The relics of St. Vincent have returned to Slovakia from the Czech republic.

Even here, in the Czech republic, often called an atheistic country, the relics of St. Vincent have been warmly received. While the number of people who venerated the relics in Slovakia was relatively small, those who came were deep believers and devout followers of St. Vincent de Paul.

In the Czech republic St. Vincent is better known because of June 26,1876, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, inspired by Vincentian charism, was established. Also members of Congregation of the Mission from the Province of Slovakia led parish missions here … as a result, many of the faithful know of Saint Vincent de Paul.  Therefore, many people from the various parishes were looking forward to being able to venerate the relics of Vincent and pray to him.

Now the relics St. Vincent are traveling throughout Slovakia (this began on November 14) and more people are coming to venerate the relics, We also hear testimonies about the manner in which people have changed their lives as a result of this experience. In every place, people place some prayers and intentions near the relics of to St. Vincent and then the Eucharist is offered for those intentions. We are collecting them and reading them aloud to the people … people ask for prayers for their family members (physical healing, healing of relationships, various forms of spiritual healing).

As before, in every place members of Vincentian family (members of the Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Vincentian Marian Youth, the Association of the Miraculous Medal, Lay Vincentian Missionaries ) prepared a program which has enabled people to come to a greater appreciation of the life and ministry of Saint Vincent and the many works that have been inspired by his charism. Many people have “restarted” their journey for greater holiness and have thanked us for organizing this pilgrimage of Vincent’s relics.

We once again express our gratitude to Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM and to all those many people who have made this pilgrimage of Saint Vincent’s relics possible.

We are now entering last two weeks of this pilgrimage and we are hoping that this will be fruitful time and will encourage more people to follow Vincent and to serve as he served.