Częstochowa

Copper engraving of Our Lady of Częstochowa from the 17th century.

The shrine of Częstochowa is located in southern Poland and is a famous place of pilgrimage. The icon of the Black Madonna is venerated worldwide and is known as the Queen of Poland.

This particular image of Our Lady of Częstochowa was made in the Belgian city Antwerp and shows the painting covered by votive offerings. Nowadays the icon is usually covered by an oklad, similar to those used by Orthodox Christians to protect precious icons.

Jasna Gora

Mater Dolorosa

Another image for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows: the Mater Dolorosa in the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Photo

Le Notte di Cabiria

Grazie Madonna!

The pilgrimage of Cabiria to the Madonna del Divino Amore (Our Lady of Divine Love) from the film "Le Notte di Cabiria" by Federico Fellini.

Ex votos

Per grazia ricevuta

Votive offerings are a direct testimony of how Mary has helped people in big and little ways. After a prayer has been answered the supplicant gives thanks in the form of a physical object, often a heart. When the problem has disappeared the heart regains peace and harmony, which is symbolised by the heart shaped offering.

The pictures above were taken at the shrine of the Madonna del Divino Amore in Rome. For centuries the people of the city have come there to thank Mary for restoring their hearts.

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