Vladimir Kozin: Witnessing Communism as I Know It [4]

Vladimir Kozina, a former student and later a participant in the activities of the Slovenian exiles in Austria during the immediate aftermath of World War II, recounted his experiences in a detailed account titled Komunizem, kot ga jaz poznam. The narrative centers around a religious ceremony held in Anras near Lienz on May 31, 1945, which marked a pivotal moment in the spiritual life of the community. During this event, the bishop Dr. Gregorij Rožman led a procession carrying the Most Holy Body of Christ, accompanied by canon Dr. Janez Kraljič and other figures. Kozina described the solemn atmosphere and the emotional weight carried by the participants, particularly noting the somber demeanor of the bishop after receiving troubling news. The ceremony took place shortly after the liberation of Slovenia from Nazi occupation. As part of the religious observance, the community gathered for a procession, followed by a celebration of the Most Holy Body of Christ. Kozina noted that the bishop was in close proximity to the congregation, walking ahead of him, while the canon Kraljič stood beside Mr. Zajc, dressed in a grey raincoat. The bishop’s face appeared troubled, and Kozina observed his visible distress. This moment set the tone for the unfolding events, which would soon involve more than just religious reflection. Following the service, Kozina learned from the bishop that the last group of displaced persons had been returned to Slovenia. This revelation came after the bishop and others had delivered a message from Vetrinja, a location associated with the exile community. The information brought a sense of finality to their prolonged stay abroad, yet it also underscored the ongoing challenges faced by those who had sought refuge. The bishop, visibly shaken, shared the news with the congregation, though he did not elaborate further. In the days following the ceremony, Kozina and fellow students began distributing a newspaper called Slovenec v Tirolah, printed at a local print shop. The publication aimed to keep the Slovenian diaspora informed and connected. The paper featured contributions from notable figures such as academic Ciril Skebe, whose artistic talents adorned its pages. One of the early issues included a letter from the bishop, responding to statements made by Boris Kidrič at a congress in Ljubljana. This act demonstrated the bishop's commitment to maintaining cultural and political ties among the exiled Slovenians. Throughout this period, the bishop remained actively engaged with the community. On Sundays, families in Anras gathered at the Church of Saint Anthony for regular meetings. The bishop participated in these gatherings, offering spiritual guidance and support. Kozina recalled how the bishop would lead processions, often accompanied by a student who transcribed his prayers. These handwritten reflections were later typed onto matrices and distributed widely, including through the Slovenec v Tirolah publication. One such document, titled Križev pot z Marijo, became a cherished piece of religious literature within the community. Kozina also documented the bishop’s efforts to communicate directly with the Vatican. He recalled that the bishop had written a letter in Latin to Pope Pius XII, requesting the acceptance of his resignation as bishop of Ljubljana. Although the bishop entrusted the letter to Canon Kraljič for delivery across the border to Rome, Kozina lamented that he had not preserved a copy of the original text. Despite this loss, the gesture symbolized the bishop’s deep connection to both his faith and his homeland. These accounts provide a vivid glimpse into the complex interplay of religion, politics, and personal experience during a transformative era in Slovenian history. Through Kozina’s recollections, we see the enduring role of faith in shaping identity and resilience amid displacement and uncertainty.