"The only good is the truth": Archbishop Zore at the celebration of 30 Masses for Slovenian martyrs and their victims
On September 5, 2026, Archbishop Stanislav Zore led the final of 30 'sveti maš' (liturgical commemorations) for Slovenian martyrs and their victims of communist violence during a Good Friday service at Franciscan Church on Tromostovje in Ljubljana. The event was organized by the movement 'Vseposvojitev,' which has been advocating for personal adoption of all victims of World War II and post-war persecutions since 2014. Zore emphasized the brutal reality of these individuals' lives, noting that their lives were taken rather than freely given, and stressed the importance of truth ('resnica') over embellishment. He criticized common language used to describe the martyrs' sacrifices, arguing that such phrasing often obscures the violent nature of their deaths. Zore highlighted the resilience of faith among the victims, stating that despite physical persecution, their innermost beliefs could not be taken away. The ceremony concluded with prayers for both the victims and their perpetrators, aiming to foster internal peace within the nation.
A series of 30 Masses for Slovenian martyrs and their victims will conclude with a solemn celebration on Friday, September 4, at 7:00 PM in the Franciscan Church of Tromostovje in Ljubljana. This final Mass, part of the initiative Vseposvojitev, will be led by Archbishop Stanislav Zore, who will deliver a homily reflecting on the lives of those who suffered under communist violence. A book titled Ker ljubezen ne pozablja (For Love Does Not Forget) will be presented during the service, detailing the stories of the martyrs, candidates for canonization, who were persecuted for their faith. The choir Tromostovje will perform, and Gregor Čušin will present the liturgical text. The initiative began in April 2024 with a Mass dedicated to Lambert Ehrlich, a Koroška-based priest and prominent figure in Catholic education and national movements. Over the following months, additional Masses were held for other martyrs, including Alojz Breznik, Franz Cvár, Anica Drobnič, Placidus Grebenec, Srecko Huth, Franz Kek, Jan Komljanc, Franc Kramarič, Franc Nahtigal, Marica Nartnik, Ivanka Škrabec Novak, Valentin Oblak, Jakob Omah, Janez Pavčič, Sister Carmelite-Antonia Premrov, Ivan Salmič, Lenart Velikonja, Jaroslav Kiklja, Anton Murgl, Alojz Murgl, Matej Kof, Ignac Nadrah, Bernard Štuhec, Emil Ketej, and Veronika Lestan. Each Mass was dedicated to individuals whose commitment to the Catholic faith and pastoral work cost them their lives. In addition to these specific commemorations, three Masses were held for the broader cause of the beatification process, one for all known Slovenian martyrs, another for unknown martyrs, and the final one for both the martyrs and their victims. Historians have noted that many of these individuals were killed due to their religious beliefs and activities, often under brutal conditions. Archbishop Zore emphasized the importance of truth in his homily, quoting the late academic Andrej Capudra’s assertion that “the only good thing is truth.” He highlighted how the language used to describe these events can affect our understanding of the suffering endured. He pointed out that referring to martyrs as having “given” their lives can give the impression of voluntary sacrifice, whereas the reality was that their lives were taken from them through violence and persecution. Despite this, he stressed that the faith of these individuals remained unshaken, even in the face of death. The initiative Vseposvojitev, which has been active since 2014, aims to promote personal adoption of all victims of World War II and subsequent atrocities. Through these Masses, the community has been reminded of the human cost of historical violence and the enduring legacy of those who stood firm in their beliefs. The final Mass serves as a culmination of this effort, offering prayers for both the victims and those responsible for their suffering, in pursuit of reconciliation and healing. Romana Bider, the founder of the initiative, expressed gratitude for the support received throughout the year, noting that the initial donation of €750 had inspired a broader movement. She acknowledged the challenges faced in organizing the Masses, particularly in ensuring attendance, but emphasized the positive response from communities across Slovenia. Many priests and parishioners participated actively, bringing families and friends to the services. The initiative brought together people from different regions of Slovenia, highlighting the country's deep sense of faith and dedication to remembering its history. The final Mass concluded with a prayer for all victims and their perpetrators, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and unity. It marked the end of a journey that sought to honor the memory of those who suffered and to foster a deeper understanding of the past.
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The article discusses the initiative '30 Svetih Maš Za Mučence Med Slovenci,' which took place in Ljubljana's Franciscan Church during September. This event was part of efforts to recognize 26 Slovenian women and men who were victims of communist revolution as martyrs in the process of being declared blessed. The final of these 30 masses was held on September 4th, featuring a large number of faithful attendees, including the Ljubljana Archbishop Stanislav Zore, who led the mass. The article highlights the publication of a book titled 'Ker ljubezen ne pozablja' by Roman Bider, which includes poems by Gregor Čušin and short biographies of candidates for sainthood. The book was presented at the end of the initiative, with contributions from various individuals and institutions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of religious initiatives related to recognizing martyrs under communism, focusing on cultural and spiritual aspects rather than overt political advocacy. It reports on church activities, historical context, and the publication of a book, without taking a clear
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the event of the final of 30 holy masses held for the beatification of 26 Slovenian martyrs, including details such as the location (Tromostovje Franciscan church in Ljubljana), the date (September 4th), and the involvement of Archbishop Stanislav Zore. It also mention
Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a generally neutral tone but includes some emotionally charged phrases like 'pretresljiva pesem' (shocking poem) and 'pričevanja mučencev ne smejo utoniti v pozabi' (testimonies of the martyrs should not be forgotten). While these phrases reflect the solemn nature of the event,
Radio OgnjiščeParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 809/5/2026
On September 5, 2026, Archbishop Stanislav Zore led the final of 30 'sveti maš' (liturgical commemorations) for Slovenian martyrs and their victims of communist violence during a Good Friday service at Franciscan Church on Tromostovje in Ljubljana. The event was organized by the movement 'Vseposvojitev,' which has been advocating for personal adoption of all victims of World War II and post-war persecutions since 2014. Zore emphasized the brutal reality of these individuals' lives, noting that their lives were taken rather than freely given, and stressed the importance of truth ('resnica') over embellishment. He criticized common language used to describe the martyrs' sacrifices, arguing that such phrasing often obscures the violent nature of their deaths. Zore highlighted the resilience of faith among the victims, stating that despite physical persecution, their innermost beliefs could not be taken away. The ceremony concluded with prayers for both the victims and their perpetrators, aiming to foster internal peace within the nation.
Bias read (Center): While the subject involves historical political conflict (communist persecution), the article does not take a partisan stance. It presents religious and moral reflections without overt ideological leaning. The framing focuses on theological and ethical considerations rather than political advocacy,雖
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the event described in the primary source document, including the location, date, and purpose of the final mass. It reflects the content of the homily by Bishop Zore, particularly his emphasis on 'only truth' and the distinction between true and false narratives. The a
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains respectful and reverent, focusing on the solemn nature of the event and the significance of remembering the victims. While there is some emotional language ('how hard it is for us together'), the overall presentation is balanced and does not show clear bias toward any particular vie
The article describes a religious ceremony held at the Franciscan Church on Tromostovje in Ljubljani, marking the final of 30 'maš' (processions) organized by the movement Vseposvojitev for Slovenian martyrs, victims of communist persecution. The event focused on praying for the victims and their families, with speeches emphasizing compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of truth. The ceremony was attended by both those present in person and those watching via television broadcast. The article highlights the emotional weight of remembering these historical figures and the moral lessons drawn from their lives, as well as the call for genuine empathy rather than superficial gestures.
Bias read (Center): While the subject involves historical political persecution under communism, which is a charged issue, the article does not take a clear ideological stance. It presents the event as a religious and moral reflection, focusing on themes of remembrance, compassion, and truth. The framing remains non-ju
Why factuality (80): This article provides accurate information about the event, including the location, participants, and the role of the Vseposvojitev initiative. It includes quotes from both Roman Bider and Bishop Zore, reflecting the core message of the homily. However, it cuts off mid-sentence in the description of
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a respectful and balanced tone, presenting the event and its significance without overt bias. It includes quotes from multiple sources and acknowledges the challenges faced during the initiative. The language is appropriately formal and avoids emotionally charged expressions, m
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