Bishop Trstensky Calls for Unity During National Pilgrimage in Sastin-Straze

Sastin-Straze/Bratislava, 15 September (TASR) – The Monday holy mass on the National Pilgrimage marking the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patron saint of Slovakia, was celebrated by Spis Bishop Frantisek Trstensky, TASR learnt on the same day. Trstensky called on society to unite and take inspiration from Mary, who encourages people to walk together. According to him, this is the path to making Slovakia strong. The mass in the basilica was attended by President Peter Pellegrini and other representatives of public and political life. The main theme of this year’s national pilgrimage is Our Lady of Sorrows – Pilgrim of Hope. Trstensky highlighted the key characteristics of Our Lady of Sorrows, which he said should shape society: she is an example for all and a model for the Church; she is open to God's guidance and remains a mother of hope, never falling into despair. „Often, we tend to get stuck in lamenting how bad the world is. But the Church should not live in pessimism," he summarised. According to Trstensky, Slovakia needs Christians who not only understand the Gospel but are also inspired by it. „Because our society is often marked by political, ideological, regional, and even ecclesial divisions. Yet Mary shows that the Holy Spirit unites the different. Let us live this shared path by not standing against each other. Let us seek the common good and God's voice," he stated. The tradition of honouring Our Lady of Sorrows in Slovakia is most closely tied to Sastin-Straze, where a revered statue of her from 1564 is located. The Holy See declared Our Lady of Sorrows the patron saint of Slovakia by decree on 22 April 1927. The basilica in Sastin-Straze is administered by the Pauline Order. mf