Cyclists of hope also to Mary Help of Christians in Brazil

In early June 2026, a group of cyclists known as "Romarji upanja" embarked on a symbolic journey connecting Slovenia and Poland. The pilgrimage, organized under the auspices of Radio Ognjišče and the Association of Media and Sports Organizations (AMZS), began on June 12 and concluded on June 17. Over the course of five days, the cyclists covered approximately 1000 kilometers, traveling from Ljubljana to Częstochowa, one of Europe's most significant pilgrimage sites. This journey was part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting unity, peace, and solidarity among nations.

The pilgrimage had three main objectives: expressing gratitude for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Slovenia, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, and appealing for global peace. At the start of their journey, the cyclists were welcomed by President of the National Assembly Zoran Stevanović, who signed the "Listina romarjev upanja," symbolizing his support for the message of connection and peace. Bishop Andrej Saje of Nova Gorica also joined them for part of the first stage of the trip, highlighting the religious significance of the event.

Throughout their journey, the cyclists carried the "Listina romarjev upanja," which they sought to have signed by representatives of various institutions, communities, and individuals who supported the pilgrims' mission. Each signature represented a commitment to fostering goodwill, dialogue, and cooperation between people. As the cyclists completed their route, they brought the document back to the shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Brezje, where it was received by the rector of the Franciscan monastery, Father Robert Bahčič. He signed the list himself and addressed the pilgrims with encouraging words about hope and love for Jesus Christ.

On June 27, 2026, Slovenia marked the Day of Courage, Unity, and Defense of Statehood, commemorating the ten-day war for independence that began on this date in 1991. The conflict, triggered by the attack of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) against Slovenia, was a pivotal moment in the country's history. It tested the resolve and unity of the Slovenian nation, ultimately leading to the successful defense of sovereignty by the Territorial Defence and police forces. Today, the memory of this struggle remains central to national identity, with regular ceremonies honoring those who lost their lives during the war.

According to official records, 76 people lost their lives during the ten-day war. Among these were 19 members of the Slovenian armed forces, including 12 soldiers and six police officers. On the Slovenian side, the fallen included Policists Marijan Dobovičnik, Bojan Štih, Stanislav Strašek, Franc Šoster, Robert Erjavec, and Željko Erjavec. From the Territorial Defence, the casualties were Edvard Peperko, Peter Petrič, Jernej Molan, Franc Uršič, Stanislav Požar, Vinko Repnik, Dejan Bizjak, Miroslav Moljk, Bojan Čakš, Andrej Prelog, Darko Ružič, and Leopold Tuš. Additionally, 45 members of the JNA and 12 foreign citizens, including journalists and civilians, were also killed.

The commemoration of this day serves as a reminder of the high cost of freedom and the importance of maintaining the values of unity, responsibility, and belonging upon which the Slovenian state was built. Events such as the pilgrimage undertaken by the "Romarji upanja" reinforce these principles, linking historical struggles with contemporary efforts to promote peace and international cooperation. These initiatives highlight the enduring legacy of Slovenia’s fight for independence and its ongoing commitment to fostering harmony both within the nation and beyond its borders.