This year's Christmas is different, says Bishop Saje
Novo Mesto, 25 December - This year's Christmas is different from last year's because the war in Ukraine broke out in the meantime and consequently various crises, which has made everyday life uncertain, Bishop of Novo Mesto Andrej Saje, the president of the Slovenian Bishops' Conference, said in his sermon during Midnight Mass at Novo Mesto's cathedral.
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore (right).
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Midnight Mass at the cathedral in Ljubljana, celebrated by Archbishop of Ljubljana Stanislav Zore.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Saje stressed that Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of life, "on the goals we have, on our relationships with each other".
He believes that the situation "calls and encourages us to close ranks in the pursuit of the good".
"We live on the same planet and cannot afford to be divided. The way forward is to work together and to overcome an egoistic worldview where we see only ourselves and our own benefits," said the bishop, calling for living life according to God.
In their message ahead of Christmas on Saturday, the Slovenian Catholic bishops wished a blessed holiday to everyone and noted the hope the birth of Jesus brings.
Bishop Leon Novak, head of the Slovenian Evangelical Lutheran Church, said "Christmas encourages us to share love with our loved ones".
Mufti Nevzet Porić, the head of the Islamic Community in Slovenia, wished Catholics and the Bishops' Conference a marry Christmas and a lot of health, happiness and peace.