Catholic University of Croatia alumna Martina Jakelić becomes a nun in the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary

On Friday, October 16, the Feast of St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Sister Maria Martina Jakelić, a psychology graduate of the Catholic University of Croatia, made her temporary religious vows in the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary at the Corpus Domini Chapel in Zagreb.

The Eucharistic celebration, which included the profession of vows, was presided over by Rev. Odilon-Gbènoukpo Singbo, a lecturer at the University Department of Theology and the Faculty of Engineering of the Catholic University of Croatia. During Sister Maria Martina's psychology studies, he had accompanied her on her spiritual journey as the University chaplain. Rev. Ivan Filipčić, Rector of the Corpus Domini Chapel, concelebrated the Mass.

“Today, we witness the first vows of our sister, friend and daughter Martina, and in them we recognise something that concerns us all: the longing to entrust our lives to someone and to return the love we have received through the gift of our own lives. Before us is an important step on a journey that will continue in everyday life. After today's celebration, there will be ordinary mornings, communal prayer, work, encounters, moments of fatigue and perhaps even misunderstanding. It is precisely there that these words will gradually take on their full meaning,” Rev. Singbo said in his homily.

“Through your studies in psychology, you explored questions concerning the human inner world, relationships, freedom and vulnerability. You carry that experience with you. It can become a valuable resource in listening patiently, understanding your own feelings and respecting the differences of others,” Rev. Singbo added.

Following the homily, Sister Maria Martina made her first religious vows before Sister M. Petra Klobučar. At the conclusion of the Mass, Rev. Filipčić thanked the faithful who had filled the Corpus Domini Chapel for their presence and prayerful support, and offered words of encouragement to Sister Maria Martina's family. Rev. Singbo also conveyed greetings and congratulations from the professors of the Catholic University of Croatia, particularly from its Rector, Rev. Professor Željko Tanjić, PhD.

The Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary are a religious order founded by St Francis de Sales and St Jane Frances de Chantal on June 6, 1610, in the town of Annecy near Geneva. The charism of the Order is complete dedication to God and one's neighbour, expressed through following Jesus Christ in prayer and work. The sisters live a cloistered religious life.

The Corpus Domini Chapel is located within the parish of St Mark of Križevci and is distinguished by the Eucharistic adoration that takes place there throughout the day. The Corpus Domini Church, together with the House of Divine Providence, was built in 1941. Since 1947, it has been home to the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary, who lead a contemplative life, maintain the church and organise regular Eucharistic adoration.

We joyfully regard the religious vows of our alumna, Sister Maria Martina Jakelić, as another spiritual fruit of the mission of the Catholic University of Croatia. The University has already seen one of its former students become a Franciscan priest, while two others are currently preparing for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Zagreb. We continue to keep them all in our prayers, asking for perseverance on their journey of following our Lord.