Location at Mengsh: 500th anniversary of the branch church of St. Primoz and Felician

Loka pri Mengšu celebrated the 500th anniversary of its parish church of Saint Primus and Felician with a solemn and joyous feast day Mass on Sunday, August 2nd. The event took place under scorching summer conditions, with temperatures well above 30 degrees Celsius, yet hundreds of faithful locals, including residents of Loka and Mengš, gathered both inside and outside the church to participate in the religious ceremony. The church, located just outside the village of Loka, has long been a central part of community life, serving as a spiritual anchor for generations. The celebration began around 10:00 AM, drawing crowds who had journeyed from nearby villages and towns. The atmosphere was one of reverence and festivity, with many attendees dressed in traditional attire, reflecting the deep cultural significance of the occasion. The mass was led by Bishop Stanislav Zore, who blessed the newly restored church, marking a milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve the historic site. Alongside him were local priests, including Father Marko Košir, the parish priest of Mengš, and Father Marko Pajk, a pastoral assistant, along with numerous lay volunteers and members of the community who played a key role in organizing the event. The restoration work on the church, which included roof repairs, interior renovations, and new lighting installations, was highlighted during the service. Local craftsmen and artisans contributed significantly to these efforts, with notable contributions from master builders such as Tomaz Lipovšek, who oversaw the installation of the new roof, and Janez and Nejc Stopar, who renovated the interior. Rado Pestotnik was responsible for the electrical upgrades, ensuring modern functionality while maintaining the historical integrity of the structure. The event also featured a special thanksgiving from Branka Potočnik, a representative of the local community, who expressed gratitude to God for the continued care of the church over centuries. She emphasized the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations, noting how the church has remained a symbol of faith and unity throughout the years. Her words resonated with the congregation, many of whom have spent their lives contributing to the upkeep of the sacred space. In addition to the religious ceremonies, the day included musical performances by the local choir "Rž," led by Andrej Ropas, who has dedicated two decades to the group’s activities. The choir’s performance added a vibrant cultural dimension to the festivities, complementing the spiritual essence of the day. The event also featured a communal meal prepared by the villagers, offering refreshments to all attendees, ensuring that everyone could partake in the celebration without concern for hunger or thirst. Throughout the day, the church stood as a beacon of history and devotion, surrounded by fields that stretch towards the south-western edge of Loka. Attendees moved through the crowd with smiles and reverence, taking time to admire the beauty of the restored building. The event served as a tribute to past generations, whose dedication to the church laid the foundation for today's celebrations. As the sun set, the community reflected on the enduring legacy of faith and tradition that continues to bind them together.