Marta Sniezko
Our Lady of Czestochowa
August 2019
Every August, thousands of Polish people make pilgrimages either by foot or by other means to a very special place. Whether they travel to Czestochowa in Poland, or to other similar shrines, they all want to show their love and gratitude, and ask for any graces they need. On August 26, we will celebrate Our Lady of Czestochowa, Queen of Poland.
Being Polish, you probably know the story of Czestochowa, maybe have been there, walked a pilgrimage, or maybe just heard of Her. Our Lady of Czestochowa has a special place in Polish hearts.
As the famous song “Czarna Madonna” goes, “There’s a place on this earth, that everyone wants to return to. The place that she reigns from with two scars on her face. She has a sad and worried look as if to ask you to place yourself in her motherly care. Madonna, Black Madonna, how good it is to be your child. Please allow, oh Black Madonna, to take shelter in your arms.”
Our Lady of Czestochowa has cared for and protected the nation of Poland for hundreds of years. And she was always victorious with those that put themselves in her care, in her arms. I can go on and give you examples of all the historical battles or all the personal hardships in which the Black Madonna was asked for intercession and the outcomes were miraculous. But that would probably not hit as hard as something that, in my opinion, leaves many people in awe.
If Our Lady of Czestochowa was just an icon, and all the stories untrue, why would millions of people who received her help in one way or another leave her gifts of thanksgiving? I’m talking about the millions of rosaries, jewelry, crutches, and lots of other items that are left in sanctuaries dedicated to the Black Madonna all over the world. If you have ever visited Her Shrine in Czestochowa, Poland, for example, you will know exactly what I mean. When you see the walls of the shrine filled top to bottom with gifts of gratitude for Our Lady’s Grace in these individual lives, it hits you. There is something powerful there.
Also, all the thousands of people who take the time and sacrifice to walk to Our Lady of Czestochowa’s Shrines praying, singing, dancing as they go along. It is a testimony. A testimony of Love to our Dear Queen of Poland. To thank her for taking care of us individually and as a nation, our nation of Poland.
If you are planning to visit a Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa this month, or maybe even are doing a pilgrimage, remember, if the Black Madonna was trusted and true for hundreds of years to millions of people, I am sure that she will lead you and take care of you too!
Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us!
