Varaždin, (IKA) – On Wednesday, March 21, the newly appointed bishop of Varaždin, Josip Mrzljak, visited the episcopal see in Varaždin where he met in the Episcopal Ordinariate with part of the diocesan clergy and representatives of the media, toured the Varaždin cathedral, where he prayed at the grave of the first bishop of Varaždin, Marko Culej, celebrated Mass in the chapel of the episcopal residence and concluded his visit with a meal at the priests’ residence.
After the morning Mass in the chapel, the new bishop presented himself at a meeting with the clerical personnel of the Ordinariate, members of the Council of Advisors of the Diocese and deacons. The new bishop was greeted by the acting diocesan administrator, Msgr. Ivan Godina, who invited him to feel at home among his own people. Bishop Mrzljak pointed out that he wants to serve the community of the local Church, especially the sacramental community of priests. Then he spoke about details regarding the ceremony of his installation on Saturday, March 31, in the Varaždin cathedral, and special committees were established.

At the beginning of a press conference with representatives of the local and national media, Bishop Mrzljak’s biography and his new episcopal coat-of-arms were presented. A telegram conveying congratulations and expressions of welcome from the mayor of Varaždin, Ivan Čehok, was read aloud.
The bishop said that during his service in the Church, he was constantly guided by one of the mottos of the Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, “Seek nothing, refuse nothing.” He pointed out that in the Varaždin Diocese he in no way feels like a stranger but like someone among his own because he knows nearly all the priests and enjoyed a friendly relationship with Bishop Marko Culej of blessed memory. He said that he was particularly pleased that he was able to be the successor to such a good person and bishop. He appealed for good cooperation with the media, in order to report truthful news to the public, and said that the Church will try hard to make the news good.
He spoke of his episcopal motto, “To do good,” pointing out that he truly wants to do good toward every person in every sense, regardless of differences, in his episcopal service in the beautiful city of Varaždin.
In response to a question whether he would continue the diocesan projects that have been started, he responded that he will become acquainted with the plans and priorities and attempt to do everything that is for the good of the diocese. Responding to a question concerning the return of Church property, specifically buildings next to the cathedral in which the Faculty of Informatics is currently located, Bishop Mrzljak said that he will approach this question gradually in order to solve it for the benefit of all. He also pointed out that the Church is a part of this nation that it wants to serve and not some foreign body that has to be given something that it has not deserved. “The Church has been here for centuries and wants to educate and cultivate a person who will use his knowledge for the good,” said the bishop and pointed out his greatest priority will certainly be pastoral-liturgical episcopal service, which he will begin in the coming Easter season and through visits to parishes on the occasion of administering the sacrament of confirmation. He thanked Msgr. Godina for his service as the administrator of the diocese for the past seven months, expressing hopes for good cooperation.