The celebrations in his honor took place in several cities, on the occasion of his birth (7 January), his baptism (11) and his name day (12).

In the Provincial House, in Bratislava, a Eucharist was celebrated. It was presided over by Fr Andrej Kňaze, Provincial Economer, who for three years had Fr Macák as confessor. Preaching the homily was Fr Marián Valábek, a member of the Provincial Council when Fr Mackál was Provincial. “He knew how to live baptism and the priesthood heroically, albeit in a simple and everyday way. He was a seeker. His example and the books he left us can help us in our search for God," testified Fr Valábek.

After the celebration, the unveiling and blessing of a commemorative plaque of Fr Macák took place in front of the parish church. Fr Kňaze offered his testimony on Slovak Catholic radio: "Truly one felt so much wisdom, so much holiness in the meetings with him ... A holy Salesian".

In Košice, in the Salesian house of Kalvaria, a moment of Eucharistic adoration was organized during which the Salesians and lay people present were able to meditate on the thoughts of Fr Macák. In the following commemorative event, two Salesians, Fr Vincent Feledík and Fr Ladislav Miko, commemorated the man. “He excelled in the care of the confreres and young people. He tried to do everything to save vocations - especially the weaker ones.” Their words were then accompanied by songs from the Psalms and by reading several unpublished meditations of Fr Macák on the Our Father.

Finally, in Žilina, the teachers of the Vocational Training Center and Salesian school "Saint Joseph the Worker" also celebrated Fr Macák. During the Mass for the opening of the new school semester, Fr Ján Holubčik, Delegate for Youth Ministry, presented the life story of Fr Macák and encouraged the teachers to follow his example in working with the boys.

Michaela Štubňová

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