August 22, Day 6 Our Lady of Czestochowa - Description of the Miraculous Image
The image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the Black Madonna, was traditionally believed to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist on a cypress wood panel from a table used by the Holy Family in Nazareth. The painting of the Virgin is the type of icon that depicts, “the one who shows us and guides us along the way.” The face of the Virgin stands out in such a way so that whoever looks at Mary is immersed in her gaze; however, the Child Jesus has a fixed gaze. Both faces have serious, yet emotional expressions. You can clearly see two parallel scratches, crossed by a third mark on the virgin’s right cheek. Her neck shows six other scratches, two are clearly visible and four can be barely seen. In the image, Jesus wears a tunic of a scarlet color and rests on His Mother’s right arm – which can appear to be a makeshift throne, on which the Child Jesus can be seated. The Child’s left arm is holding a book and the right arm is raised, giving each one who gazes at the image a blessing. The Virgin’s hand rests on His chest, which points to the Child as if the Virgin is saying, “This is my Child Jesus; please pay attention to Him.” The Virgin’s dress and mantle are adorned with the flower of “lis”. The image has been given the name of “the Black Virgin or Black Madonna” a phrase which reminds us of the Song of Songs, “I am dark-skinned but beautiful.” Her darkness can be caused by several factors, one being the poor conditions of the places where she has been hidden to safeguard her. In addition, numerous candles that have been lit before her image -causing the image to be constantly amidst smoke. And her image has been touched by a multitude of people.
May the Black Madonna touch your heart, as we now invoke her intercession for our needs and especially those of Cardinal Burke.
Under your mantle, I seek refuge, Most Holy Immaculate Virgin and Mother. How sweet it is for me to venerate you under the title of Our Lady of Czestochowa and Queen of Jasna Gora. We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
My most holy Mother, I behold the graces that you have already obtained for me, and the ingratitude that I have shown toward you. The thankless soul is no longer worthy of blessings, but not even on this account will I lose confidence in your mercy. O my mighty advocate, have pity on me and obtain, I beseech you, these favors, not only for myself and others, but especially for Cardinal Burke, if it be for the glory of your Divine Son and the good of my soul and their souls.
(Now mention your own special intentions and pray especially for the needs of Cardinal Burke, as well as his continuous good health.)
Speak for me, Queen of Jasna Gora. Your Son will do whatsoever you shall ask of Him. I beg you, take me under your protection and this is enough for me, to be one of your ever-faithful servants. Amen.
We give thanks to You, Our Blessed Mother, that your admirable strength draws us to yourself. We can never forget You. Lead us continually to your Son, so that we may be ready to do what He shows us. Hear our prayers and grant our petitions, which we have placed before you.
O Lady, Mother of Czestochowa, our most excellent Mother, since the sixth century at Jasna Gora, you have taken care of your faithful people in a most special way. Today also, we seek your intercession. O powerful Mediatrix of all graces. We are your people, therefore penetrate our minds, our hearts, and all our deeds. Then indeed we shall become your true possessions and worthy members of the Kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
