[Salvation]

http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~whh8b/blog_photos/JG/Pictures.html

 

http://www.galenfrysinger.com/czestochowa_poland.htm

 

http://www.polishamericancenter.org/Czestochowa.htm

 

http://www.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/olczest.html

 

http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?art_id=28670

 

				The shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Polish Shrine, is built into the outer side of the right wall of the Family Shrine. The life-size mosaic is on of two in existence of the famous painting of Czestochowa. The original painting is attributed to St. Luke the Evangelist.  It portrays the Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus in her arms, while He holds a book on His knees and imparts a blessing with the other hand.  In Poland , the painting has been a special object of veneration for centuries and the faith of the people has been rewarded with miracles and many blessings. Tradition has it that the scars on the Virgin Mary's face were inflicted by a Tartar marauder, who is said to have been struck dead as he raised his arm to slash the picture a third time. The darken features were caused by a fire that destroyed the monastery in which the painting was displayed.  For this reason, the painting is also referred to as the "Black Madonna."

[8mmMauser]

Thrilled that you got to see this most incredible country with its persistance in keeping the faith. We will have to return there soon, to the southeastern part to settle more family affairs, it appears. Where travel to other countries holds less enthusiasm to us weary travelers these days, a trip to Poland is a religious experience not to be missed.