Veržej, Slovenia – January 2026 – The parish priest Fr Milan Kavčnik SDB invited the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Slovenia, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, on the occasion of the parish feast in honour of St John Bosco in the small parish of Veržej. The prelate accepted the invitation and celebrated a solemn Mass in the parish church of St Michael and visited the Salesian community of Marijanišče, welcomed by the rector, Fr Mitja Franc SDB. In its 300 years of history, the church of Veržej has never been visited by a representative of the Pope. The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bianco, who represents the Holy See and Pope Leo XIV in Slovenia, celebrated Holy Mass in Slovenian and strengthened the parish community and consolidated its bond with the universal Church and with the Pope himself. At the end of Holy Mass, the Nuncio joyfully greeted the children, families and singers of the San Michele vocal group, the parish children’s choir and the youth choir, who greatly enriched the sacred liturgy. The visit of the Apostolic Nuncio left a strong impression of deep faith, authenticity and dedication to the mission of serving the Kingdom of God on earth in all those present.
