President: New Ordinary Has All Prerequisites to Fulfil His Mission

Bratislava, 18 October (TASR) - New Ordinary of the Slovak Armed Forces Pavol Sajgalik has all the prerequisites to master his mission and continue the work started by his predecessor Frantisek Rabek, which is confirmed by his professional and moral qualities as well as his personal story, President Peter Pellegrini said in his speech at the episcopal consecration of the bishop in Bratislava on Saturday. "The mission of the Armed Forces is to protect peace, law and order. The mission of the Church is - among other things - to strive for reconciliation among the people. The importance of this mission is much more urgent today than it was in the recent past. It can only be fulfilled with devotion and love in the heart. With love for one's country, for the people who live here," said the head of state, wishing him strength, endurance and success. He added that the message of hope, faith, tolerance, mutual understanding and solidarity is also important for the entire Slovak society. The president also recalled the predecessor of the second bishop of the Ordinariate, Rabek, who, according to him, built the service practically from scratch during his 22 years of work. Above all, Pellegrini said, Rabek confirmed the importance of the ministry for the men and women in the Armed Forces. How important it is for them to have someone to talk to about their feelings, to be able to confide in, but also to draw spiritual strength. He pointed out their conditions, the burden, the risk, the constant readiness to intervene and also the enormous responsibility. am