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Pastoral Trips

Slovenia, June 2-3

The Prelate of Opus Dei, Bishop Javier Echevarría, and the auxiliary and general vicar, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, made a pastoral visit to Slovenia on June 2-3. This was their third visit since the beginning of the apostolic work of Opus Dei in that country in 2003.

They were received by Archbishop Stanislav Zore of Ljubljana on Friday, June 3. The Archbishop expressed his gratitude for the apostolic work that the faithful of the Prelature are carrying out in his diocese. On the same day they had a meeting with the nuncio, Archbishop Juliusz Janusz, and went to pray in the Ljubljana Cathedral, where they also passed though the Holy Door of Mercy.

Bishop Echevarría and Msgr. Ocáriz had various gatherings with faithful of the Prelature, cooperators and young people who take part in the activities of Christian formation. The Prelate encouraged them to live their faith integrally and—seconding the teachings of Pope Francis—to go out to meet many people who are waiting for them to speak about God.

They also had two get-togethers with families. The Prelate encouraged those present to live the common vocation of all the baptized to holiness, finding God in their ordinary life: in their work, in their family and in the obligations proper to any citizen.

Before ending their pastoral trip, the Prelate and Auxiliary Vicar visited the construction site of the Polzela Conference Center, where activities of spiritual formation organized by the Prelature of Opus Dei will be offered.

Croatia, from June 3 to 6

Bishop Echevarría and Msgr. Ocáriz visited the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, and went to pray in the cathedral, where the mortal remains of Blessed Aloysius Stepinac are preserved, known for his efforts to ensure human and civil rights in Croatia.

During his stay in Croatia, Bishop Echevarría recalled St. Josemaría’s special affection for this country and the prayer of the founder of Opus Dei that the Christian message would once again be spread there after the years during which worship was prohibited.

In the country’s capital, he met with faithful of the Prelature and others who take part in the formational activities of Opus Dei. On the occasion of the Holy Year, Bishop Echevarría encouraged everyone to practice the works of mercy in their daily life, going to the intercession of St. Josemaría.

The Prelate of Opus Dei and the Auxiliary Vicar spoke with a group of families who have started various schools for primary and pre-school children, as well as with others who organize family orientation courses. They also had a get-together with priests belonging to the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross and some of their friends.

Romana, n. 62, January-June 2016, p. 82-83.

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