Province Day focused on the life and work of Friar Celestin TOMIĆ (1917-2006), who lived and died in the fame of sanctity. Friar Zlatko VLAHEK, the Vice Postulator of his cause, gave a brief introduction and discussed the current progress of the cause. He highlighted some new developments, including an updated edition of the book “My Diary” by Friar Celestin TOMIĆ. The book was recently published and presented to the friars by Friar Ljudevit MARAČIĆ.
Next, the Minister Provincial, Friar Miljenko, gave a speech in which he reviewed the most significant events of the past year and pointed out the new challenges awaiting the Province. In addition, the he presented the schedule of Provincial events for 2025/2026. He also congratulated, as usual, all the friars who will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries of temporary vows, solemn vows, and priestly ordination in 2025. He gave each of them a symbolic gift. Finally, the friars prayed for the deceased confreres of the Province.
The Minister Provincial then presided over Mass, which was concelebrated by the friars of the Province. In his homily, he reflected on the life and spiritual heritage of St. Jerome, who today still calls us and urges us to a more radical journey of following Christ.
After the Mass, the friars visited “Punina života” (Fullness of Life), a social facility for the elderly. They also visited “Oaza Bezgrešna” (Oasis of the Immaculate), a prayer and pastoral center still under construction. Finally, they visited the votive chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary which contains a miraculous statue. While there, they prayed for the intentions of the Province through prayer and song.
The day ended with a fraternal lunch in a joyful and convivial setting, which helped the friars to share their experiences and strengthen their bonds.
Friar Zlatko VLAHEK, Provincial Secretary
