Sister Marija Tatjana Zrno, 34, is recovering in the hospital after she was stabbed in Zagreb, Croatia. Early reports indicate the incident may have been religiously or ideologically motivated, though investigators have not yet confirmed a motive, according to The Catholic Herald.
The outlet reported that her congregation — the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul — said the assault took place Nov. 28 in Zagreb’s residential district of Malešnica. The attacker struck Sister Marija with a sharp object, wounding her in the abdomen. Despite the shock and pain, she managed to walk back to her convent before being rushed to the Sisters of Charity University Hospital Centre.
Doctors admitted her around 3 p.m., that day and confirmed the wound was serious but not life-threatening. She is now stable and expected to recover.
Local media have reported that the assailant may have shouted religious slogans, possibly including “Allahu akbar,” a phrase invoked in some jihadist attacks. But, these claims remain unverified, and no motive has yet been officially confirmed. According to the Herald, both the Catholic Information Agency and the Catholic Religious Network say investigators are examining whether the attack contained elements of religious or ideological hostility.
Sister Marija is known in Croatia not only as a religious sister but as a religion teacher, youth minister, and soccer enthusiast. Her reflections on faith and the sport attracted international interest during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Her joy, faith, and love of the game resonated widely, and she even joined a nationwide “rosary for the Vatreni” campaign supporting the Croatian national team during the tournament.
In an interview cited by the Herald, she described the spiritual life as a battle requiring the same endurance as professional athletics.
“Whoever wants to succeed must push his limits… in sport you train when you feel you cannot,” she said, “and in the spiritual life you pray more when it seems you can do less.”
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