The historical chapel dates back to the 1960s. When various Slovenians were visiting the U.S. capital and the newly built basilica at that time, they were inspired to create a Slovenian chapel. Slovenians from Washington, Cleveland, and other places began discussions with the shrine’s leadership about this possibility and simultaneously raised funds for construction. On the 100th anniversary of Bishop Baraga’s death, an official agreement for the chapel’s construction was signed with the shrine on January 19, 1968. The chapel was completed and was solemnly consecrated by Bishops Maksimilijan Držečnik and Janez Jenko on August 15, 1971. The centerpiece of the chapel is a copy of the image of Mary Help of Christians, painted by Leon Koporc, a gift from the Slovenian bishops. The golden crowns, reproductions of the originals, were made by Alojz Žmuc. The chapel is a gathering place for members of various Slovenian-American organizations, friends from Slovenia, and many other pilgrims. In addition to the image of the Brežice Madonna with the Child, there are also images and words from Bishops Friderik Baraga and Anton Martin Slomšek. Pilgrims can view the sculpture of the baptismal font of Prince Gorazd, which commemorates the beginning of Christianity in Slovenia. The next depiction shows the gifts of faith and culture brought by Slovenian immigrants to America. At the entrance, pilgrims can read an explanation of the chapel on the wall in English, along with the following: ‘The chapel of Our Lady of Brežice was built to reflect the special love Slovenians have for the Blessed Mother. The chapel marks twelve hundred years of Christianity among the Slovenians and honors all those who have contributed to this heritage.’