A word on reconciliation: The Revolution of Love by Bogdan Vidmar

A cultural initiative titled "Revolution of Love," launched by the late priest Bogdan Vidmar, has sparked renewed interest in fostering cross-border cooperation between Slovenia and Italy along the Istrian coast. The project, rooted in historical tensions and recent diplomatic efforts, aims to bridge centuries-old divides through shared cultural and religious endeavors. Vidmar's work centered around the European Capital of Culture (EPC) designation, which brought Gorizia and Nova Gorica together under a common vision of unity and collaboration. His legacy continues to influence local communities, with the establishment of the Zavod 1539, a foundation dedicated to promoting culture, humanism, and religion in the region. The history of the area dates back centuries, marked by the interaction between Slavic and Romance cultures. Over time, this unique blend of traditions was shaped by the protection of the patriarchate of Aquileia and the Virgin Mary. Pilgrimage routes to the Virgin have long connected these regions, including sites such as Sveti Višarji, Porčinja, Stara Gora near Čedad, Marijino Celje above the Canal, Sveta Gora above Gorica, Kostanjevica near Gorica, Marija Oberšljanska near Komna, Barbana, Strunjana, and Trsat. However, the 19th century saw the rise of nationalism alongside the liberalization of nations and the gradual removal of God from personal and social life. This process reached its peak in the 20th century, with collectivism reinforcing individualism and national interests, leading to both world wars and the Cold War. Following World War I, the coastal areas were assigned to Italy, resulting in two decades of fascist policies aimed at erasing Slovenian identity. Educational reforms introduced by Gentilie removed the Slovenian language from schools, forcing teachers to relocate or flee. Local societies were dissolved, and Slovenian cooperatives faced persecution. Historical records indicate that Italians caused approximately twenty deaths on the Primorska region during this period. After Italy’s surrender in September 1943, German forces occupied parts of Gorizia and Trieste. By the end of World War II, partisans took control of Trieste and Gorizia between May 1 and June 12, 1945. During this time, authorities carried out a purge in Gorizia, leaving nearly 900 bodies in the woods without trial. Italy became a democratic and capitalist republic after the war, while Slovenia experimented with "people's democracy." Economic disparities grew, with capitalism flourishing and socialism faltering. Despite these changes, the sense of rivalry persisted, not solely due to fascism and communism, but because of the deep-seated animosity between the two nations. A rule emerged: all Italians were considered fascists, and all Slavs were viewed as communists. Over time, relations began to warm. In 1955, the Vienna Agreement partially opened borders for limited trade, followed by the Osimo Agreements in 1975. Slovenia’s accession to the EU in 2004 and the removal of border controls in 2007 further eased tensions. Both cities, Gorizia and Nova Gorica, recognized the importance of mutual engagement. In 2011, they established the Euroregion Gorizia, and in 2019, they decided on a joint candidacy for the EPC 2025. The EPC designation truly brought the two cities closer, with both mayors actively participating in every event. Public and private institutions, associations, volunteers, youth, and even the Church contributed to the effort. In this spirit of cooperation and partnership, Bogdan Vidmar worked on the Gorizia region. Sent by the Bishop of Koper in 2021 specifically to involve the Church in the EPC activities, he organized a church committee for the EPC, which later evolved into the Zavod 1539, Institute for Cultural Development, Humanism, and Religion. Both Franciscan monasteries in Gorizia successfully participated in tenders, with Sveta Gora organizing the "Gorican Camino" pilgrimage route from Aquileia to Mount Saint Mary, and the Franciscan monastery at Kostanjevica-Kapela with the "Wine of Peace" wine festival. The bishop’s tender sought to attract participants who would contribute to the region’s cultural and spiritual revival.