SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

She has been spreading her mission for the last 20 years of her life. And it has only intensified over the years.

Marića's brother was a priest. When he came home, he often brought someone with him. These were elderly people, people in wheelchairs or people who were physically handicapped in some other way. In this way, Marica connected with people who were in need of help in a physical sense. She had an extraordinary sense and warmth for her fellow human beings and you could feel her kindness when you looked into her eyes and shook her hand. She made people feel accepted and wanted.

Over time, Marica began to work with such people by accompanying them to meetings, on pilgrimages, on trips or to the seaside, and if they needed companions. In collaboration with the spiritual movement Christian Brotherhood of the Sick and Disabled (KBBI), her breadth deepened. She also set an example for her husband and her two daughters through her collaboration with this movement and through her kindness. And all of us who were associated with them also began to flirt with KBBI and their work in one way or another.

One of her most heartfelt gestures is organising lunches and related events. These events always took place on Sundays, as the lunch was preceded by a celebratory service. For about fifteen years, she organised lunches for the KBBI and their companions, which were held at her home, in her kitchen. 

In the beginning, it was lunches with just a few participants, hosted in her garage. She was able to host this number of invitees on her own with a little help from good neighbours. Over the years, this has grown into an event that has seen more and more people coming year after year. There could be upwards of 80 guests. 

As the number of participants grew, so did the need for additional help and more space. A larger building was built near her house, which was the perfect space for such events. Intensive preparations were already underway a few days before the event. Everything had to be cleaned up at their home. They needed a table and benches, they needed to organise the food; what was going to be eaten, who was going to help. They needed a large number of plates, cups, dishes, cutlery, glasses. They had to work out how many pastries they would need and what kind. They had to provide drinks, decorate the room, etc.

Marica proved to be an extraordinary organiser, who had all the reins in her hands and knew every last detail. The table was full of so many delicacies. There were always two types of soup, at least five types of meat, four different side dishes, mixed salads and five different cakes, not to mention the biscuits. And everything was served so neatly, because it had to look the same, precise, beautiful and clean to perfection. 

How much love has gone into this work! We have all been waiting for this meeting. It was an event known even outside the town, which attracted a large number of people. Friendships, help, respect and cordiality were woven between people at these events. On the day of the event, we all knew what each of our duties were. We were settled, we worked in harmony and we did our work with great joy. To put food on the tables, bringing smiles to faces and many a tear to eyes, was priceless. We knew that then, and we know it even more now that it is gone.

The event took place in the late afternoon, when it was time for the afternoon snack. Yes, that was taken care of too. Guests sang, told jokes and listened to a house ensemble consisting of Marica, her husband and their two daughters. It should be added that Aunt Marica always worked tirelessly to help those in need. 

It hurts when I remember this event. It hurts when I realise how infinitely good we had it. It hurts when I remember how much dedication and love there was in this work. It hurts because our Aunt Marica is no more. But it breaks my heart when I remember her kindness and the legacy she left us. Marica, we love you.

Andreja Bakšič Grozdina, 23 Aug 2025