Pauline Order awaits Pope Francis in Częstochowa
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis
was scheduled on Thursday to visit Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland,
to celebrate a Mass commemorating the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of
Poland.
The Monastery is the location
of the famous icon, the Black Madonna of Częstochowa. There is a legend the
image was made by St. Luke, and the icon has become a symbol of Poland, and
revered especially by the Polish diaspora around the world.
The Monastery is home to the
Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit, or the Pauline Fathers.
“The icon, the blessed
Madonna, is venerated not only by the Polish people, but the faithful from all
the world, which was many times highlighted by John Paul II, it is still a
recognizable sign of the Polish people living in many places around the world,”
explained the Father General of the Order, Fr. Arnold Chrapkowski, OSPPE.
This international outreach
has had an effect on the Order, as the Black Madonna has inspired vocations
around the world.
“For me, the Black Madonna
came also in South Africa, brought by the Trappists,” – said Fr. David Dlamini,
OSPPE – “It was 1885, but it was not so popular – the picture of Our Lady –
until the Pauline Fathers came in 1991…So for us, she is our mother.”
Pauline Brother Jeremy
Santoso, who is preparing for the priesthood, comes from Australia.
“I remember the first time
being here in Poland when I was a postulant entering into the novitiate, and my
impression of Jasna Góra was remarkable because of how big the monastery is,
and the amount of people walking around…I was impressed with their devotion and
faith,” Br. Jeremy told Vatican Radio.
“It was so beautiful to
witness such a thing, it slowly motivated, inspired me, to love the country all
the more,” he said.
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