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Saturday, June 17th, Jasna Gora

What an awesome day this was. See Our Lady of Czestochowa was so moving. People crawled while praying on their knees around the back of the Black Madonna icon. There were ruts in the marble according to one of my friends who crawled the trip. On the back of the Black Madonna were many Eyes of God. Once they got to the far side they were allowed four at a time to enter and kneel and pray for about five minutes. I didn't do this because of my hip and inability to crawl. However, I was able to stand in the second row for over a half hour and pray. What a blessing.

When we pulled into the Jasna Gora complex I was astounded by the number of cars and buses parked in the lot. From 100 to 200 buses -- I'm not kidding or exaggerating! The cars looked as though they could be parked in a large lot at the state fair. Astronomical and nearly unbelievable number of people there, But I saw them with my own eyes!!!! I felt like I was walking the streets of New York City during the noon hour! There were an unusual number of young people, several groups of the Knights of Columbus and other groups -- several dedicated to the Sacred Heart since they carried Sacred Heart banners.

Father Gary celebrated Mass in the Chapel of St. ______________. the first hermit. We just walked right in and had Mass! Another miracle for us! Thank you, Holy Spirit.
I walked around with Kathy and we visited many of the adjoin chapels and took photographs since she had a digital camera and did not need to use a flash. Another purchase I will make when I make another trip like this.

I also went to the gift shop and got Father Gary a birthday gift -- a beautiful painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa with a blue background and gold frame.

We ate lunch at a huge cafeteria operated by the nuns who maintain the Jasna Gora Shrine. Some people went upstairs and did a tour of the Stations of the Cross. I heard they were absolutely beautiful.

I never knew the K of C had chapters in Poland.

I need to get over there soon, as it is the land from which my paternal ancestors emigrated from. Did you make it to my great-grandfather's hometown of Zakopane? It was a favorite of PJP II.

Very nice. Thanks for the report.

People crawled while praying on their knees around the back of the Black Madonna icon.

Thanks for posting your story.

Welcome home!

Thanks Salvation!