The consecration ceremony was presided over by Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. Also present: Mgr. Savio Hon Tai-Fai, SDB, Apostolic Nuncio in Greece; Msgr. Enrico dal Covolo, SDB, Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University; Msgr. Alois Kothgasser, SDB, archbishop emeritus of Salzburg; Msgr. Ludwig Schwarz, SDB, bishop emeritus of Linz; Msgr. Paolo Pezzi, archbishop of Moscow; Msgr. Giuseppe Pasotto, apostolic administrator of the Caucasus of the Latins; Fr Tadeusz Rozmus, Councilor for Central and Northern Europe Region; Fr Josef Ižold, Superior of the Province of Slovakia, to which Salesian Azerbaijan is a part; and various representatives of the Orthodox Church and other Christian communities operating in Azerbaijan.
"With this decision, the Pope wants the Church in Azerbaijan to progress under the bishop's paternal guidance," said Msgr. Gallagher. "The life of Msgr. Fekete represents the adventure of faith. When he discovered his vocation, in his homeland, Slovakia, he could not live it in freedom and so spent the first years of priesthood in hiding. This man who is ordained today has shown great courage, which translates into a true spirit of service, as an authentic Son of Don Bosco," he added.
After the celebration, Msgr. Fekete also wished to say a few words. Aimed at members of the small Azerbaijani Church, he said: "My heart, my strength, my time and all that I have belongs to you and so will it continue to be. Thank you for your support and cooperation."
Then, addressing the numerous ecclesiastical figures present, he added: "Dear brothers in the episcopate, you have been very close to me in the last years of priestly service. I truly appreciate your presence here today. The same applies to you, dear brother priests, my closest relatives, faithful of my hometown, and especially all the brothers and sisters of the Salesian Family."
Meaningful, too, the choice made by Msgr. Fekete on the episcopal motto: the first bishop of the Azerbaijan Church chose the first part of the Salesian motto, "Da mihi animas", or "Give me souls”, as a reminder to always work for the salvation of the souls entrusted to him.
