A monument that enriches and connects us: 100 years of the Chapel of Mary of the Snows in Jaseně

A hundred years ago, in the heart of the Jasenje Valley, a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as Marija Snežna, was consecrated. The structure, built by theologians from Ljubljana’s Theological Faculty in 1926, stands today as a symbol of faith, history, and community connection. Located within the Martuljške Mountains, the chapel has endured centuries of change, wars, and cultural shifts while remaining a cherished spiritual and cultural landmark. The origins of the chapel trace back to 1924, when its initial wooden hut, later transformed into a chapel, was constructed. It was part of a broader effort by professors from the Theological Faculty to find a serene location for retreats and reflection, one that would allow them to experience divine beauty amidst nature. The choice fell upon the Jasenje Valley, nestled between the first and second peaks of the Martuljške Mountains, just a short walk from Gozda Martuljka. Two years later, the chapel was completed, offering a quiet space for worship and contemplation. During World War II, the Nazi forces destroyed the hut, though they left the chapel untouched. After the war, the professors, with the help of Father Franca Saleškega Finžgar, managed to secure permission from the new authorities to expand the chapel and add a living area. This allowed the faculty members to continue their tradition of retreats, reinforcing the site's role as both a place of religious significance and a hub for academic life. In 1954, Father Finžgar celebrated his episcopal mass in the chapel, attended by Bishop Anton Vovk of Ljubljana, marking another milestone in the chapel’s history. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the chapel’s blessing, celebrated on Sunday, August 8, with a solemn mass led by retired bishop Andrej Glavan of Novo Mesto. In his homily, Glavan highlighted the historical ties between the chapel and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, known as Santa Maria Maggiore. He recounted the legend from the fifth century, which tells of snow falling on one of the seven hills of Rome on August 5, interpreted by Pope Liberius as a sign to build a new church in honor of the Virgin Mary. Today, pilgrims still visit this basilica, and the story continues to inspire devotion throughout the Slovenian mountains. The chapel, often referred to as Finžgarjeva Kapela by locals, has become more than just a place of worship. Its walls bear witness to generations of visitors who have found solace in its peaceful setting. Among its many features, the chapel houses two notable artworks: a colorful stained-glass window created by artist Veselka Šorli Puc in 1990, depicting stylized mountain roses and the Virgin’s monogram, and a large painting of the Virgin Mary by artist Tomaž Perko from 2017. The artwork includes depictions of the white summits of the Martuljške Mountains and the green forests of the Jasenje Valley, echoing the purity and grace of the Virgin’s attire. In recent years, the chapel has also been the subject of local efforts to preserve and enhance its legacy. A monument honoring those who suffered during wartime was erected nearby by the Forest Authority of Martuljek, designed by architect Marjan Ocvirk. This tribute, along with ongoing maintenance and beautification efforts by Jožica Perne from Brezovica, ensures that the chapel remains a vibrant part of the region’s heritage. Today, the chapel is cared for by Dr. Janez Gril, former editor of Družina and current Novo Mesto parish priest, following the stewardship of Dr. Janez Oraž, a long-time theology professor and dean. The chapel continues to serve as a beacon of faith and cultural identity, connecting people through shared reverence and the enduring power of belief. As the sun sets over the Jasenje Valley, the chapel stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and the timeless call to seek peace and meaning in the world around us.