Archbishop Zore blessed the restored bell tower on Vrzdence

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, Bishop Stanislav Zore of Ljubljana blessed the restored bell tower of the chapel of Saint Cancian in Vrzdenec near Horjul. The ceremony took place within the context of a blessing service and marked the 20th anniversary of the purchase of new bronze bells. During the event, the local patron of the arts, Janez Smrekar, was honored. The restoration project began on April 9 with the installation of a scaffold. Masonry and fresco work were carried out in May, followed by restoration efforts including painting the seams of the bell tower. The restoration team repaired and expanded the lightning rod on the bell tower, replaced the cross bearer and cross, gilded four small and one large bell casing, repainted the entire church facade and all windows, and partially restored the seams on the church walls. Restoration work concluded by the end of July. A bulletin featuring photographs documenting events at the church over the past 30 years was also released. The restoration process included meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that historical elements were preserved while modernizing necessary components. The scaffolding was erected in early spring, allowing access to the upper parts of the bell tower. By mid-May, masons had begun working on the stone structure, repairing cracks and reinforcing weak areas. Fresco artists focused on restoring the painted seams, which had deteriorated over time due to weather exposure. The restoration team also worked on the structural integrity of the bell tower, replacing damaged parts such as the cross bearer and cross. The bell casings were carefully gilded, adding both aesthetic value and protection against corrosion. The church's exterior was repainted, giving it a fresh appearance, while the windows were cleaned and restored to their former clarity. Additional work included partial repairs to the seams on the church walls, ensuring stability and preventing further damage. These efforts culminated in the completion of the restoration by late July, just before the official blessing ceremony. Bishop Stanislav Zore delivered reflections during the ceremony, drawing inspiration from the writings of Slovenian literary figure Ivan Cankar. He spoke about the significance of the name Vrzdenec, which evokes images of a hilltop village with a church standing tall under the morning sun. Cankar’s description of his mother pointing towards the village from a high place resonated with Zore, who connected it to themes of maternal love and spiritual guidance. He emphasized how the name Vrzdenec brings to mind the warmth of a mother’s voice, the beauty of nature, and the deep connection between the earth and the heavens. Zore highlighted the symbolic importance of the bell tower, noting that its identity is intrinsically linked to the bells themselves. Without the bells, he suggested, the structure would merely be a tower, potentially serving other purposes such as defense or observation. However, once the bells are hung, the tower transforms into a symbol of faith, community, and continuity. The sound of the bells, he explained, has the power to awaken a sense of depth within individuals, connecting them to the eternal and the present moment simultaneously. The bishop also underscored the role of the Church of Saint Cancian in Vrzdenec as a central element of the local community. It is not only a sacred monument and a valuable part of cultural heritage but also the heart of the village, uniting residents through prayer, celebration, and daily life. Its rich history and carefully preserved legacy bind the community to a shared responsibility of stewardship and respect for the past. This commitment ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from this cherished inheritance. The restoration project involved collaboration among various stakeholders, including local authorities, religious leaders, and preservation experts. Their combined efforts ensured that the restoration met both historical standards and contemporary safety requirements. The completed work reflects a balance between honoring tradition and adapting to modern needs, preserving the architectural and artistic integrity of the site while making it functional and accessible for future use. The blessing ceremony served as a culmination of these efforts, marking the successful completion of the restoration and reaffirming the community’s dedication to maintaining its cultural and spiritual heritage.