Photo: Tourismusverband Eichkögl

Pfarr- und Wallfahrtskirche Klein Mariazell Eichkögl

Eichkögl, Styria

Place of Encounter On a hill between the Raab and Rittschein valleys, in the middle of the municipality of Eichkögl, lies the pilgrimage church of Klein Mariazell. It was built between 1883 and 1890 in place of a chapel that had existed since 1853. A separate parish has existed since 1926. The altar of grace from the former chapel is modeled after that of the Basilica of Mariazell, hence the name Klein Mariazell. Every 13th day of the month, there is a deanery pilgrimage to the pilgrimage church. A marked pilgrimage route leads from Eichkögl to Mariazell. The church has an exhibition room, the so-called "kleine Schatzkammer (small treasury)", where exhibits show the history of the pilgrimage site. History of Klein Mariazell In 1828, Theresia Payer planted a birch tree where the parish and pilgrimage church of Klein Mariazell now stands. On it, she placed an image of the Mother of Grace that she had brought home from a pilgrimage. Later, when she was grown, she married Anton Kobald, who owned an inn next to the "Frauenbirke (Our Lady's Birch)". In 1852, Anton Kobald fell ill with severe pneumonia - the prospects of recovery seemed slim. So the devout man vowed to build a chapel in place of the wayside shrine if he recovered. As if by a miracle, he recovered from his illness and soon began building the chapel. It was consecrated as early as September 29, 1853 - on the feast of the Holy Archangel Michael. The chapel was henceforth called "Klein Mariazell", as the altar of grace is modeled after that of the Basilica in Mariazell. Soon, the small chapel was visited by believers and devotees of the Mother of God from near and far. Votive pictures from this time bear witness to the gratitude of pilgrims who found comfort or healing here. The oldest dates from 1857. The influx steadily increased, and so the Kobalds' chapel soon became too small. So the childless couple began building a church. Between 1883 and 1890, it was built with the help of numerous benefactors. On June 14, 1890, the church and churchyard were blessed by Prince Bishop Dr. Johann Zwerger. 36 years later, on January 1, 1926, Eichkögl was elevated to a parish. Small Treasury of the Eichkögl Parish In 1991, the Kleine Schatzkammer (Small Treasury) was opened on the sacristy floor of the pilgrimage church of Klein Mariazell, whose exhibits reflect the history and pilgrimage to the altar of grace of Klein Mariazell. A series of votive pictures, the oldest from 1857, document "Maria has helped!". Votive offerings and souvenir pictures, a host tongs, and a portable confessional demonstrate the fame and frequency of the pilgrimage site in Southeast Styria. In addition, there are chalices and devotional objects. The "Eichkögler Opfergaben (Eichkögl Offerings)" are intended to make visitors smile, but perhaps also to make them think. All sorts of objects that the pastor found in the collection bag over the years are on display: from foreign coins to trouser buttons, everything was represented.