The Archdiocese of Maribor is renovating parish structures due to the lack of priestly candidates and the declining number of believers. More work will have to be entrusted to trained religious laity, and the first close associates of priests will be permanent deacons. Today we look forward to the consecration of two deacons. May they, together with others, build a strong pillar of ministry and be a firm support to the poor and most needy in the archdiocese.