30 maš za mučence: Sveta maša za vse slovenske mučence [FOTO]

On July 3rd, a solemn mass was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, dedicated to 26 individuals who were victims of communist violence during the 20th century. This mass marked the continuation of a series of thirty special masses organized under the initiative "Vseposvojitev," which has been holding these services on the first Fridays of each month since last year. The event took place at the Franciscan monastery of Tromostovje, where the service was led by Father Miran Špelič, a Franciscan friar. A vocal ensemble called Žeklice accompanied the ceremony, performing music under the artistic direction of Miha Zupanč Kovač. This was the twenty-eighth such mass in the series, aimed at praying for the beatification of these individuals, many of whom have already been recognized as martyrs by the Catholic Church.

The initiative "Vseposvojitev" has been organizing these masses as part of a broader effort to bring attention to the suffering of those who died due to political persecution. The thirty masses are intended to pray for the beatification of all Slovenian martyrs, including both those who have already been declared blessed and those still undergoing the process. The organizers believe that these prayers can help highlight the historical injustices suffered by these individuals and their families, while also seeking spiritual healing and reconciliation for the nation.

Currently, there are thirteen ongoing processes within the Catholic Church aimed at recognizing 67 candidates for sainthood. According to church doctrine, someone is considered a martyr when they were killed because of their faith or religious conviction, without seeking death themselves. Once officially recognized as a martyr, the person becomes known as a blessed, and later, after canonization, as a saint. For beatification, a miracle is not required, as the act of martyrdom itself is seen as the highest form of witness to faith. However, for canonization, a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate is typically needed.

Among the recognized martyrs are Blessed Lojze Grozde, who was declared blessed in 2010 following approval from Pope Benedict XVI, and the Drinska Martyrs, a group of women who were persecuted during World War II. These include Slovenian sisters Maria Krizina Bojanc and Maria Antonia Fabjan, along with other women from different backgrounds. They were officially declared blessed in September 2011 in Sarajevo.

The current process of gathering evidence and evaluating the cases of 26 additional candidates is being handled by postulator Dr. Metod Benedik. These individuals, including priests, teachers, and laypeople, are still being considered as potential saints, with their stories and lives being examined for signs of martyrdom. Their names include Lambert Ehrlich, Alojzij Breznik, Franc Cvar, Anica Drobnič, Placid Grebenc, Srečko Huth, Franc Kek, Janko Komljanec, Franc Kramarič, Franc Nahtigal, Marica Nartnik, Ivanka Novak-Škrabec, Valentin Oblak, Jakob Omahna, Janez Pavčič, Antonija Premrov, Ivan Anton Salmič, Lenart Velikonja, Anton Murgelj, Alojzij Murgelj, Jaroslav Kikelj, Matej Krof, Ignacij Nadrah, Bernard Štuhec, Emil Kete, and Veronika Lestan.

In addition to these, the preliminary phase of the beatification process is also underway for the case of Father Filip Terčelj, a priest from the coastal region who was born in 1892 and murdered in 1946. However, this process is progressing slowly due to a lack of organized promotion for his cause.

The beatification process for some of these individuals has already reached certain stages. For example, the case of Halas has been submitted to the appropriate congregation for further review.

The event was attended by Roman Bider, the leader of the "Vseposvojitev" initiative, who spoke about the dual nature of humanity—its capacity for great cruelty but also for unwavering commitment to values such as faith, truth, motherhood, and homeland. She emphasized the need to remember and honor those who suffered for their beliefs, calling them a hidden treasure left behind by the martyrs of Slovenia. Bider encouraged people to uncover this legacy, believing it could inspire future generations.

Father Miran Špelič, the celebrant of the mass, reflected on the story of Saint Thomas, who was initially doubted for his lack of faith. He drew parallels between Thomas's journey to belief and the gradual recognition of the suffering of Slovenian martyrs. He shared personal stories about his uncles, one of whom was a partisan and two others were defenders of the country. These stories, he said, had long been ignored, but now they are beginning to emerge into public consciousness.

The mass served as a reminder of the need for peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Father Špelič urged attendees to share the painful histories of these martyrs, just as the apostles shared their experiences of seeing Jesus. By doing so, he believed, people could move closer to healing and redemption. He concluded by asking for Christ’s touch and grace, emphasizing that the suffering of the martyrs should not be forgotten, but rather used as a path toward spiritual renewal.