Mary Help Me Of Brezje (Slovania)
This chapel represents the devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, known in Slovenia as Marija Pomagai (Mary, help me) of Brezje.
The original painting was the promise of a young artist imprisoned and sentenced to death in 1809 by the Napoleonic army. The initiative, which he began while still in prison, was completed in 1814, along with the redecoration of the church where the image is displayed.
The first of numerous miracles occurred there in 1863, and since then the church at Brezje near Bled, has been the site of a pilgrimage undertaken by Slovenian Catholics.
The focal point of the chapel is Leon Koporc's copy of this miraculous painting, which is a gift of the Slovenian bishops.
The gold crowns executed by Alojz Zmuc are reproductions of the originals. The text on the mensa of the Botticino marble altar translates: "Mary Help of Christians of Brezje, pray for us." Inlayed into the predella is the date of Prince Gorazd's baptism, 745 A.D., which marked the advent of the Christianity in Slovenia.
On the left wall are the famous words of Bishop Anton Slomsek (1800-1862): "Let the holy faith be your light, and your mother tongue the key to a national culture which will show you the way to salvation." On the right wall is a quotation from Bishop Frederic Baraga (1797-1868): "This is all I desire: to be where God wants me to be." Above the entrance to the chapel is the Slovenian acclamation:
"Our Lady of Brezje, Patroness of Slovenia."
The four marble plaques by Frank Gorse, depict the Baptism of Gorazd; Bishop Slomsek preaching the word of God; Bishop Baraga baptizing the Great Lakes Indians; and Slovenian immigrants to the United states. The chapel, dedicated Aug. 15, 1971 by Bishop Drzecnik of Maribor, Slovenia, is the gift of Slovenian-American Catholics.Text Shrine Documents
In the Not A Monument, But A 'Must See' In DC photo essay.
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