Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, relatives of Bishop Maksimilijan, friends, guests, deacons, priests, religious, bishops, archbishops, his eminence Cardinal Rode, representatives of other religions, representatives of civil authorities, co-consecrators Archbishop Martin Kmetec, retired Bishop of Celje Stanislav Lipovšek, principal Consecrator Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia Jean Marie Speich, dear newly appointed Bishop Maksimilijan: You have just entered this sanctuary as a priest, but you will leave this holy offering as a bishop.

If it is true that every bishop is a martyr and that if he is not, he is not a good bishop, then today we are with you on your way to Jerusalem, so today is the olive or flower Sunday of your life’s journey. We are entering into moments of words: Father, bring glory to your name. We feel that the glorification of the Father happens in the glorification of the Son who loves his brothers and sisters with his very love.

In this holy moment, gathered in this sacred place, we feel the presence of the Almighty, and as a communion, we open ourselves to the action of the Holy Trinity within us.

Rok Metličar