Legend says St Luke painted it. Historians date it to the Middle Ages. Either way, it has been at Jasna Góra since 1382, and in 1655 the monastery held out against a Swedish army, an event Poles credited to Mary’s protection. The next year King John Casimir proclaimed her Queen of Poland.
Historical Context
Mother Teresa was born on this day in 1910 in Skopje, in today’s North Macedonia. She always said her real birthday was 27 August, the day of her baptism.
An August 26 Prayer to Our Lady of Częstochowa
Holy Mary, Our Lady of Częstochowa,
for centuries people have come to you in war, sickness and sorrow.
Your face bears scars, and you understand ours.
Pray for me and for my family.
Protect Poland and every nation where faith is under pressure.
Lead us always to your Son.
Amen.
A Prayer with St Teresa of Calcutta
Lord, on the day St Teresa was born,
help me see you in the poorest and most unwanted people I meet,
and do small things with great love.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 26 August, the feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa.
- At a Polish parish or before a copy of the icon.
- When praying for Poland or for your Polish ancestors.
Scripture Connection
“Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?” — Song of Solomon 6:10
The Church has long applied this verse to Mary. At Jasna Góra she is both gentle mother and fortress.
Related prayers
For the icon, see the Black Madonna Prayer. For tomorrow, the August 27 Prayer. For more Marian prayers, the Prayer to the Blessed Mother Never Known to Fail.