August 23, Day 7 Our Lady of Czestochowa – History of the Miraculous Image

The miraculous image of Our Lady of Czestochowa was brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena and was enshrined in Constantinople for 50 years. The image was brought to Poland in 1382 by Ladislaus of Opole who rescued the painting from Belz while escaping an attack by the Tartars who had damaged the painting with an arrow. On his way to Silesia, Ladislaus stopped to rest in the town of Czestochowa near the church on Jasna Góra (Bright Hill). He believed that it was Our Lady’s desire for her image to remain in Czestochowa so he left the image at the church and invited the Pauline monks from Hungary to be its guardians. On April 14, 1430, robbers, sometimes associated with the Hussites of Bohemia, looted the monastery and made three slashes on the face of Our Lady in an attempt to remove the valuable image. Although the icon was restored, the slashes in Our Lady’s face remain visible today. The image of Our Lady of Czestochowa is associated with several miraculous events. In 1656, the Polish King Jan Casimir proclaimed the Mother of God the “Queen of the Polish Crown” and the shrine at Jasna Góra, the “Mount of Victory” and the spiritual capital of Poland. Our Lady’s intercession is credited with the liberation of Poland from Communist rule. Today, the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland attracts millions who love and honor Our Lady’s intercession. In fact, the Pauline Fathers brought an image of Our Lady of Czestochowa to the United States and built a replica of the Polish shrine, which is called “American Czestochowa”, and is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. 

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. Wecan 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.