Anton Martin Slomšek, bishop (1800–1862)

Biography

Slovenian bishop, educator and promoter of Christian unity, Antón Martín Slomšek evangelized through preaching, culture and the training of the clergy. Ordained in 1824, he served for years as parish priest and spiritual director before being named bishop. He promoted popular missions, retreats, associations and religious books; He defended the Slovenian language and promoted accessible schools for the people. He moved the episcopal see to Maribor and worked for a better pastoral organization. He was also a pioneer of ecumenism in central Europe, convinced that social renewal had to begin with hearts formed in Christ.