This is a true encounter with the Lord God. Personally and in every person who is on pilgrimage with us, who comes to us, who gives us a glass of water, a piece of bread – said one of the participants of the pilgrimage to Jasna Góra. This year's celebration of the feast of Our Lady of the Herbs was attended by over 50 thousand people divided into 55 groups.
August 15 is the Catholic Church's celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is one of the most important Marian feasts. On this day, annual celebrations at Jasna Góra gather large numbers of believers, many of whom come on pilgrimages.
This year was no different. The faithful went to Jasna Góra in large numbers. Some on foot, also in a running relay, and some, for example, by bike. There was no shortage of people with prams or carrying their children on their shoulders. Many participants of the pilgrimage talked about the motivation that accompanied them and shared their observations about the march.
Participants of the 313th Warsaw Walking Pilgrimage to Jasna GóraPAP/Waldemar Deska
One of the cyclists on the expedition admitted that it was not the easiest, but “with instances like these, our goal, which was to reach Mary, was easy.”
– We always go to the Mother, our feet carry us – said another participant. Another added: – This is a true meeting with the Lord God. With the Lord God personally and in every person who is on pilgrimage here with us, who comes to meet us, who gives us a glass of water, a piece of bread. We meet Christ himself in every person and this is what we need the most and what strengthens us and gives us so much strength.
Celebrations at Jasna Góra on the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryTVN24
The central point of the celebrations was the Pontifical High Mass with the participation of members of the Polish Episcopal Conference. The homily was delivered by the Metropolitan of Częstochowa, Archbishop Wacław Depo.
Participants of the indulgence mass at Jasna GóraPAP/Waldemar Deska
More than 50 thousand believers took part in the pilgrimages
Mid-August is traditionally the busiest time for pilgrimages in Częstochowa. On Wednesday, the profile of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Jasna Góra on platform X reported that “over 50,000 believers have come to the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jasna Góra in 55 groups since the beginning of August.” “Almost 2,000 cyclists arrived in 32 bicycle groups, and about 100 pilgrims set off in a running relay,” it added.
In Polish tradition, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is called the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs. On this day, during services, flowers and herbs are blessed, and prayers are made for the blessing of fields and crops.
Main image source: PAP/Waldemar Deska