The extraordinary assembly of the Slovenian Episcopal Conference with the Union of Superiors Major of Slovenia (KORUS) was held at Mekinje on 11 May. At the centre of discussion was the report presented by Father Vinko kafar, professor of pastoral theology at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Ljubljana, with the title: “Inter-religious dialogue in the European Union”. The Bishops also tackled some questions of pastoral character, in particular the planning of the diocesan pastoral Days called for by the plenary Council of the Slovene Church in the pastoral year 2004/2005, which will be dedicated to the role of the laity in the Church. A five-year pastoral plan (2002-2007) is now in operation. It is based on some key aspects of formation, dialogue, and exchange at the parish, diaconal and diocesan levels. The Bishops also discussed the Message of the Holy Father John Paul II for World Missionary Day on 24 October 2004. Meanwhile preparations continue, together with seven other Central European countries, for the “Pilgrimage of peoples” to the Marian sanctuary at Mariazell on 22 May. Some 6,500 Slovenian pilgrims are expected to participate.
