Monastery of Jasna Góra, Częstochowa, Jasna Góra, Poland
Madonna, Black Madonna, in her arms you will find peace . . . and be protected . . .
—Polish song, “Black Madonna”
In 1650, Grand Chancellor George Ossoliński was so inspired by the Black Madonna of Częstochowa that he made as his votive offering an ebony and silver altar. Today, the altar and the much-revered painting—said to have been painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist on a tabletop made by Jesus—are enshrined in the small fifteenth-century Gothic chapel adjoining the majestic sixteenth-century baroque monastery of Jasna Góra. Many miracles are credited to the icon of the Black Madonna, including the safety of Jasna Góra during threatened invasions in the seventeenth century by the Swedes and later in the twentieth century by the Nazis. Today, millions of Christians from around the world come to Our Lady of Częstochowa, whose images of Madonna and Child have blackened from centuries of votive smoke.
Whether you seek safe passage during your sacred travels or protection from religious oppression, visit the Black Madonna of Jasna Góra. Located in south-central Poland, Częstochowa can be reached from all major cities by rail, bus, or rental car.
Light a candle, pray for what you wish to safeguard, and leave a votive offering.
In 1430, a thief twice slashed the Black Madonna with his sword. As he raised his arm to deliver a third gash, he purportedly fell to the ground in pain and died. The icon still bears the scars of that defacement.