3rd May celebrations of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland

The 3rd May celebrations of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Poland at Jasna Góra have a special meaning in the year of the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence. “The devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary was a binder uniting Poles despite the fact that the Polish State did not exist on the map of Europe. She led us through the darkest events in the history of our Nation. That is why she is the Mother of the Independence of our Fatherland” – said Fr. Pawel Rytel-Andrianik, spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, on the occasion of the 3rd May celebrations of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Poland.

Mary was proclaimed “Queen of Poland” by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 at the request of the Polish bishops, which they addressed to the Holy Father after Poland had regained its independence in 1918.  “At that time not only the Church in Poland, but also the whole Nation realised that during the 123 years of partitions, it was love and devotion to Mary that was a binder uniting Poles despite the fact that the Polish State did not exist on the map of Europe. She led us through the darkest events in the history of our Nation. That is why Mary is the Mother of the Independence of our Fatherland” – said Polish Bishops’ Conference Spokesman Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik.

Every year, the central celebrations of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland take place at Jasna Góra with the participation of representatives of the Polish Episcopate. This year, they are part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regaining independence. Jasna Góra is a special place, which the Poles did not stop visiting despite the partitions and occupation, because “here we have always been free”, as John Paul II reminded all Poles during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1979.

This year’s Holy Mass in the Sanctuary of Jasna Góra was presided by Archbishop, Stanisław Gądecki, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, who also delivered the homily. The ceremony is part of a series of celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regaining independence, which this year began with celebrations in honour of St. Adalbert, the main Patron of Poland.

“May the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regaining independence be not only an occasion to thanksgiving but also become an opportunity to pray for the Fatherland through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland” – wished the spokesman of the Polish Episcopate.

Information from Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.