Slovakia officially becomes a Magistral Delegation of the Order
On Friday April 4, 2025, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre – accompanied by the Vice Governor for Europe, Jean-Pierre de Glutz, Chancellor Alfredo Bastianelli, the Master of Ceremonies, Msgr. Adriano Paccanelli, and the Communications Director, François Vayne – presided over the Prayer Vigil in Trnava Cathedral, welcoming twelve Knights and Dames of the new Magistral Delegation for Slovakia, including the archbishop of this diocese, Msgr. Ján Orosch, who officially became their Grand Prior on that evening.
“Dear friends, the risen Christ called out to Mary of Magdala who, distraught, was looking for him where his body rested, and she recognised Jesus’ living voice; today, he challenges you too and chooses you for a mission of grace, to spread the fragrance of Christ’s charity. This is the noble task entrusted to you by the Church, which welcomes your willingness with deep gratitude,” declared the Grand Master during this intense Prayer Vigil in Trnava.
Nicknamed ‘Little Rome’ because of the large number of churches built there, the town of Trnava – located in the South-West Slovakia – has a rich history, having been for several centuries an important centre of cultural and spiritual refuge for Catholics from Hungary fleeing the Turkish invasion.
The following day, Saturday April 5, the new Slovakian Knights and Dames, among which the Magistral Delegate Miroslav Gieci, were invested by the Grand Master of the Order, on the occasion of the foundation of the Magistral Delegation for Slovakia, which had been prepared for a long time thanks to the fraternal support of the Lieutenancy for the Czech Republic. The Investiture ceremony took place in Trnava cathedral, in the presence of the Vice-Governor for Europe, Jean-Pierre de Glutz, Chancellor Alfredo Bastianelli, the Lieutenant for the Czech Republic, Tomáš Parma, and several European Lieutenants (Poland, Hungary, Croatia...).
During his homily, the Grand Master said: “To become a Knight or a Dame means to give your life by professing faith in Christ through witness, generosity and love of the Gospel; it means putting Christ at the centre of your existence and of every personal, family and social project. There would be no point in being a Knight or a Dame of the Holy Sepulchre if you did not place at the centre this ‘Lord’ for whom we have been clothed in a mantle of which the colour of the insignia is red (the colour of blood and spiritual nobility).”
The Archbishop of Prague, Msgr. Ján Graubner, Grand Prior of the Lieutenancy for the Czech Republic, concelebrated the Mass, as did the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Nicola Girasoli, alongside Cardinal Filoni and the new Grand Prior for Slovakia, Msgr. Ján Orosch.
During the convivial meal that followed, the Grand Master thanked his hosts, especially the Grand Prior, whose enthusiasm in accompanying and supporting the Order in Central Europe he praised, while highlighting the courageous example set by Slovak Catholics, who have given many martyrs and confessors of the faith to the Church throughout history.
(April 2025)