On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Pope St. John XXIII parish twelve deacons were solemnly ordained to the presbyterate in the Archdiocese of Zagreb. The sacrament of priesthood was given to the deacons by the new Archbishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Dražen Kutleša.

Among the twelve newly ordained priests, two are from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood: Rev. Mario Karlo Petrović, C.PP.S, and Rev. Ivan Raljušić, C.PP.S.

In an inspired homily, the Archbishop of Zagreb pointed out that: “God’s providence wanted this priestly ordination to take place in the month of Mary and right before the Feast of Pentecost.” She, whom the Holy Scriptures say stored all the events in her heart, together with the apostles she is waiting for God’s promise in the dawning of the first Pentecost,  the moment of the birth of the Church.

He invited the new ordained to connect with Mary and learn from her to store in their own memory what they went through with the Lord: “The memory of the first moments of delight of the trials that are behind you, of the eternal journey, and let that encourage you for the future.” It is necessary for them to connect with Mary, especially when it comes to the trials that often accompany the priestly vocation. Archbishop mentioned three types of trials that can appear in living the priestly vocation.

The first trial: either God or the world. Although in the world, the priest is not of the world, if he were of the world, the world would love him, but since he is not of the world, the fate of the Master awaits him. A priest should know what to say to the world and what to do according to what Christ says and asks. “Don’t run away from people. Be the one that people will look for, the one that people will listen to and in whom they will find a clear landmark towards Christ the Lord”, said the Archbishop.

The second trial is: either prayer or work. The golden rule for the renewal of spiritual life and church discipline when we fall into difficulties and crises is that of St. Benedict: “Pray and work.”

The third trial the Archbishop pointed out: either love without a cross or a cross without love. Following the example of Christ and imitating Christ who was both Priest and Sacrifice – there is no priesthood without sacrifice.

“The world will convince you that all these are unnecessary and too great sacrifices for a young man. Again, connect with Maria here. All the virtues needed by a priest are found in her Immaculate Heart. Her sacrifice did not end in victimization and turning herself into a sufferer in resentment of God, but in deep hope and joy that is the fruit of consistency and faithfulness to God.”

At the end of the solemn mass celebration, the twelve new ordained priests gave a blessing to all the people gathered.