In Slovenia, masses have been held all over the country. Most people are expected in Mary's pilgrimage sites.
Slovenia's Church is marking this year's celebration without two archbishops. At the country's central pilgrimage site in Brezje the main mass has been given by Andrej Glavan, the apostolic administrator of the Ljubljana Archdiocese.
Meanwhile, the event has officially started the commemmorations marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the WWI.
The Assumption of Mary, or Veliki Šmaren as it is called in Slovenia, commemmorates the death of Jesus Christ's mother Mary, who has a special place in Christianity. This holiday has been celebrated on Aug 15 since 5th century. Pope Pius XII dogmatically defined this dogma in 1950.
In Slovenia, the worshipping of Mary has become very popular. More than 400 churches and chapels as well as, numerous path signs, are dedicated to her.
Translated by L.P. (RSi)
