On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Most Reverend Dražen KUTLEŠA, Archbishop of Zagreb, Croatia, ordained nine candidates to the diaconate, including Friar Sandi AŠČIĆ, a member of the Conventual Franciscan Province of St. Jerome in Croatia. The ordinations took place at the cathedral in Zagreb, Croatia.
Also present at the Ordination Mass was His Eminence Cardinal Josip BOZANIĆ, Archbishop Emeritus of Zagreb. Other attendees included auxiliary bishops, Ministers Provincial, and numerous priests, religious, and faithful. Friar Sandi is a native of the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jajce, Croatia. His diaconal ordination marks an important step in his religious journey and preparation for the priesthood.
Archbishop KUTLEŠA delivered a homily inspired by the Gospel account of the calling of the first disciples. He reminded the new deacons that Christ does not seek perfect people but hearts willing to accept Him and follow His guidance. The Archbishop particularly emphasized the importance of prayer, stressing that service to the Church should not become merely a succession of commitments and activities but should remain rooted in a living relationship with the Lord.
Citing Peter’s words, “At your command I will lower the nets” (Lk 5:5), the Archbishop encouraged the candidates to persevere, even when the fruits of their service are not immediately visible. He also invited them to always remain disciples, open to conversion, listening, and learning, while exercising their ministry in communion with priests and bishops.
After the homily, the candidates made the commitments required by the rite and promised to respect and obey the Archbishop. They then prostrated themselves as the Litany of the Saints was chanted. The central moment of the ordination was the laying on of hands, followed by the consecratory prayer. The new deacons then donned the stole and dalmatic and received the Book of the Gospels, a sign of their ministry of proclaiming the Word of God.
In addition to Friar Sandi AŠČIĆ, those ordained included Friar Petar PENIĆ, OFM, of the Friars Minor Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Croatia; Friar Patrik MEŽNARIĆ, TOR, of the Province of the Third Order Regular in Croatia; and Friar Augustin TOMIĆ, OCD, of the Carmelite Province of St. Joseph in Croatia. Five additional candidates were ordained for the Archdiocese of Zagreb.
Friar Sandi’s ordination is a source of joy for our Province. We accompany him with our prayers, asking that, strengthened by the Word of Christ and following the example of St. Francis, he may carry out his diaconal ministry with faithfulness, humility, and dedication in service to God, the Church, and his brothers.
Friar Zlatko VLAHEK
Provincial Secretary
