Marked by Scars and Hope

Each year, thousands of Poles walk in ceremonial pilgrimagefrom all over their country to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa at the monastery of Jasna Gora in Southeastern Poland. This the most public display of devotion to a religious icon which has held prime of place in Polish history and culture for centuries. Likewise, Poles immigrating to the United States have carried this image to every church and home in Polonia and established a mirror image of this practice in the National Shrine in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. While most Poles and Polish-Americans easily recognize these images and practices, the importance this icon plays in the lives of people beyond the Polish diaspora is one that may not be as well known. On this month’s episode, which coincides with the Feast Day of Our Lady of Czestochowa on August 26th, we sit down with two such individuals: Marianne Zayas and Father Stephen Robbins. Both are wonderful pillars of our community who shared with us their moving experiences with Our Lady of Czestochowa. Come and find us in Doylestown at the Polish AmericanFestival and Country Fair this upcoming Labor Day Weekend!Time is running out to register for With God in Camden!www.withgodincamden.info Music Sources:Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 byGregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0231221_2608_FR_Organ_in_cathedral by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/718691/ -- License: Attribution 4.0“Jest zakatek na tej ziemi (Czarna Madonno)” Performed2011 at St. Joseph’s Church by St. Lucia’s Choir. Used with Permission