On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Friar Sandi AŠČIĆ professed his solemn vows during the 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua in Zagreb, Croatia.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, presided over the Mass. He was assisted by Friar Ivan KARLIĆ, Guardian of the Friary of the Holy Spirit in Zagreb; Friar Stjepan BRČINA, Rector of Clerical Students; Friar Ivan M. LOTAR, Pastor of the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Zagreb; Friar Jure TOKALIĆ, Pastor of the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Dobretići-Pougarje (Bosnia and Herzegovina); and about ten other concelebrating friars.
In his homily, Friar Miljenko emphasized the relevance of St. Francis of Assisi’s witness, which still inspires many today to follow Jesus Christ. “Among those who have been moved by the example and life of St. Francis is our Brother Sandi AŠČIĆ, who this evening will profess his solemn, or perpetual, vows before us all. We can freely say that the Lord has called him to repair His house—the Church and society—by first allowing the Lord to renew and restore him,” he stated.
Emphasizing the greatness of St. Francis’ smallness and humility, an ever-relevant model of Gospel discipleship, the Minister Provincial also offered a brief reflection on the central gesture of the Rite of Profession, when the professed places his hands into those of the Minister Provincial: “With this gesture, the friar seems to say: ‘From now on, you, Lord, guide my life through my Superiors.’ In it, we can see the scene from Giotto’s fresco in Assisi, depicting the Profession of Obedience: St. Francis receives from the Lord a yoke, which is the Gospel. The yoke points in the right direction and opens a path. Dear Friar Sandi, may your total self-gift to God allow you to experience the Gospel as that light and sweet yoke of the Lord. Never settle for half-measures or mediocrity, but be generous in giving everything to Him, for only then will you make room for the power and grace of God, which will transform you—and through you, this world as well.”
After the homily, the Rite of Profession took place: Friar Sandi professed his solemn vows in the Order of the Friars Minor Conventual into the hands of his Minister Provincial, thus consecrating himself forever to the service of God and the Franciscan fraternity.
At the end of the celebration, the community gathered for some fellowship in the St. Francis Hall of the Friary of the Holy Spirit, where the friars offered Friar Sandi their congratulations and joyful best wishes.
Friar Zlatko VLAHEK, Provincial Secretary
