
The Apostolic Nuncio celebrated at request of the Ambassador J. Chmiel the solemn mass in honour of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech state
08.10.2019 / 16:04 | Aktualizováno: 26.10.2019 / 12:46
The Apostolic Nuncio archbishop Msgr. Jean-Marie Speich celebrated on the occasion of the Czech National Day and the St. Wenceslas Day the solemn mass. The mass took place in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Ljubljana on September 30, 2019 and was celebrated in English.
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ljubljana in coooperation with the Apostolic Nunciature in Ljubljana and the Parish Trnovo organised the solemn mass to remember the legacy of the Czech saint St. Wenceslas.
Following the introductory rites the Ambassador of the Czech Republic H.E. Juraj Chmiel read the first reading. The second reading was read by the Ambassador of Hungary H.E. Edit Szilágyiné Bátorfi.
The Apostolic Nuncio in his preaching referred to the St. Wenceslas tradition and its role in the history of the Czech lands. He highlighted St. Wenceslas as a ruler whose principles of good governance are valid and applicable until today. He also emphasised the wisdom and responsibility of St. Wenceslas as a symbol of good governance.
The solemn mass was a unique event in the ecclesiastical and diplomatic circles in Slovenia. By organising this event in Slovenia the Ambassador Chmiel continues with the tradition of commemorating St. Wenceslas which he started as the ambassador in Hungary.
The mass was highly appreciated by the Slovenian believers. Many ambassadors and other diplomats, Slovenian high-ranking politicians, Czech citizens in Slovenia and other people joined the ceremony. The mass was also attended by Alojz Kovšca, the President of the National Council of Slovenia, and Leon Marc, the former Ambassador in the Czech Republic.
After the mass a glass of wine took place in the garden of Trnovo Parish.
The National Council of Slovenia also reported about the solemn mass held in Trnovo. For more information and the gallery visit the website of the National Council.