steenpoort 4

In 1731 a great fire broke out in Gradec.

City fires were common on Gric [Gradec, upper town] and Kaptol [down town] during that time... 

but this time St Florian [patron of firefighters] was helpless. 

In the said year, that fire was far worst that any other before... 

and it started at the [paulinian!] St. Joseph Seminary. 

Torpid [trage,lome] warrior Klement Lukovic's head hit the table, and his right hand swept a candle on a heap of old papers. Yellow paper turned into a serious fire which spread to the shelf and then onto the ceiling. By pure luck, father Kamilo wasn't asleep, so he woke up the students, who jumped out of the windows.

Bells rang from the church of St Mark, citizens woke up and ran to the streets to put the fires out. They collected water from wells, and made a cordon all the way to Medvescak, passing by buckets of cold water, but alas, it was too late. 

A strong wind blew, changed direction, and the fire spread on nearby houses, down the Gospodska, Kapucinska and Kamenita streets. Around 50 buildings burnt down, including several citizens. 

One of the victims was petty trader [kleine handelaar] Judita Bedekovic, who always had grotesquely enjoyed the suffering of witches on bonfire, and a general conclusion of citizens was that she got what she earned for.

Widow Modlar wasn't at home that night. 

She was out of town for several days, praying in Trski Vrh and staying at her family in Krapina, where she heard about the terrible fire. 

She immediately went home to find Stone Gate looking up to the heavens, as a long time ago without a roof. The fire burnt the roof, all wooden parts of the building, doors, furniture, chapel, paintings and a small chest. Fortunately there was no money in the chest, because widow hid the gold in a cellar, as always when she would go on a pilgrimage.

She stood there with her spirit broken, sad over the remains of her home, but... 

she didn't cry to the heavens... 

and did not ask the Lord why. 

She was sure that everything happens at the will of God... 

whose ways are mysterious. 

She prayed at the site of fire: 

"God Who makes us better by punishing us

by forgiveness support us

give Your humble servants

to rejoice to the Peace

and enjoy in Gifts

of Your kindness.

Amen"

At that moment the rainy clouds that saved the city dispersed and the sun showed up. 

Right there, where widow Moldar's chapel used to be... 

a small piece of red cloth appeared under grey ashes. 

Katarina stepped over a black, sticky beam, moved the ashes and cried of happiness! 

The painting of Virgin Mary with the Child was undamaged!

A miracle happened.

[bron]