Pozega, October 3, 2001 (IKA) — On the occasion of the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the founding of the Pozega Diocese and the ordination of Bishop Antun Škorcevic, Zdravko Ticl, the first permanent deacon in the Catholic Church in Croatia, was ordained in the Pozega cathedral by Bishop Škorcevic. Zdravko Ticl is a catechist, husband and father of four children from the parish of Strazeman.
The ordination of the first permanent deacon of Pozega began with a ceremonial procession from the Church of St. Lawrence. In the introductory portion of the Mass, Bishop Škvorcevic expressed his gratitude for the past four years of the diocese and for all the good that God has bestowed on this local Church during that time. “We want in our diocese to recognize all those who are engaged in work and activities for the proclamation of the Word of God. Through the ordination of a permanent deacon, we are establishing a new structure that Jesus wants for his Church,” said the bishop. Up to now, the office of deacon was merely a step toward the priesthood. According to the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council, the permanent deaconate that existed in early Christianity is being reintroduced into the Church so that the mission of the Church will be carried out through three offices: bishop, priest and deacon. These three offices, added the bishop, are a guarantee that the apostolic mission that Jesus entrusted his Church will not lose vigor.