From September 14 to 17, Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Commander of the Sovereign Order of Malta, undertook an official visit to the Slovak Republic, engaging in a series of high-level meetings and key ceremonial events that underscored the deepening relationship between the Order and Slovakia.

Among the most significant moments was his audience with President Peter Pellegrini and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation. President Pellegrini praised the Order’s longstanding humanitarian engagement, noting its visible and valuable presence at major public events and at the Slovak-Ukrainian border during the refugee crisis. In a powerful gesture of goodwill, he extended a formal invitation for the Grand Master of the Order to pay a state visit to Slovakia.

On Sunday, September 15, the Grand Commander joined the National Pilgrimage and Holy Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows in Šaštín-Stráže, in the presence of the President and senior government officials. Volunteers of the Order provided first aid and essential services throughout the event.

The following day, a milestone was reached with the inauguration of the Slovak Association of the Order of Malta, marked by a celebratory Holy Mass in St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava. The Mass, celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop Stanislav Zvolenský, was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, government dignitaries, and the President.

Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau remarked, “It is a joy to celebrate the birth of the Slovak Association – a fruit of many years of dedication. Like a child born to a family, it brings us together in hope and commitment.”

The Grand Commander also visited the Malteser Aid Center for Roma Children in Topoľčany, underscoring the Order’s commitment to social inclusion and education.
This visit not only reaffirmed the Order’s humanitarian mission in Slovakia but also laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.