Four Sisters Welcome a Baby Brother as Cardinal Bozanić Baptises Benjamin in Zabok

Four sisters have welcomed a baby brother, marking a special occasion for the Jozić family from Zabok, Croatia. Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Archbishop Emeritus of Zagreb, baptised Benjamin, the fifth child of Vjekoslav and Marija Jozić, during a celebration at the Church of St Helen of the Cross on October 25.

The ceremony was a joyful occasion for the family and the wider parish community, where the Jozić family has long been actively involved. Benjamin was welcomed by his four older sisters, Judita, Janja, Mirjam and Rebeka.

The Mass was concelebrated by parish priest Father Branko Risek and Monsignor Antun Sente, rector of the National Shrine and Basilica of St Joseph in Karlovac and Marija’s uncle.

Love grows with every child

In his homily, Cardinal Bozanić reflected on two great gifts from God: life and faith. He emphasised the value of every human life and the role parents play in nurturing their children and passing on their faith.

Addressing the Jozić family directly, he said that the arrival of each new child does not divide a family's love but makes it grow.

The cardinal described the Christian family as a “domestic Church”, where life is welcomed and nurtured, and faith is taught and passed on to future generations. He noted that raising five children brings great joy, but also demands patience, sacrifice and daily acts of love.

He encouraged Benjamin’s sisters to help care for their younger brother and grow alongside him in love and faith. He also highlighted the importance of family prayer, parental example and the role godparents play in supporting a child's spiritual development beyond the day of baptism.

Reflecting on Benjamin’s name, Bozanić noted its biblical meaning, “son of the right hand”, associated with strength, protection and closeness.

A special gift from Pope Leo XIV

One of the most touching moments came at the end of the celebration, when the cardinal presented the family with special gifts.

Benjamin’s father, Vjekoslav, thanked Bozanić for celebrating the baptism. The cardinal gave him a Bible, while Benjamin’s mother, Marija, received a rosary that Bozanić had received from Pope Leo XIV.

He asked her to cherish the rosary and keep it until Benjamin’s First Holy Communion.

Parish priest Father Branko Risek thanked the cardinal for visiting Zabok, saying that the baptism of the family’s fifth child was a source of joy for the entire parish.

A family rooted in faith and parish life

The Jozić and Sente families have longstanding ties to the local Church community. Marija Jozić, née Sente, comes from a family deeply involved in parish activities, a tradition she and her husband continue with their children.

The family regularly attends Mass and participates in parish events. Their four daughters also contribute to liturgical celebrations through singing.

The wider family includes several people dedicated to religious life, among them Monsignor Antun Sente, Father Boris Jozić and three nuns: Sister Tihomira, Sister Slavka and Sister Dominika.

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Bozanić gave thanks for Benjamin, his parents, sisters, godparents and extended family, as well as for all families who welcome the gift of life and nurture their faith.

He expressed the hope that Benjamin would grow up surrounded by love and supported by both his family and parish community throughout his life and spiritual journey.