A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Day 59: Our Lady of Czestochowa
Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine (2007)

This outdoor shrine contains a replica of the icon popularly know as the Black Madonna. The original icon, depicting Mary and her child Jesus, is darkened from the soot of candles and incense for centuries, and bears the scars of vandalism from the 15th century.

A pilgrimage destination for hundreds of years, the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland continues to draw countless pilgrims today. The icon's origins and early history are steeped in legend, attributing the authorship to St. Luke the Evangelist. Critical studies have dated the image back to the fourteenth century.

Battles won, territories protected, and countless healings have all been credited to prayer before the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
The Image of Our Lady

The picture follows the traditional form of an icon. Mary gestures toward Jesus, directing the attention away from herself, and pointing to Jesus as the source of salvation. The child Jesus extends his right hand in blessing to the viewer of the painting and holds a book of the gospels in his left hand.
Keeping the Faith

This particular image of the Virgin Mary reveals a mother who has been scarred, but still faithful in her duties. She never forgets her spiritual children and gazes at them with a look of compassion. Our Lady of Czestochowa is a strong woman, and encourages us to keep the faith, no matter what might happen to us throughout the day.
Building the Shrine at The Grotto

This shrine was made possible in large part through the support of the local Polish community of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007, the year the shrine was built. 
A Morning Prayer to Our Lady of Czestochowa

Holy Mother of Czestochowa,

Thou art full of grace, goodness and mercy.

As my morning offering, I dedicate to you my thoughts, words and actions, my soul and body.

I seek your blessing and intersession.

Like you, may I withstand the challenges and sufferings that befall me and those whom I love.

May I be a compassionate, faithful follower of your Son Jesus, today and every day.

Amen.
The Shrine Path

This shrine is one of the older cultural shrines at The Grotto. Located in the Upper Gardens, Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine is one of five wayside shrines found on the shrine path.

Other wayside shrines include the Lithuanian Shrine, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lavang Vietnamese Shrine, and Dambana, the Filipino Shrine.
Throughout the Year

The Grotto is open throughout the year. Every season sheds a new light on the amazing art and architecture at The Grotto.

We hope you enjoy these photos of the four seasons at the shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371