The new bronze bells have sounded in Tupalica.

In the village of Tupaliči, located within the Parish of Preddvor, a historic moment took place on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The church of Saint Clement, one of the oldest churches in the parish, welcomed three new bronze bells into its restored bell tower. This event marked a significant milestone for the local community, as well as for the preservation of religious heritage and cultural identity in the region.

The installation of the new bells followed extensive restoration work on the bell tower, which had been in need of renovation due to the aging condition of the previous iron bells. These older bells, having served faithfully for over a century, were deemed too loud and unsuitable for continued use. The decision to replace them was driven by both practical considerations and a desire to honor the long-standing tradition associated with the church. The new bronze bells were purchased in Germany last year and transported from Bremerhaven, where they were carefully stored until the ceremony.

Each of the new bells carries symbolic significance and has been dedicated to a specific patron saint. The largest bell, weighing 1,253 kilograms and measuring 131 centimeters in diameter, bears the inscription "I am the beginning and the end" and is dedicated to Saint Clement, the patron saint of the church. It is tuned to the note E¹. The middle-sized bell, weighing 598 kilograms and measuring 99 centimeters in diameter, features the inscription "God is love" and is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Snow, the patron of a side altar. Tuned to A¹, this bell complements the larger one in sound. The smallest bell, weighing 414 kilograms and measuring 88 centimeters in diameter, is inscribed with "You have been redeemed at a great price" and is dedicated to Saint Jerome, the patron of another side altar. It is tuned to B¹.

The project to restore the bell tower and install the new bells was carried out by several companies, including KRN d.o.o., Janez Moškrič s.p., and Dominik Malovrh s.p. The initiative was partially funded by municipal grants allocated for the restoration of cultural monuments in the years 2025 and 2026, along with voluntary contributions from local residents and donors. This collaborative effort ensured that the historical and spiritual legacy of the church would continue to be preserved for future generations.

Following the installation of the bells, a procession was held, culminating in a solemn mass led by Apostolic Nuncio to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Archbishop Dr. Mitja Leskovar. The mass was celebrated by the local priest, Father Pavel Okoliš, and spiritual assistant Father Janez Modic from Šenčur. During the service, the committee responsible for the bells delivered a report, the mayor gave a speech, and the local priest expressed gratitude. The ceremony concluded with a thanksgiving song, after which the newly installed bells rang for the first time, marking the occasion with joy and reverence among the attendees.

Archbishop Leskovar emphasized that the new bells should always ring in honor of God and bring joy to the people, rather than signaling anything negative. He highlighted their role in preserving the memory of ancestors who built and maintained the Church of Saint Clement throughout the centuries, ensuring that its rich spiritual inheritance remains alive. The ringing of the bells symbolizes continuity, connecting past generations with the present and future.

Meanwhile, in another part of the country, the volunteer fire department in Mavčiče received a new fire truck, marking a significant upgrade for emergency services in the area. On Saturday, the department officially accepted the new vehicle, which replaces a thirty-year-old fire engine. The new fire truck, equipped with additional tools for interventions, has a water capacity of ten thousand liters and represents a major investment for the community. The total cost of the vehicle and its equipment exceeds 360,000 euros, with funding coming from the city of Kranj, the Firefighters' Association of Kranj, and local donations. The head of the fire department, Albin Toni, expressed his appreciation for all those who contributed to the acquisition, emphasizing the importance of the new vehicle in enhancing safety for the local population and beyond.

The fire department's success in competitions organized by the Firefighters' Association of Kranj further underscores its commitment to excellence. In recent competitions, thirteen teams from Mavčiče achieved nine first-place finishes, one second-place finish, and three third-place finishes, qualifying them for regional-level contests. Looking ahead, the department aims to complete the construction of a firehouse and gradually modernize its remaining intervention vehicles. Plans are also underway for future funding initiatives aimed at acquiring new fire trucks for other local fire departments in the coming decade.