The painting was made in 1814 by a baroque artist from Kranj, Leopold Layer. The Brezje image of Mary has been venerated by Christians for two centuries. Pope Francis has donated a chasuble for today’s ceremony. More than 600 Slovenian lacemakers have produced large tablecloths, with 669 laces.

The painting was created in the time of the French occupation. Painter Leopold Layer had financial problems in that time and had decided to use his talents to counterfeit banknotes. He ended up in jail where he vowed to the Virgin Mary of Brezje that he will paint her chapel, if she saved him. After he was released from jail he fulfilled his promise and in 1814 painted the Mary’s chapel with frescoes.

According to folk tradition he also made the painting of Mary which is venerated and visited by pilgrims, who ask her for help, every year. It is believed that 15 million pilgrims have visited Brezje in the last 150 years, since miraculous healings have been reported by believers.