On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Friar Mateo VUJČIĆ of the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia, made his solemn profession. The event took place at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Pula, Croatia.
The Minister Provincial of Croatia, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, presided over the Mass, together with the Provincial Vicar, Friar Martin JAKOVIĆ; the local Guardian and Pastor, Friar Đuro HONTIĆ; the Provincial Definitors, Friars Josip PETONJIĆ, Vladimir VIDOVIĆ and Zlatko VLAHEK; the formators Friars Stjepan BRČINA and Zvonimir PERVAN, many other friars, and the friends and family of Friar Mateo.
In his homily, Friar Miljenko, commented on the Gospel of the day; the parable of the two sons called to work in the vineyard. He invited all present to see themselves in the third son, the Son of God. This was exactly the example that Friar Mateo followed during his formation and up to his solemn profession. It was Christ’s example that gave Friar Mateo the strength to respond, “Here I am!”
Friar Mateo’s determination was also evident in the motto that he chose for this day, taken from Micah 6:8: “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Friar Miljenko explained the quote further, stressing that the most important thing in life is to know and live the will of God. “May these solemn vows of our Brother Mateo be an invitation for us to turn to the Lord every day and respond to His loving call,” he urged.
During the Rite of Profession, Friar Mateo placed his hands in the hands of the Minister Provincial and promised, for the rest of his life, to live the vows of obedience, poverty and chastity within our Order, putting himself at the service of God and His people.
After the Mass, the festivities continued in the fraternal and familial atmosphere of the refectory and cloister of the friary.
Friar Zlatko VLAHEK, Provincial Secretary
