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One of my nephews recently returned from a trip to Poland and brought me an icon of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa.
She is considered the Queen and Protector of Poland.
The wooden painting has been placed on one of the ethnic shelves in the living room curio cabinet.
I'm so grateful to my nephew.
That was so sweet and thoughtful of him.
The Black Madonna of Czestochowa has been associated with Poland for hundreds of years.
There are many stories about this special painting, said to have been the work of Luke the Evangelist.
One account states the painting's presence saved a church in Poland from being destroyed by fire.
The church where it now resides is probably the most popular shrine in Poland.
There are two slashes on the Madonna's face, said to have been inflicted by a looter's sword.
Apparently, when he tried to make a third slash, he fell to the ground in great pain and suddenly died, according to one account.
As you can see, she's holding the infant Jesus.
For more detailed information you can go to Wikipedia or www.marypages.com
I'm so happy to have a small replica of this special icon, right in my living room curio cabinet, to remind me of my maternal Polish heritage.
I hope she brings special blessings to this house and all who come here to visit.
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE MADONNA OF CZESTOCHOWA?
No, I am afraid I haven't but your item is lovely. You have a very special nephew for sure. Kit
ReplyDeleteSure have and I've been to her shrine too. I, too, have her in my Polish collection on my hutch. I really enjoyed my trip to Poland to see this wonderful shrine.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of heard, but yours is beautiful and very special, I imagine. I'm sure she'll watch over you, XOXO
ReplyDeleteThere is a church near us in Sterling Heights, MI dedicated to the Black Madonna. I attended a Polish wedding there. If you've never been to a Polish wedding, you don't know what you've missed. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMy mother is Polish and I recognize this image and have seen it before. I have heard my mother say her name a lot of times in Polish but I cannot and still forget how to pronounce it. What a treasured gift to have. Take care, Darlene
ReplyDeleteThis icon is truly beautiful and powerful, and I like the story about her that you share here.
ReplyDeleteI certainly have. Czestochowa is one of the places I intend to visit when I go to Poland. I have read accounts about the Black Madonna. The wood that she was painted on was from the original table of Mary (Jesus mother) and was brought to Poland after the painting.
ReplyDeleteWell that sure was thoughtful of your nephew! I like your collection of ethnic pieces in the curio cabinet!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who saw a black Madonna - you know there are more then one. How interesting. I love Poland - where my husband's family is from. You are a lucky gal. sandie
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure for you display on your ethnic shelf.
ReplyDeleteNo I have never heard of her but I don't know any Polish people they are rear here.
ReplyDeleteMerle.........
A thoughtful gift...i am sorry to say this is the first time I have heard of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the special blessings that you send my way, Susan. I have never heard of this before. She is beautiful. Did you know that I am part Polish myself?
ReplyDeleteLove,
~Sheri