Refleksija, odmor i druženje teologa iz Celje i Soboja

On July 19th, a large gathering of pilgrims once again filled the Church of the Snow Virgin on Mount Gora to celebrate the 191st anniversary of the birth of Magdalena Gornik, a revered figure known as one of the most prominent saints in Slovenian religious history. The ceremony took place in the afternoon, with worshippers present during both the morning prayer and the Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Dr. Anton Stres, who delivered a homily alongside five priests. The event marked a solemn yet deeply spiritual occasion, drawing many faithful from across the region. The Mass began with the church already packed, reflecting the deep devotion of the local community and pilgrims who travel great distances to honor Magdalena’s legacy. Bishop Stres addressed the congregation with a reflective and weighty message, focusing on the theme of judgment and the role of faith in a world where public opinion often dictates moral conclusions before truth is fully known. He spoke of how Magdalena, despite being subjected to numerous accusations and judgments, chose instead to trust in divine wisdom rather than human condemnation. His words emphasized the importance of patience and faith, echoing the biblical sentiment that God works slowly but surely. He referenced Jesus' words: “Praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the wise and intelligent and revealing them to little children” (Matthew 11:25), highlighting Magdalena's humble origins as a simple girl from a remote village, much like Mary of Nazareth. Bishop Stres further drew parallels between Magdalena’s life and the teachings of Saint Paul, emphasizing the necessity of transformation through Christ. He described her as someone who embraced suffering and steadfastness, choosing a narrow and thorny path of obedience and faith over the broad, easy road of worldly comfort. The bishop concluded his homily by addressing the broader implications of Magdalena’s life, urging the faithful to consider the deeper meaning of their faith. He suggested that true holiness lies not in external recognition but in inner transformation and unwavering commitment to divine will. This message resonated strongly with the gathered crowd, many of whom had traveled long distances to participate in the celebration. Following the Mass, Fr. Franci Petrič, the postulator, shared updates on the pilgrimage activities, noting that this year saw 45 organized groups and approximately 2,400 pilgrims visit Gora. In addition to these groups, there were many more individuals arriving by car or on foot, indicating a growing interest in the spiritual journey associated with Magdalena’s legacy. The presence of Rev. Aleš Pečavar, who resides on Gora and has written a special spiritual guide detailing Magdalena’s stations, added to the depth of the experience, offering pilgrims opportunities for confession and reflection. Prof. Ludvik Mihelič then presented a tribute to the life of Father Dominik Janež, the last parish priest in Studenec near Postojna, whose 80th anniversary of death was commemorated this year. Father Janež was instrumental in the early stages of Magdalena’s canonization process and personally oversaw her burial. Throughout his life, he maintained a deep reverence for her memory and encouraged others to pursue her beatification. This commemoration brought closure to a long-standing spiritual legacy, affirming the enduring impact of Magdalena’s life and work.