Bishop Ján Kuboš, Auxiliary Bishop of Spiš, paid a pastoral visit to the community, accompanied by priests of the Diocese of Spiš, Fr Martin Taraj and Fr Patrik Taraj. The presence of a bishop from Spiš was particularly meaningful, as a large number of the faithful belonging to the Catholic mission have their roots in the Diocese of Spiš.
During the three days leading up to the main celebration, a spiritual retreat invited the faithful to contemplate the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of Mercy, Mother of Hope, and Mother of Good Counsel. Each day offered opportunities for communal prayer, Eucharistic adoration, biblical catechesis, spiritual conversations, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The celebrations culminated on Sunday, 13 September 2026, with Holy Mass and a Eucharistic procession. Several members of the Slovak community took part wearing traditional Slovak folk costumes, particularly those from Lendak. Bishop Ján encouraged Slovaks living in Chicago and the surrounding area to walk with the Virgin Mary and, following her example, to journey through suffering towards peace.
Following the liturgical celebration, a parish picnic was held, featuring traditional Slovak food, a rich cultural programme, a raffle, and various activities for children. The community’s Slovak identity was also celebrated through the traditional lighting of a bonfire and the singing of the Slovak national anthem.
The presence of Slovaks in the Chicago area dates back to the late 19th century. The modern history of today’s Slovak Catholic Mission began in 2019, when the Slovak Province of the Congregation of the Mission of St Vincent de Paul appointed Fr Stanislav Bindas, CM, who continues to serve as the community’s spiritual administrator.
Thanks to the personal commitment, faith, considerable sacrifices, and determination of Slovaks living in the area, the community in Chicago officially opened a new Slovak Mission Center in 2023, on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. At its heart is a church dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.
“May Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for Slovaks living in Chicago and the surrounding area, so that they may preserve the faith of their fathers and, here in the New World, enrich the local Church. May Slovak identity be a valuable contribution to this multicultural world,” said Fr Stanislav Bindas, CM.
