The Church in Slovenia

Bishop Maksimilijan Matjaž addressed priests, catechists, and lay leaders of the Diocese of Celje during a pastoral and catechetical course on September 16, 2026. Held at St. Joseph in Celje, the gathering marked the beginning of the new pastoral year.

During his address, Bishop Matjaž encouraged participants to move from a childlike faith toward a mature faith. He stated that this maturity allows people to understand and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the foundation for the synodal work of the Church.

The course included a presentation by Matjaž Celarc, a professor at the Teološka fakulteta in Ljubljana, who discussed whether the foundation of the Church is false democratization or the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Celarc spoke about the relationship between pastors and the faithful, using Peter as an example of a servant leader. Additionally, Boštjan Dolinšek, head of pastoral services for the Archdiocese of Ljubljana, presented synodal keys and indicators for relationships and attitudes within parish communities.

The Diocese of Celje held a prayer day for vocations on September 12, 2026, at the Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Petrovče. The event included a spiritual program with testimonies and a Mass led by Bishop Maksimilijan.

During the Mass, theology student Tadej Hrastnik from Velenje was admitted as a candidate for the diaconate and priesthood. The diocese organized the gathering to thank God for new vocations in local parishes and to pray for the courage and faith of those called to ministry.

Bishop Maksimilijan addressed the gathered priests, deacons, religious sisters, seminarians, and parishioners, noting that the day represented the prayerful efforts of the local diocese and the Church in Slovenia. He specifically acknowledged parents and relatives of seminarians and those praying for vocations within their parishes.

Bishop Maksimilijan met with confirmation candidates from several parishes in Laško and Rimske Toplice on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The candidates represented the parishes of Laško, St. Marjeta near Rimske Toplice, St. Nicholas above Laško, and St. Jedert above Laško.

During the meeting in Laško, the bishop listened to presentations and questions from the candidates who have been preparing for the sacrament throughout the year. Following the presentations, Bishop Maksimilijan addressed the group during a holy Mass.