Yesterday, Tuesday, September 14, 2021, before his private visit to the Seminary of Kosice and after presiding over Saint John Chrysostom’s Divine Liturgy in Prešov’s Mestská Śportovvá Hala Square, Pope Francis paused to greet his fellow Jesuits of the House of Spiritual Exercises in Prešov, and the cooks and Religious that prepared the lunch for the Bishops.

A note of “Vatican News” states that, in the framework of his 34^th Apostolic Journey to Budapest and Slovakia, the Holy Father made yet another gesture of closeness. Among other things, on his way to the Seminary of Kosice, he paused in the Jesuits’ House of Spiritual Exercises to greet some Brothers who took part in the organization of the events, the reason why they were unable to take part in the morning’s Divine Liturgy.

The Pontiff accepted very joyfully the invitation of the House’s Superior, Father Jan Benkovsky, to greet and say a few words of encouragement also to the people working in the kitchen, preparing the lunch for the Bishops who attended the Mass. In a very fraternal atmosphere, he talked “between stoves” with the group of cooks and Religious present. Finally, he blessed all before leaving for Kosice.

Translation by Virginia M. Forrester