Jasna Gora - Czestochowa: Introduction

The heart of the shrine of Jasna Gora is the icon it contains. The icon itself is really what attracts crowds of pilgrims. When looking at it we become immersed in Mary's gaze, we see Mary looking at us. This shrine has played an important role in the Polish national identity, but its influence goes beyond borders. In 1994, more than 4 million people coming from 69 different countries came to Czestochowa. Many ex-votos testify to the graces and miracles received there.(1) 2,610 "miraculous interventions" have been ascribed to Our Lady of Jasna Gora.

Pope Saint John Paul II went there 6 times.(2)

___________________

(1) Official Website: jasnagora.pl

(2) Patrick Sbalchiero article CZESTOCHOWA I, in : René Laurentin & Patrick Sbalchiero, Dictionnaire encyclopédique des apparitions de la Vierge. Fayard, Paris 2007