It was Mary herself who wanted to be called the “Queen of Poland”, said Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, referring to the Marian apparitions from 1608 and the Feast of Our Lady Queen of Poland that falls on May 3. The main celebrations will take place at Jasna Góra with the participation of Polish bishops.
The spokesman of the Polish Episcopate, speaking about Mary as the Queen of Poland, referred to the homily delivered by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference at Jasna Góra on May 3, 2017. Archbishop Gądecki quoted then the words of Our Lady spoken in 1608 to the Italian Jesuit Fr. Giulio Mancinelli during private apparitions. “Why don’t you call me the Queen of Poland? I have loved this kingdom and I intend to do great things for it because its sons are burning with peculiar love for me”, said Our Lady. From then on, the Jesuit prayed: “Mary, Queen of Poland, pray for us”.
The information that Mary herself wanted to be called the “Queen of Poland” was propagated by the Polish Jesuits. King John Casimir, hearing about the apparitions, entrusted to Mary the defense of the country against the invaders. After the Swedes had withdrawn from Lviv, he made vows before the image of Our Lady of Grace on April 1, 1656. “The author of Lviv Vows was Andrzej Bobola, the future saint” – reminded Fr. Rytel-Andrianik. “The great Polish saints especially loved Mary and honored her. While she – Mary, Queen of Poland – has taken care of Poland for centuries and continues to look after Poland and Poles” – he said.
The main celebrations in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Poland will take place traditionally at Jasna Góra with the participation of the Polish Episcopate. The Holy Mass will be presided by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, who will also deliver the homily. The Millenium Act of Entrustment of Poland to the Maternal Love of Mary for the Freedom of the Church in Poland and in the World, whose author is the Primate of the Millennium Cdl. Stefan Wyszyński will be also pronounced. “This is another great figure of the Church who fully entrusted himself to Mary. This Act will be especially significant when we await the beatification of its author” – said the spokesman of the Episcopate. On May 3, in front of the main entrance to the Chapel of Our Lady, there will be unveiling of a commemorative plaque with the Act of Entrustment of Poland to the Maternal Love of Mary.
