Pope Benedict XVI will maybe visit the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2013 to celebrate the arrival of Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius who were among the first to spread the Gospel in Central Europe 1150 years ago, Prague Archbishop Dominik Duka told CTK today. Duka said the church would certainly seek it, adding that similar celebrations would be held in Slovakia where the Pope's visit was also expected.
In September, a delegation of church dignitaries will go to the Vatican where it will thank Pope Benedict XVI for his visit to the Czech Republic last year, Duka said.
"On the occasion, we will try to secure the visit. It can be assumed that it will be a very short visit because the people will have to see a number of places," Duka said.
At the meeting of the Czech Bishops' Conference (CBK), held on Friday and today, the bishops agreed to establish a commission for the preparation of the anniversary.
It will be composed of Duka, Olomouc Archbishop Graubner and Bishop-Apostolic exarch Ladislav Hucek, Duka said.
The CBK in Velehrad was held shortly before the Cyril and Methodius festival when a traditional pilgrimage takes place that will culminate with the Monday mass.
The CBK is a permanent assembly of Catholic bishops of the Czech Republic. It is seated in Prague and it represents Catholic church in the Czech Republic.
Duka was elected its chairman on March 24, 2010.
Duka also submitted to the bishops the project Bible for the Youth that is to be published at the end of the year.
The bishops unanimously approved the draft CBK Directive for the Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage in the Czech Republic.
Saint Cyril and Methodius, "the apostles of the Slavs" were two Greek clerics who introduced Christianity in Central Europe in the 9th century.
SIC: CTK