The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has unanimously approved the continuation of the beatification process for Joseph Walijewski, a priest from the Diocese of La Crosse in Wisconsin. Nine theologians reviewed the Positio document, which details his heroic virtues and reputation for holiness. The case now moves to cardinals and bishops for further evaluation before being presented to Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Gerard W. Battersby of La Crosse called the decision a significant milestone. Walijewski, born in Michigan in 1924, served as a missionary in Bolivia and Peru, establishing parishes and caring for orphans. If approved, he may be declared Venerable.
The Parish of Bratislava-Prievoz will organize a charitable event called 'Soup that Unites' on November 15, 2026, to mark the World Day of the Poor. The free meal will be served at 2:00 PM in the parish garden. The initiative aims to promote solidarity and direct assistance for people in need. It is organized in cooperation with the St. Louise de Marillac Shelter and the Bratislava-Ruzinov district. The program includes presentations about the shelter's mission and personal testimonies from its staff. The event seeks to create a space for meeting and sharing with those facing difficult life situations, turning the concept of solidarity into concrete action.
Spiš diocesan bishop František Trstenský blessed the new House of Caritas of St. Martin of Tours in Kežmarok, Slovakia, on November 8. The center, created by renovating a historic former parish school near the Basilica of the Holy Cross, will serve people in need and seniors. The Roman Catholic Parish of Kežmarok owns the building, while Spiš Catholic Charity manages it. The renovation cost approximately 300,000 euros from donations. General director Pavol Vilček stated that services will include ADOS Caritas, specialized counseling, winter soup distribution, and senior activities. The project thanked Dean Martin Majda and the construction team for their contributions to the restoration of the national cultural monument.
Translated from Slovenčina
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The Prešov Self-Governing Region (PSK) is hosting 42 Ukrainian children for a six-day recreational stay in the Slovak Tatra Mountains from November 8 to 13. The program takes place at the Detský Raj nature school in Tatranská Lesná, offering a respite from war-torn environments. Participants include 24 children repatriated from Russia and others from the Zakarpattia region. Activities feature visits to Štrbské Pleso, Belianska Cave, and the Slovak Academy of Sciences Observatory. PSK chairman Milan Majerský stated that the children value the peace and quiet. The initiative, which has helped nearly 200 children since 2023, includes psychological support and cultural exchanges.
The 18th NAPS International Interfaith Concert took place on November 8, 2026, at the Slovak Philharmonic Concert Hall in Bratislava, Slovakia. Held during Slovakia’s presidency of the Visegrad Group, the event featured over 200 musicians from twelve nations. The program included performances by various choirs, soloists, and the Slovak Symphonics orchestra under Adrian Kokos. The gathering emphasized dialogue and mutual respect among different faiths. Messages of support were conveyed by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicola Girasoli and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Founder Peter Solej noted the event's symbolic coming of age. The evening concluded with blessings from Christian leaders and a prayer by a Jewish rabbi.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on November 8, 2026, in Florida, Uruguay, honoring the country's patroness, Our Lady of the Thirty-Three. During his homily, he thanked mothers and grandmothers for preserving and transmitting the faith within families. He encouraged fathers to serve as role models and urged Uruguayans to reach out to those who have drifted from God. The pontiff referenced biblical women and local saints to highlight the importance of intergenerational spiritual transmission, noting that many families face challenges when younger generations stop practicing their religion.
The St. Andrew Gymnasium in Ružomberok, Slovakia, is a co-recipient of the 2026 Westphalian Youth Peace Prize. The award was presented in Münster, Germany, to the socioMovens network, of which the school is a key Slovak partner. Vatican Cardinal Michael Czerny handed the prize, emphasizing that peace requires moral foundations and spiritual roots. The school has participated in the international movement since 2015, focusing on social solidarity and dialogue. The bronze trophy toured Slovakia before being received by Žilina Region President Erika Jurinová. The school celebrated with a peace festival and Mass, highlighting Christian values and youth engagement in social projects.
The Conference of Bishops in Slovakia, collaborating with the Ecumenical Council of Churches, has released a Slovak translation of the official materials for the 2027 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The event will take place from January 18 to 25, 2027. The publication, produced by the Society of Saint Adalbert in Trnava, features the theme based on Luke 12:32. Mária Spišiaková prepared the translation, with theological review by Martin Fečko and Ivan Šulík. The materials include liturgical orders and reflections, aiming to encourage unity and trust among Christian communities. They are available online for both public worship and private prayer.
Pope Leo XIV urged that cooperation enabling humanitarian aid in Olešky, Ukraine, should foster dialogue and peace. He spoke after the Angelus prayer on All Saints' Day, referencing his recent calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskym for a truce. The Pope also commemorated five Franciscan martyrs beatified in Savannah, USA, and welcomed the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Additionally, he highlighted a mission for the poor in Rome and invited prayers for the deceased during the upcoming commemoration at Verano cemetery.
Domka, the Salesian Youth Association, is marking its 35th anniversary in Slovakia. Founded in Košice in 1991, the organization currently supports 8,368 members across 27 centers with the help of over 2,065 volunteers. According to the outlet, Domka provides friendship, trust, and educational programs to help young people develop skills and take responsibility. Stanislav Hurbanič, the association's president, emphasized the intergenerational nature of their work. The group invites the public to support its ongoing mission through regular donations to ensure continued care for future generations.
Translated from Slovenčina
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