Today is a day of joy for the Diocese of Celje, as we have a new pastor. Pope Francis appointed Dr Maksimiljan Matjaž, professor of the Bible, as a new bishop. Our sincere congratulations to the new bishop. We look forward to his spiritual treasure, which will fill this great void of 30 months of waiting for the bishop.

With his exceptional knowledge of the Bible, he has enriched the Slovenian Church in these years. From now on, he will be, most of all, our pastor. Happy at your appointment, the Celje diocese priests promise you our prayer and fraternal closeness. We look forward to the day when you will take over the leadership of the diocese.

God bless you, our new Bishop Maksimilijan,

Rok Metličar, The administrator of the Celje diocese,

Retired Bishop of Celje diocese, Msgr Dr Stanko Lipovšek

And priests of the Celje diocese.