September 24—Bl. Anton Martin Slomšek, Bishop

*

Can a Catholic be a patriot? Remembering that we are but travelers to our heavenly home, we are still members of civil society. True patriots love their country and work to make it a land of justice and truth, of service and compassion to all. Such was today’s saint, Bl. Anton Martin Slomšek, bishop of Lavant, in present-day Slovenia. In his day, Bl. Slomšek’s land was part of the Austrian Empire. Nonetheless, he was a patriot for the Slovenian people and culture. 

 Pope St. John Paul II, in his beatification homily, stated: “The new blessed was also motivated by deep sentiments of patriotism. He was concerned for the Slovenian language, called for appropriate social reforms, promoted a higher level of national culture and did all he could to have his people occupy an honorable place in the concert of other European nations. And he did this without ever yielding to sentiments of short-sighted nationalism or selfish opposition to the aspirations of neighboring peoples. 

“The new blessed is offered to you as a model of true patriotism. His projects left a decisive mark on your people's future and made an important contribution to the achievement of independence. In turning my gaze to the beloved region of the Balkans, unfortunately scarred in recent years by conflict and violence, extreme forms of nationalism, cruel ethnic cleansing and wars between peoples and cultures, I would like to call everyone's attention to the witness of this new blessed. He shows that it is possible to be sincere patriots and with equal sincerity to coexist and cooperate with people of other nationalities, other cultures and other religions. May his example and especially his intercession obtain solidarity and genuine peace for all the peoples of this vast area of Europe.” Bl. Anton, help us to be true patriots. Amen.

*Artist Joze Kramberger https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/24/saint-of-the-day-24-september-blessed-anton-martin-slomsek-1800-1862/