I have read that when we look at something, the action actually alters the molecular activity of the object. If this is true, what sort of transformation has occurred with this image, which has sustained so many people during extremely difficult times? And, how did this mysterious Black Madonna relate to the others? There did not seem to be a Templar or Grail connection anywhere with this Madonna. What was she about anyway?
Our Lady of Czestochowa in the Jasna Gora Shrine has a similar narrative to many of the other well-known Black Madonnas. While science and history say this picture probably dates to the fifth or sixth century AD because of it’s Byzantine style, legend attributes St. Luke as the artist. He is thought to have painted the Virgin as she sat for her portrait, on the very table she and the Holy Family ate upon for meals. In the year 326, St. Helen the mother of Constantine, located the Icon in Jerusalem and brought it back to Constantinople. It remained for centuries in the possession of the Emperor’s home. Bestowed to the Princess of Ruthenia, (an ancient kingdom located in what is now Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Belarus,) the Icon was brought to Poland in 1382 through the efforts of St. Ladislaus of Opole. The Saint had discovered it in a castle at Belz. Since then, there have been many miracles associated with the image.
As with all legends, the symbolism of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa is very deep. Deciphering the reality of the history of the image, anything is possible. I personally like to believe the more amazing legends. One of the more popular narrative states that in 1430, several renegade Hussites stole and vandalized the image, breaking it into three pieces. One of the vandals drew a sword to slash the Lady’s face. He successfully inflicted two gashes. After the third attempt, he fell to the ground writhing in pain and died. Legend states that the painting miraculously repaired itself from the broken pieces, but the facial scars remained. The legend goes on to say all attempts to cover the scars have been unsuccessful. After painting over the scar, the gashes miraculously reappear the next day. Scholars state that the image was painted anew in 1434 after the damage, and the restoration artists tried to restore it as closely as the original had been, including the slashes on her cheek.
This Madonna repels invaders, apparently scaring away besieging Saracens during her tenure in Constantinople. In 1655, a small group of Polish defenders was able to drive off a much larger army of Swedish invaders from the sanctuary with the help of Our Lady of Czestochowa. She was also instrumental in repelling Russian invaders through an apparition at the River Vistula in 1920. Her shrine is decorated with numerous crutches and canes of those who came to her seeking healing, and she is also a favorite Icon to appeal to for those who are trying to get pregnant.
The real miracle power of Our Lady of Czestochowa is that she has given spiritual strength and comfort to millions of her devoted pilgrims, in and outside of Poland for nearly 800 years. As this image has the title of official protectorate of the Polish nation, Pope John Paul II, as well as Lech Walesa of the Solidarity Movement have both venerated her. On the feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin, which occurs yearly on August 15, all of Poland goes on a pilgrimage to the shrine. During the desperate last years of the Soviet empire, the Solidarity Movement used her as a symbol of hope and endurance. Walesa had a vision of her during one of his prison stays, and dedicated the movement to her honor. He wore her medal over her heart, unless giving interviews to the western press, when he would remove the image. I am not sure why Walesa did this, but otherwise, he dedicated his life and his actions to her.
I was struck by the Poles’ fervent desire to worship during the dark days of Communism, and how the Solidarity Movement dedicated itself to complete openness. Members posted their meetings and contact information on local bulletin boards. They did not feel they had anything to hide, and refused to live their lives in fear or secrecy. As I saw pictures of the crowds during those heady days, I felt the world could learn so much from these people who endured the brunt of two world wars, the horrors of the Holocaust, decades under communist rule, and yet maintained their dignity and courage. Was it this Black Madonna, with her seeming connection to the vast cosmos, her scarred face, and her endurance that gave the people their strength?
This is an excerpt from The Black Madonna, Mysterious Soul Companion by Stephanie Georgieff, if you would like to read more about The Black Madonna, please visit the Book Launch Page and learn more about how to get a copy for yourself!
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