The Black Madonna of Poland. The shrine of Czestochowa is found in the heart of Poland. A highlight of Marian devotion, it attracts four to five million pilgrims each year from 80 countries worldwide. …More
The Black Madonna of Poland.
The shrine of Czestochowa is found in the heart of Poland. A highlight of Marian devotion, it attracts four to five million pilgrims each year from 80 countries worldwide.
The icon of the Black Madonna and Child goes back to medieval tradition. According to historians, the painting follows the model of Byzantine iconography: it is an "Odigitria" icon, that is to say, the image of "one that points out and guides all along the path".
A legend attributes the creation of this painting to St. Luke, who was a contemporary of Mary, and so could reproduce her true image. In 1382 the icon was brought to the hill of Jasna Gora, which means "Bright Mountain" in Polish and overlooks Czestochowa. At Prince Władysław of Opole's initiative, a hilltop monastery was built for the Pauline monks.
The Child's face is turned towards the pilgrim. But Her gaze is elsewhere, as if looking into the distance, beyond time and space. Both the Mother and the Son seemed immersed in thought …More
The shrine of Czestochowa is found in the heart of Poland. A highlight of Marian devotion, it attracts four to five million pilgrims each year from 80 countries worldwide.
The icon of the Black Madonna and Child goes back to medieval tradition. According to historians, the painting follows the model of Byzantine iconography: it is an "Odigitria" icon, that is to say, the image of "one that points out and guides all along the path".
A legend attributes the creation of this painting to St. Luke, who was a contemporary of Mary, and so could reproduce her true image. In 1382 the icon was brought to the hill of Jasna Gora, which means "Bright Mountain" in Polish and overlooks Czestochowa. At Prince Władysław of Opole's initiative, a hilltop monastery was built for the Pauline monks.
The Child's face is turned towards the pilgrim. But Her gaze is elsewhere, as if looking into the distance, beyond time and space. Both the Mother and the Son seemed immersed in thought …More
