Zdenko held numerous positions: Prefect of the Minor Seminary of the Carmelite Fathers in Zagreb (1978–1984); first adviser to the Carmelite Commissariat (1984–1990); prior of the monastery in Remete-Zagreb (1984–1990); external professor at the Institute for Christian Spirituality in Zagreb (1984–2012); Provincial of the Croatian Carmelite Province of Saint Joseph the Father (1990–1996); Vicar of the Province (1996-2002); prior of the monastery in Remete, Zagreb (1996–1997); prior of the newly founded monastery in Krk (1997–2002); master of novices (1997–1999); Provincial of the Croatian Carmelite Province (2002–2003); Vicar General of the Order of Carmel (2003–2009); prior of the monastery in Krk and provincial advisor (2011–2012); since 2012 he has been the rector of the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality Teresianum in Rome until his election as bishop.[1]