In 966, Poland became a Catholic nation. Its culture has been rooted in Faith ever since. The legendary and sacred image of Our Lady of Częstochowa adds to Poland’s rich history.
Many legends surround this miraculous image. The Black Madonna stands as the Mother of Poland and is crowned as its Queen.
Legend claims that the original image was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist. Our Lady of Częstochowa bore witness to Poland’s spiritual progression throughout the centuries. Numerous monarchs including Jadwiga, Jagiełło, Władysław IV, and others maintained devotion to Our Lady and brought gifts to adorn her Shrine at Jasna Góra — “Bright Mountain.”
King Louis the Great initiated the monastery’s shrine before he died in 1382. The Pauline Fathers from Hungary received the image from Duke Władysław of Opole on August 31, 1384.
The monastery quickly gained devotion as pilgrims flocked to view the beloved image. Such devotion was amplified under the reign of Queen Jadwiga and her convert husband, Grand Duke Jagiełło. Together, they united Poland and Lithuania under their reign. Their interest in Catholic sanctuaries deserves recognition. In 1394, both monarchs bestowed a special grant on the Pauline Fathers’ monastery rendering Jagiełło a second founder after Jadwiga’s father, King Louis the Great.
In 1656, King Jan Kazimierz declared Our Lady of Częstochowa the Mother and Queen of Poland. Later, Pope Clement XI crowned the beloved image in 1717.
There are many legends surrounding the miraculous image, along with healings. The first miracle to be recorded was in 1402 with countless ones to follow.
Legendary miracles claim that the image received two scars on the Virgin’s face during a Hussite attack in 1430. The picture was placed in a wagon, but the horses refused to move. A soldier became angry and struck it leaving two scars upon Mary’s face. It is said that immediately after he suddenly fell dead.
Our Lady of Częstochowa’s scars are a most unusual and notable feature. In most Christian art, Mary is depicted either in her humble beauty or sorrow. At Częstochowa, we witness a stoic Virgin holding the Son of God. Her scars symbolize a mother’s strength and willingness to suffer for her Child. All who perceive this image can translate this to pertain not only to the Christ-child, but to oneself. Miraculously, the scars have reappeared after attempts to repair them over the years.
The Blessed Virgin’s gaze penetrates the beholder with a calm strength that promises to cover her children. Poland itself has experienced Our Lady’s love and protection countless times throughout its history.
The monastery itself experienced multiple sieges, especially in the early 1700s by the Swedes. During the Bar Confederation (1770-1772), the Russians also attacked Jasna Góra. In 1909, it would be raided of many jewels and valuables, including Our Lady’s crown. Pope Pius X recrowned the Virgin the next year in an elaborate celebration.
To this day, walking pilgrimages continue for people from all over the world to see the miraculous image of Our Lady of Częstochowa. Poles have made their homes throughout the world, but no matter where they are, the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa is enshrined and loved as both Queen and Mother.
