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Pilgrimage to the Black Madonna

The Black Madonna, Poland's most important icon, lived in Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, Southern Poland. During every August, tens of thousands of people journey to Jasna Gora, some walking hundreds of miles to pay their respects to her.

The miracle working protectress of the Polish people is a small painting of the Virgin Mary on a wooden panel that has been hung on the same spot since 1384. The origins of the shine are unknown, but her healing powers are attested by the offerings which line the walls of the chapel, gifts from grateful pilgri ms whom she has cured.