From June 13 to 23, 2026, the Provincial Minister, Brother Jean-Baptiste TABARO, accompanied by Brother Pascal LUSHULI, Definitor for the Europe Zone, paid a visit to Croatia.

During this visit, they met with several former Croatian missionaries who played a decisive role in the establishment and development of Franciscanism in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Their itinerary took them first to Dubrovnik, then to Split, where, guided by Brother Sinisa Balajic, Provincial Minister of Split, they had the joy of reuniting with Brothers Bazo, Ante, Miro, and Drago; all former missionaries who had devoted many years to evangelization in the Congo.

On Sunday, June 21, Brother Jean-Baptiste TABARO concelebrated the Eucharist presided over by the Provincial Minister, Brother Sinisa Balajic, at the church of the Provincial Curia of the friars in Split.

During these various meetings, the Provincial Minister presented the current situation of the new Province of Saint Anthony of Padua. In particular, he discussed the challenges associated with the context of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the pastoral, evangelizing, and social mission entrusted to the brothers of this new Province. These exchanges helped strengthen fraternal bonds and served as a testament to the Province’s gratitude toward the missionaries who have contributed to its history and development.

In addition, they also paid tribute to several Franciscan Sisters of Christ the King who have worked in the Congo (Sister Miriam, Ivana, Erica, etc.).