Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as "The Black Madonna of Poland", is an icon that is especially cherished by the people of Poland. The icon has been under the care of the Pauline Fathers and Brothers at their Jasna Góra monastery near Czestochowa, Poland for over six centuries.
In the icon, the Blessed Mother looks out at the viewer, and holds Jesus in her arms. Her right hand points towards him, emphasizing the focus on his role as Savior of the world. The child Jesus holds a book in His left hand, and with His right hand, makes a gesture related to teaching or blessing.
One element that makes this icon unique is the set of scratches seen on the right cheek and neck of the Blessed Mother. Pious legend says that after robbers invaded the monastery in the 1400s, they took the icon with them in their wagon, but were unable to move forward. One of them threw the icon to the ground and slashed it with his sword twice, but when he went to strike it a third time, he fell to the ground and died. It is said that the scratches, which appear as scars on our Blessed Mother, have been attempted to be repaired over the years, but they continue to reappear.
The scratches have given hope to the people of Poland in the difficult moments of their history, representing wounds that remind us of another title of hers, Our Lady of Sorrows. This icon is known for the many miracles that have occurred over the centuries through Our Lady of Czestochowa's intercession.
In the icon, the Blessed Mother looks out at the viewer, and holds Jesus in her arms. Her right hand points towards him, emphasizing the focus on his role as Savior of the world. The child Jesus holds a book in His left hand, and with His right hand, makes a gesture related to teaching or blessing.
One element that makes this icon unique is the set of scratches seen on the right cheek and neck of the Blessed Mother. Pious legend says that after robbers invaded the monastery in the 1400s, they took the icon with them in their wagon, but were unable to move forward. One of them threw the icon to the ground and slashed it with his sword twice, but when he went to strike it a third time, he fell to the ground and died. It is said that the scratches, which appear as scars on our Blessed Mother, have been attempted to be repaired over the years, but they continue to reappear.
The scratches have given hope to the people of Poland in the difficult moments of their history, representing wounds that remind us of another title of hers, Our Lady of Sorrows. This icon is known for the many miracles that have occurred over the centuries through Our Lady of Czestochowa's intercession.
About the Design:
The front of the card depicts a watercolored image of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
About the Card:
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Front of Card: watercolored image of Our Lady of Czestochowa
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Back of card: Prayer to Our Lady of Czestochowa
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5" x 3.5" card with rounded corners
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Thick cardstock paper