National Pilgrimage to Mark Saints Cyril and Methodius Held in Nitra on Saturday

Nitra, 4 July (TASR) - The national pilgrimage to mark the 45th anniversary of the proclamation of Saints Cyril and Methodius as co-patrons of Europe took place on an unconventional date on Saturday, July 4, at Svatopluk Square in Nitra, with the participation of Slovak bishops and representatives of the country's political and public life. President Peter Pellegrini also attended the event to honour the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The principal celebrant of the solemn Holy Mass was Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Belgrade. In his homily, he stressed that the digital interconnection of today's world doesn't allow us to be concerned only with ourselves. "We are all connected through the internet, social media, information and artificial intelligence. This sometimes means that we are exposed to external influences, but at the same time it gives us a very important opportunity to share with the whole world what we believe in, what is important to us and what kind of world we would like to live in." Saints Cyril and Methodius were sent on a missionary journey to then Great Moravia by the decision of Emperor Michael III, where they introduced the Slavic language as the basis of Old Slovak. They wanted to proclaim the Gospel in the people's native tongue. It was very important for them that the Word of God was proclaimed in a way that people could understand. "Culture and native language are of great importance. Even Jesus himself spoke in the language of his people. The holy brothers understood that culture must be respected and nurtured," said Cardinal Nemet. The holy brothers from Thessaloniki teach us that just coexistence means respecting the rights and dignity of every nation, language and community. "I believe that Europe, by rediscovering evangelical values ​​in public life, can contribute to a more peaceful and just world. At times of uncertainty, Europe is called not to return to old patterns of nationalism, but to persevere in an order based on solidarity, the rule of law and respect for the dignity of the human person," concluded the cardinal. ko