Poland was never one of those countries I dreamed of visiting. It never struck a deep cord with me or made me aspire to fly across the ocean. I prayed I would go to Ireland and Italy but never Poland. It wasn’t out of dislike for the country; I was simply indifferent to it as a whole. However, when the school presented a pilgrimage to Poland, I was more than ready to accept. They claimed it was one of the best trips they offered and, given the chance, I wanted to see different European shrines. Now, having gone to Poland for three short and wonderful days, I can say it is a country I would gladly return to.
My initial experience of Poland was the Our Lady of Czestochowa shrine. Honestly, I would have gone to Poland simply to be at that shrine. The peace felt there was incredible. In order to see the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, it is almost necessary to experience part of the Mass. One of my favorite parts was kneeling around the outside of the sanctuary and going around behind the altar. At first I felt odd doing it since Mass was being celebrated at the time but later I was grateful for the opportunity. As I was kneeling, waiting for the line to move, I found myself nearly directly in line with the altar during the consecration. The Mass wasn’t in English but as the host and chalice were elevated, it made no difference. The same Jesus was present and I was mere feet from His altar. It was beautiful to be so near Our Lord as he became present and to see the reverence of the priests. Feeling incredibly blessed to have just experienced the consecration so closely, the line moved around the corner. I saw students lean their heads against a stone in the wall and pray for a few moments with their eyes closed. Although I was unsure of the exact reason I discerned that the stone was directly behind the altar and below the image of Our Lady.
Following suit, I leaned my head against the stone and was amazed when a peace settled in my heart. Prayers of petition formed but the prayers in the forefront of my mind were of thanksgiving for being able to experience such beauty in such an unexpected way. I was so close to Jesus and Mary and growing in love for them both.
The rest of the time we spent at the shrine merely increased my love for it. The adoration chapel was a quiet haven for time with Jesus but the whole shrine seemed to permeate a sense of devotion and reverence. Crutches and braces on the walls showed the power of Marian intercession and what great faith can accomplish. Mass was being celebrated nearly continually, a wonderful testament to the purpose and meaning of the shrine. After only a few hours at the shrine, I came to understand, at least partially, why the Poles love Our Lady of Czestochowa so ardently. Despite being nearly unacquainted with her before, I fell in love with Our Lady of Czestochowa during our brief visit.
Some cathedrals and churches that I have visited in Europe have left me with disappointment that Jesus isn’t the focus of the devotion but merely worthy of a side chapel that is often overlooked or even neglected altogether. Our Lady of Czestochowa’s shrine was the perfect example of elegant beauty and piety blended together. Perhaps it is largely due to the fact that it is more of a pilgrimage location as opposed to a tourist attraction. I wouldn’t say the weekend was life-changing exactly but rather life-enriching. The Polish people have Our Lady as their patron and they have run to her repeatedly throughout history. Such devotion is something that is needed in other parts of the world as well. They have suffered very much over time yet that has helped shape who they are today. Pope John Paul II was an apostle of the gospel of love and he arose from the nation in the midst of her suffering. The saints the nation has produced are also witnesses to their religious fervor. With that in mind, we ask the Lady of the Polish people to intercede for us—Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us.
Post written by Trish Irivne
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