The celebration began with a formal ceremony. A short video took attendees on a journey back in time to the early days of Salve. Following this, the Director expressed gratitude to the current team for their fruitful and productive collaboration. He also outlined future developments, including the expansion of the Knjigvarna Don Bosko bookstore and café, the introduction of electronic parish announcements, the launch of the Don Bosko youth product line, and the establishment of a mobile bookstore.
"Today is a special day: a day to reflect on the path we have trodden and, at the same time, to look ahead with confidence toward the future. We support educational and pastoral work so that all may live as good Christians and upright citizens," he stated, emphasizing the core mission of this Salesian publishing initiative.
Following this, Salesian historian Fr. Bogdan Kolar traced the journey of Salesian catechetical and publishing work in Slovenia—a path that, 30 years ago, led to the founding of Salve. He highlighted the pioneering efforts of early Salesians, such as Fr. Franc Mihelčič and Brother Vinko Furlan, and the significant contributions they made in opening new avenues for the Slovenian Church. Their dedication and innovative spirit continue to yield remarkable results.
The celebration continued with a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Marian Shrine of Rakovnik, presided over by the Archbishop Emeritus of Belgrade, Salesian Mons. Stanislav Hočevar. The Mass was concelebrated by the Bishop of Koper and representative of the Slovenian Bishops’ Conference, Salesian Mons. Peter Štumpf, along with the Vice Provincial, Fr. Alojzij Dobravec, SDB, and several Salesian and diocesan priests.
"The Spirit of God, who constantly renews and transforms everything, has breathed new life into this institution," recalled Mons. Hočevar in his homily. He was the Provincial Superior 30 years ago when he founded Salve and had blessed its first facilities.
Emphasizing the importance of the publishing house’s mission, he concluded: "I joyfully greet all of you gathered here for this Thanksgiving Mass. May the Church in our time, and all its institutions, remain deeply vigilant in addressing the complex anthropological and pedagogical challenges of today."
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/23808-slovenia-salesian-publishing-house-salve-celebrates-30-years#sigProId22c46cbb20
