Blessed Anton Martin Slomšek (26 November 1800 – 24 September 1862) was a Slovene Roman Catholic clergyman who served as the Bishop of Lavant from 1846 until his passing. Renowned as an author, poet, and fervent supporter of Slovenian culture, his commitment to his nation's heritage marked his life. Beginning as a humble parish priest, his elevation to bishop only intensified his patriotic fervor. He ardently promoted literacy and education, even establishing schools and composing textbooks for them. His advocacy extended to ecumenism, actively seeking dialogue with other faiths, notably the Eastern Orthodox Church. The process toward his beatification commenced in the 1930s with formal petitions, culminating in the beatification ceremony presided over by Pope John Paul II on 19 September 1999 in Maribor.

Anton Martin Slomšek - Wikipedia