The First Gorizia Archbishop Karel Mihael Count Attems (1711—1774) and the Slovenes

Abstract

Foundation of the Gorizia Archidiocese (1751—1752) is a significant event in the history of the Slovene nation, because the population in the districts under its jurisdietion (Carniola, Slovene Styria, South Carinthia, Gorizia) was mostly Slovene. This very fact, being of special importance for the history of the territory because of the institutional, social and cultural significance of the Church, reflects in the personality and activity of the first Gorizia archbishop K. M. Attems (1752—1774). As Attems was aware of the fact of his being the bishop of Slovene districts he advanced the use of the Slovene language in delivering sermons and at the catechesis — he himself knew the Slovene language very well, he also advanced the Slovene position at the theological seminary (founded in 1757), as well as in other fields of ecclesiastic life. Also a part of the religious press in Slovene is connected with his pastoral directions.