Pope Francis invited the Poles, who will celebrate Our Lady of Czestochowa on August 26, 2017, to put order in their personal life at the school of the Virgin Mary.
The Pope mentioned this feast at the General Audience of August 23, over which he presided in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. “In a few days time, next Saturday and Sunday, many among you, in person or spiritually, will gather in the “Polish Cana,” your national Shrine at Jasna Gora, to celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa and the third centenary of the crowning of her miraculous image.”
“In presenting yourselves before the face of your Mother and Queen, put yourselves in attentive listening to her word, “recommended the Pope. “Do whatever Jesus tells you (Cf. John 2:5). May she be for each one of you an indication in the formation of your conscience, to put in order your personal and family life, in building the future of your society and of the Nation,” he said.
The Pontiff concluded in Italian, before being translated by a collaborator, I bless from my heart each on of you and the whole of Poland,” he added.
Sheltered in the Polish Shrine, in Silesia, the Black Virgin of Czestochowa with the Child Jesus in her arms is of Byzantine Medieval tradition. According to the legend, it is a copy of an image painted by Saint Luke. It was Prince Ladislav of Opole who took it form Russia to Czestochowa in 1382.
Inside the Shrine there is also Renaissance library with more than 40,000 manuscripts preciously kept. Close to four million pilgrims go there every year.
Pope Francis visited the monastery of Jasna Gora on July 28, 2016 and placed a golden rose at the feet of the Black Virgin.
Translation by Virginia Forrester
