Centenary of the Chapel of Mary of the Snows

On August 16, 2026, the centenary celebration of the chapel of Mary Snowdrop on Mount Jasenje was marked by a solemn mass attended by clergy and local residents. The event took place on Saturday, with the mass led by retired Bishop Andrej Glavan of Novo Mesto. The ceremony commemorated the 100th anniversary of the founding and blessing of the chapel, which stands on the slopes of Mount Jasenje above Gozd and Martuljek. The location lies approximately one thousand meters above sea level, surrounded by the Martuljške Mountains. The idea for establishing the chapel and cottage dates back nearly a century, originating in the early twentieth century. The initiative was spearheaded by theologians who were students at the Faculty of Theology in Ljubljana. Inspired by the liturgical movement sweeping through Europe at the time, they sought a quiet, scenic spot where they could experience divine beauty and closeness to God. After visiting several locations, they ultimately chose Mount Jasenje, known for its serene and picturesque setting. A letter dated July 30, 1954, written by Fran Saleški Finžgar, provides insight into the origins of the chapel. In this correspondence, he informed the Local People's Committee (Internal Affairs Department) in Radovljica that he planned to hold a religious service on August 5, 1954, marking the sixtieth anniversary of his private chapel near his cottage in Jasenje, located beside Ako, above Martuljek. He mentioned that he would be accompanied by several comrades, though he did not specify the number. The letter notes that the service would be modest and quiet, open only to a few people from Gozd, although none were formally invited. It does not mention the attendance of Archbishop Anton Vovk, nor does it refer to the presence of other notable figures such as Dr. Janez Oražem and Rudi Robič, who later recounted that many people attended the event. Dr. Janez Gril, the caretaker of the chapel, compiled key historical data into a small book titled 100 Years of the Chapel of Mary Snowdrop in Jasenje. This book was distributed during the commemorative mass, serving as a tribute to the occasion. According to Gril, the theologians constructed the cottage in 1924 and the chapel two years later. The land for both structures was rented from farmers Cirar and Kotnik of Gozd-Martuljek. The architectural plans were drawn by architecture student Ivan Vurnik. Initially, the buildings stood separately, about 200 meters apart. The theologians used the cottage for retreats during the summer months and held services in the chapel. In 1942, the theologians last stayed in the cottage for their summer retreats. However, due to the war, they were unable to return after that. In 1944, German forces burned down the cottage, while the chapel remained undamaged until the end of the war. The choice of Mary Snowdrop as the patron saint of the chapel is rooted in tradition and symbolism. Many chapels in mountainous regions are dedicated to Mary Snowdrop, whose feast day falls on August 5. As Bishop Andrej Glavan explained, “What name could be more fitting for a chapel nestled among the mountains than that of Mary Snowdrop? She is the mother of all Marys, the mother of all mothers, and one of the most beautiful churches in Rome.” He recalled a legend associated with the feast day, recounting how Pope Liberius had dreams in the fifth century indicating the site for a new church. Upon waking, he found that the owner of the land had also had similar visions, leading to the establishment of a powerful Marian shrine, now known as the Basilica of the Most Holy Virgin Mary or the Basilica of Mary Snowdrop. This basilica, renowned for its beauty, has been visited by countless pilgrims and is the resting place of numerous popes, including Pope Francis. Thus, it was understandable that the theologians selected Mary Snowdrop as the patroness of their new chapel. Known locally as the Finžgar Chapel, the structure is also recognized for its historical significance. Slovenian priest and writer Fran Saleški Finžgar, before World War II, built several mountain huts on the Gorenjska region. After the war, he joined fellow priests who spent their summers in the cottage in Jasenje. Among them were those who would eventually contribute to the legacy of the chapel.