The ceremonial placement of the cross symbolizes progress in the restoration of the Karlovac church, severely damaged in the 2020 earthquake, with a charter bearing a message for future generations embedded within it.
On the top of the bell tower of the parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Snows in Dubovac, Karlovac, a restored cross was placed ahead of the feast day bearing the same name. This event, which took place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, marks one of the most solemn moments in the structural restoration of the church, heavily damaged in the 2020 earthquake.
Workers from the company Kolos d.o.o., in the presence of Director Vlatka Lorković Ivšić and associates, installed the cross as work on copper cladding of the bell tower's top nears completion. The act gained special symbolism with the placement of a ceremonial charter within the restored cross. Just before the lifting, the parish priest, Mons. Antun Sente Jr., placed the charter inside a specially prepared lead tube, which was then sealed and set into the orb beneath the cross.
The document records the circumstances of the restoration, the names of church and state officials, and all project participants. According to the records, the cross was raised in the year 2026 AD, during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, with the Archdiocese of Zagreb led by Mons. Dražen Kutleša.
The charter highlights the purpose of the entire endeavor: "The restoration is being carried out to preserve the church, severely damaged in the earthquake, so that future generations may continue to celebrate God and venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Snows." Alongside the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, which funds the restoration, the document lists the project designers, contractors, expert and conservation supervision, and all those involved in this demanding project.
"May the restored cross remain a lasting sign of faith, hope, and trust, reminding future generations that no human work can endure without solid foundations," the charter concludes.
Parish priest Mons. Antun Sente expressed gratitude to all parishioners, donors, and friends of the parish community for their support through prayers and financial contributions. He emphasized that "the placement of the cross is a powerful sign that the church's restoration is progressing," noting that structural work will continue until its full completion.
