Thousands of believers gathered in the town of Sastin-Straze, western Slovakia, on Thursday morning to attend a national pilgrimage marking the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patron saint of Slovakia. Held as a 'commemoration' by Catholics worldwide, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated as a solemnity, and it's also a public holiday in the country.
The national pilgrimage Mass was celebrated by Nitra-based bishop Viliam Judak, who noted in his sermon that the situation in Slovak society is dire, pointing to the state of affairs on the political scene.
"But rectification is still possible. In Fatima, Mary intervened in the course of history and world politics, so why shouldn't she be able to intervene in our own petty, messed-up politics? Our nation is not perfect. It bears on its soul and face all the wounds that it has suffered throughout history. Let us attempt a crusade that will show the people of Slovakia the kind and good face of God. Let us also show the culture of our Christianity in the upcoming municipal elections. Let us not be only Sunday Christians; let us also profess values in our daily lives," said the bishop.
Thursday's national pilgrimage marking the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is being held in the spirit of the memories of last year's visit by Pope Francis to Slovakia. President Zuzana Caputova, who was among those attending the pilgrimage Mass in Sastin-Straze, stated on her Facebook account. "The message that he conveyed to us in this very place is still relevant and alive," said the president. Every day, according to the president, people are confronted with the sorrows and worries of their loved ones, but it's an encouraging sign that we can also actively help them. "So that the love of our neighbour and the compassion of which Pope Francis speaks take the form of concrete attitudes and actions," she said.
Following the Mass of the national pilgrimage on Thursday, which he personally attended, Prime Minister Eduard Heger stated on his Facebook account that he begs the Sorrowful Mother in his prayers to keep constant patronage over Slovakia and Slovaks in these difficult times. At the same time, the prime minister claimed that he prays for Slovaks to express love for one another. As he added, the public should have hope that even in pain and fear one can find the strength to change things for the better.
Slovaks have been honouring Our Lady of Sorrows in a special manner at least since Ottoman incursions in the 15th century. The territory of Slovakia remained largely free of Ottoman rule, while the rest of the Kingdom of Hungary was occupied until the late 17th century. Pilgrimages to Sastin began in the 16th century.
