First of all, in Badín, in the center of the country, Fr. Chávez met a group of young priests, religious from different Congregations, who have been ordained since 2012. Then, after them, he offered formation to the Rectors and leaders of the communities of the Salesian Family of Slovakia. Fr. Chávez dedicated the last day to the members of the Salesian Family Council.

He said this was his fifth visit to Slovakia; and on this occasion, Fr. Chávez said he perceived a great change in Slovak society and Church. With this in mind, he prepared several conferences geared toward reflection and improvement of fraternal life as a space for maturation. One of the main challenges he presented, for example, dealt with how to move from common life, ordinary life, to community life.

Fr. Chávez also said he was very impressed by the film recently released in Slovakia entitled "Slobodní" (Free), which narrates the story of Christian dissent during the period of socialism against the backdrop of 20th-century history in Slovakia. Centered on two prominent figures of the underground church in Slovakia - Silvestre Krčméry and Vladimír Jukl - the work is also a story of the search for inner personal freedom, which can be preserved under any regime and any circumstances. For this reason, being pertinent to the training course with Fr. Chávez, the film was screened for all participants on November 17, on the evening of the Day of Commemoration of the Velvet Revolution.

The lectures by Rector Major Emeritus, nimble and rich, all exactly one hour long, with simultaneous translation provided by the organizers and the possibility of reading the text itself, provided participants with a wealth of new perspectives regarding community animation and management. And in addition to the concepts and quotes, Fr. Chávez was able to convey to his confreres and those who share the Salesian mission and the Church a deep imprint of humanity and the pursuit of holiness.

"I had the opportunity to be close to Fr. Pascual Chávez and admire his incredible humanity and contagious holiness, along with his humor and Salesian joy. An unforgettable moment!" commented Sister Monika Skalová, the FMA Provincial of Slovakia, who was the one who had invited Fr. Chávez to the country.

During the last morning, the SDB and FMA Rectors met separately and held the traditional information-sharing session.

Before concluding this round of meetings, Fr. Chávez was greeted by Provincial Fr. Peter Timko: "Father Pascual, thank you. It seemed to me that this was not a formation of the Rectors, but rather an opening towards formation. It was a moment of grace; rarely can we meet like this even in an informal and simple way. Thank you!"

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