THE GUARDIAN OF FOJNICA MONASTERY AND HIS BELOVED FIĆA

The guardian of the Franciscan Monastery in Fojnica, fra Mario Katušić, is the proud owner of a fića – a car that looks as if it had just rolled off the factory line, despite being more than forty years old.

PHOTO: Nezavisne novine

This young priest has been entrusted with the leadership of one of the most important monasteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, founded more than 650 years ago. In his daily service, his faithful companion is none other than his tiny orange fića, which he uses to drive around town, performing both his priestly duties and everyday tasks.

“The car belonged to one of our parishioners, who always said he would never sell it as long as he lived because he was so attached to it. I had always wanted to own a car like this, so after his passing, I asked his family if they would sell it to me. In the end, they agreed, and I promised to take care of it just as he once did,” says fra Katušić.

According to him, there is only one other fića like this in Fojnica, and the sight of a priest behind the wheel of such a tiny car never fails to draw attention. Many people stop to take photos with the guardian and his charming vehicle. The car itself is exceptionally well preserved, still boasting its original bright orange paint, and fra Katušić insists on maintaining it with authentic spare parts whenever possible.

“Most of the parts are original, the engine is serviced regularly, as well as the interior. It really is a very small car with very little space. Nowadays it’s hard to imagine that entire families once traveled in it, since even for me – and I’m of average height – it’s a challenge to get inside,” says the Fojnica guardian with a smile.

The fića was originally bought in 1982 by local resident Miro Babić, who paid nine million dinars for it at the time. It was always kept in a garage, regularly serviced, and never broke down, making it one of the best-preserved examples of Zastava’s iconic model.

The new owner is convinced that the car has found its way into the right hands: “I will continue to give it all the care and attention it needs so it lasts for many more years.”

Fra Mario Katušić belongs to a generation of young priests who are much loved not only among Catholics but also by people of other faiths in the region, thanks to his sermons promoting love, coexistence, and tolerance.