The chapel was built in the first half of the 19th century. 18th century. The first mention of the chapel comes from 1728. The district chronicle contains information about indulgence ceremonies, which were attended by numerous pilgrims. The date 1784 is engraved on one of the roof beams and is considered to be the year of construction of the chapel. In 1952, the roof was repaired, and in 1968, the roof of the chapel was covered with new shingles. A similar renovation of the chapel took place after a fire in 1992.
The chapel has long served pilgrims heading to Częstochowa, to Mount St. Anna and Pszów, as well as lumberjacks and foresters who started their working day and ended it with prayer. Currently, every third Sunday of July, services are held on the occasion of the indulgence of St. Mary Magdalene, which attracts crowds of people.
There are several legends associated with the creation of the chapel. According to one of them, the chapel was a shelter for the local population from epidemics that decimated towns and villages. Another legend says that the chapel was built in gratitude by a powerful lord who got lost in the swamps. He lost his horse on them and escaped with his life. Another legend tells about the daughter of Prince Hercog, who got lost while hunting. Even though the entire princely entourage was looking for her, the girl was found only the next day. In gratitude, the prince decided to fund a chapel. Another legend says that the creation of the chapel is related to a lady who lived in the nearby castle in Sławięcice and was named Mary Magdalene, and that erecting the chapel deep in the forest was penance for the sins she was supposed to have committed.
Residents recall that the first image of the patron saint, which was hung in the chapel, left no doubt that it was an open sinner. Her impressive neckline made it difficult for many believers to concentrate on prayer. In 1992, unknown perpetrators stole the painting. Then the news spread around the area that the forest would be burned as punishment. Fearing a cataclysm, the inhabitants of Tworog Mały decided to commission a new painting from a master from Łabędy. A month later, a fire broke out, which, although it was the largest in Europe, did not consume the chapel. To commemorate this event, a mass in honor of the fallen firefighters is celebrated in the chapel every first Sunday of September.
Translated by Google •
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