Maryja Królowa Polski - Mary Queen of Poland

In 1950, Cardinal Wyszyński commisioned the painting of a copy  of the famous Black Madonna, on display at the national Shrine at Częstochowa, so that people unable because of poverty to travel to the Shrine could venerate the Queen of Poland. You can read about it (in Polish) on Wikipedia, here.

The Painting, seen above, front and back, is currently touring Poland in a special van, equipped with siren and flashing lights, and topped by two crowns. The inscription on the back means, in English, Mary, Queen of Poland I am with you I remember I am watchfull. Below is a picture of the van leaving my Parish Church yesterday, the Feast of the Assumption. People, young and old, waved goodbye, and some were in tears.

The Church had been open all night for people to pray, and Mass was packed out.

You may wonder why such excitement is generated by a 60 year old copy of a Catholic Icon. The reasons are not hard to understand.

In 1655, during the "Deluge" - the Swedish invasion - the Swedes captured the Black Madonna, and slashed the face, leaving two scars visible today. But they were defeated by the Poles, and the Picture was recovered.

In 1683, King Jan Sobieski III defeated the Ottomans at the Battle of Vienna, saving Europe from Islam, thanks to Mary's prayers.

In 1920, on the Feast of the Assumption, Polish forces defeated the red army at the Battle of the Vistula. (Cud na Wisła - Miracle on the Vistula). Some say "coincidence", but most Poles "miracle". The soviets intended to invade Germany, foment revolution, establish a communist puppet government, and press on to subjugate western Europe, including Britain.

Thanks to Our Lady!

Devotion to the Queen of Poland sustained the Catholic Church in Poland during the murderous horrors of German Occupation when one fifth of the population, half of them Jews, were murdered, and through soviet-imposed communism.

Numerous hymns, sung in schools and on public state occasions,  refer to Mary as the Queen of Poland.

Below is a very popular laminated card, showing the Black Madonna comforting the aged Pope John Paul II. I refuse to call it sentimental. I am sure Mary was with him as grew old, weak, sick, and finally died.

As we used to pray at night (and I still do)

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul at peace with you.

Here, Mary is openly and unashamedly beloved.

Thank God.