American Shrine of Czestochowa

Pauline Fathers

THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

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The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa

PO Box 2049 - 654 Ferry Road Doylestown, PA 18901

Phone (215) 345-0600

Fax (215) 348-2148

www.czestochowa.us

Historical sketch of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa

[Jasna Gora Picture]

Centuries-old Shrine of Jasna Gora Czestochowa, Poland

According to tradition, it is believed that Saint Luke the Evangelist is the original artist of this painting in which Mary is depicted holding the Christ Child. This sacred picture, enshrined and venerated at the renowned Marian Shrine in Poland, was brought from Jerusalem through Constantinople and was bestowed to the Princess of Ruthenia. It was brought to Poland in 1382 through the efforts of Ladislaus of Opole who discovered it in a castle at Belz. To ensure its protection, he invited the Monks of Saint Paul the first Hermit from Hungary to come to Poland to be the guardians of the Picture.

From that time onward, the historic records of the painting are documented and authenticated by the miracles associated with the painting. In 1430 a devastating attack on the Polish Shrine resulted in tragic losses and the damaging of the holy picture. To this very day, despite the attempts to repair the damage, the slashes on the face to the Virgin Mary are still visible.

The foundation of the Monastery and Shrine in Czestochowa, Poland, began with a small wooden church.

Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Czestochowa

Subsequent development (1632-48) led to the construction of the present day basilica and defense wall which surrounds the sacred buildings. Under the heroic leadership of the Prior of the Monastery, Father Augustine Kordecki, the Shrine withstood the attacks of the Swedish invasion of 1655. This great victory proved to be a tremendous boost to the morale of the entire Polish nation.

As a result, King Jan Casimir, in 1656, made a solemn vow proclaiming the Mother of God to be the "Queen of the Polish Crown" and the Shrine of Jasna Góra to be the "Mount of Victory" and spiritual capital of Poland.

During the years of Poland's Partition (1772-1918) the Shrine of Jasna Góra became a vibrant link for the Polish people with their homeland. The holy painting enshrined at Czestochowa beamed as a lighthouse of hope during the painful years of national hardships and defeats.

After the restoration of national independence (1918) pilgrimages to the Polish Shrine grew in number and size. As World War II ended, a nation devastated by the scourges of war drew new strength and courage from the Shrine to rebuild and recover from the war.

In 1966 the celebration of Poland's 1,000 years of Christianity (966-1966) took place and the nation was consecrated to Mary. Devotion to the Mother of God continues from the Shrine at Jasna Góra today, inspiring such leading figures as the late Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski and Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the Pope John Paul II.

Aerial view of the American Czestochowa

Devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa is well known and cherished around the world. Polish immigrants, wherever they traveled in search for freedom, carried copies of the holy image of Our Lady of Czestochowa as a loving reminder of their faith and national origin.

Polish people living in America united in the building of a magnificent Shrine in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa at Doylestown. The American Czestochowa was completed and dedicated in 1966 in conjunction with Poland's celebration of 1,000 years of Poland's baptism as a Christian nation.

THE AMERICAN CZESTOCHOWA

[First Chapel Picture]

The First Chapel - Barn Chapel of the American Czestochowa

The inspiring story of the American Czestochowa began to unfold in 1953 when Father Michael M. Zembrzuski, a Pauline Monk from Poland, purchased a small parcel of farmland near Doylestown, PA. Within two years a dream became a reality as a small barn on the property was converted into a chapel and solemnly dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa on June 26, 1955.

As the date of Poland's Millennium approached, the idea to build a large Shrine was conceived. The idea was received with tremendous support and joy by the Polish clergy and faithful. As 1966 drew near, they rallied together in response to the appeals requesting donations to build a monumental Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa. On October 16, 1966, Archbishop John Krol and President Lyndon B. Johnson greeted nearly one hundred thousand pilgrims who came to Doylestown to witness the dedication of the new Shrine.

The Shrine church, designed by Polish architect, George Szeptycki of Los Angeles, is built in a modern and impressive style. The main entrance to the Shrine Church brings visitors into a large vestibule filled with memorials-three walls of bronze plaques placed for Shrine benefactors and their loved ones and one marble wall that displays commemorative plaques and urns, tributes to honor the memory of events and famous persons in the history of Poland.

Memorials so special note on the marble wall display: the bronze plaque of the great Polish statesman and virtuoso Ignacy Paderewski that holds his actual heart-the urn containing ashes of Polish scouts ("Orienta") brought from the cemetery of Lwów - plaque dedicated to Polish airmen who died in WWII - commemorative plaque of the Warsaw Uprising and the Blessed Mother of the Polish Underground Home Army (A.K.), and the plaque in memory of Poles and other prisoners of concentration camps in WWII including Saint Maximilian Kolbe.

Interior of Shrine Main Church

The interior of the Church greets visitors with an exciting sweep of color and spacious beauty with huge panels of stained glass windows covering the side walls. The windows depict the history of Christianity in Poland and the United States.

Dominating the altar area of the Shrine Church is a 65-foot wide bas-relief of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove, God the Father (with crown), and God the Son (without crown). The Painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa, inserted in the composition, symbolizes how closely the Virgin Mary is tied to the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing her mission as Mother and Intermediary of all graces leading the faithful to her son Jesus and through Him to the Father and Holy Spirit.

The picture (a copy of the original, painted by Leonard Toweitt in Poland) was blessed by Pope John XXIII on Feb. 10, 1962. Before being enshrined in the new Shrine in Doylestown, the painting traveled to US Polish parishes throughout the country for 4 years.

The American Czestochowa, situated in the rolling hills of picturesque Bucks County, PA, resembles the setting of the Polish Shrine where pilgrims, to this day, sing the hymn: "From the hills of Czestochowa..."

To the right of the Shrine church is a soaring 240-foot Tower presenting an inspiring scene of stained glass windows, bells and a cross. At the base of the tower is the Vigil Lamp Chapel aglow with nearly 1,000 candles, lit by pilgrims as symbols of faith, hope and love, seeking the intercession of the Mother of God in their lives.

St. Anne's Chapel

Located behind the Main Church Sanctuary (off the east side vestibule) St. Anne's Chapel presents a serene atmosphere for prayers of petition to God through St. Anne. The beautiful altar is adorned with large Polish eagles and a beautiful painting. Beautiful oak pews and stained glass windows complete the chapel.

Outdoor Prayer Areas

The Shrine complex has many outdoor prayer areas for pilgrims. The large oval area, directly in front of the Shrine church - Outdoor Stations of the Cross fill the entire oval. The Status of Our Lady of the Assumption stands on a huge column at the top of the oval. The beautiful Outdoor Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is located in the plaza directly behind the Vigil Lamp Chapel, surrounded by the Shrine Memorial Wall. At the far west side elevated walkway is the Outdoor Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima.

Pauline Fathers / Brothers Monastery

The monastery is located to the left side of the church (can be seen from the elevated walkway). Modest and simple in style, the monastery is the residence of the monks, most of whom came directly from Poland to serve spiritual needs of pilgrims at the Shrine. The Pauline Fathers welcome American vocations. For information contact the Vocation Director. (215) 345-0600.

CHAPELS IN THE LOWER FLOOR OF SHRINE CHURCH

[Our Lady Chapel Picture]

Chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa

The altar of this chapel is an exact replica of the altar in the Shrine at Jasna Góra Poland - location of the original Miraculous Painting. The painting above the altar here at the American Czestochowa, a copy of the miraculous picture, was signed and blessed by Pope John Paul II on August 2, 1980. The picture is set behind a screen that can be raised and lowered - as is the original painting at Jasna Góra, Poland. In Poland the painting is only shown to the public at scheduled times. When not on display the picture is covered by the screen.

Chapel of Mary of Nazareth

(To left of Our Lady of Czestochowa Altar) The beautiful life-size statue depicts Mary as a young maiden, posed in a walking position, exiting her home in Nazareth. Before arriving in the United States from Europe. the statue was taken to Rome where Pope John Paul II blessed it and placed the crown on its head.

The Statue here in the American Czestochowa is the second one created by the artist. The original statue is located in the Basilica of the Annunciation, at Nazareth.

Chapel of St. Paul, First Hermit

(Thru doors left of Nazareth Chapel) Solus cum Deo Solo (Alone with God Alone) motto of the Pauline Order whose patriarch is St. Paul the First Hermit. The painting depicts St. Paul at prayer in the desert with the raven who brought him food. The Lions are overseers of St. Paul's cave and his grave.

Chapel of Divine Mercy

(To right of Our Lady of Czestochowa Altar) The picture above the altar shows Jesus in the form of Divine Mercy as He appeared before the Polish nun, Saint Faustina. He revealed to her a powerful prayer for mankind - the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He told Faustina to paint a picture of His appearance and bring His message to the world. Saint Faustina appears in a painting on the wall. Divine Mercy Sunday, the 2nd Sunday after Easter, is a major, annual celebration at the Shrine.

Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe

(Thru doors right of Divine Mercy Chapel) The altar is set within Aztec culture. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an electronic replica of the original in Mexico City. Mary, as a dark skinned woman dressed as an Aztec Princess, appeared before Juan Diego on December 9, 1531. She asked him to tell the Bishop to erect a church on that site in her honor. Painting of Juan Diego is on Chapel wall.

Cemetery at the American Czestochowa

The cemetery and mausoleum at the Shrine is the final resting place of beloved deceased, many of whom were Shrine benefactors, volunteer workers and friends of the Shrine.

There are four sections in the Shrine cemetery: I) honor section, 2) clergy and monk section, 3) general section (for all Catholics) and 4) veteran's section. Various works of art appear throughout the cemetery, depicting patriotic causes of Polish people (Katyn and Hussar memorials), significant culture and art to the Polish people (Ignacy Paderewski monument) and the magnificent "Resurrection" statue standing tall with the promise of life after death.

The "Original Barn Chapel" (moved from the early site to the new grounds) stands at the back of the cemetery as a historic reminder of the humble beginnings of the Shrine.

Memorial Cross in the Cemetery

The large 45-foot high stainless steel cross with a 7-foot bronze image of Christ stands in front of the "Original Barn Chapel". The cross was blessed and dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack on September 16, 2001.

Ave Maria Retreat House

A religious retreat and conference center located on the grounds of the Shrine (behind the Shrine Church), the Ave Maria Retreat House offers overnight accommodations for group retreats of more than one day. The Pauline Fathers invite all groups to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine and experience the peacefulness participants undergo during a retreat. For information about group pilgrimages/retreats call (215) 345-9146.

Shrine Visitors Center

First Floor :

Shrine Information - in Main Lobby

Shrine Gift Shoptel. (215) 348-2785

Hours - 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM every day. (except Christmas, New Year's, Easter & Thanksgiving)

Shrine Business offices - tel. (215) 345-0600

Reception desk, Cemetery 0ffice, Mass & Mass Society Offices, Memorial Office, Accounting Office, Shrine Director Office

Hours - 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Mon to Fri

Shrine Museum Open on Sundays

Conference Chapel / Rooms - Open as required

Rest Rooms - Near west side Tunnel Entrance

Elevator - Near west side Tunnel Entrance

Second Floor :

Cafeteria - Open Sundays - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Polish Deli - Open Sundays - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Rest Rooms - Near Elevator in Cafeteria

Religious Services Schedule

Sunday Masses

Saturday Vigil - 5:00 PM (English)

Sunday - 8:00, 10:00 AM, 12 noon (Polish)

9:00. 11:00 AM, 2:00 & 5:00 PM (English)

NOTE: JANUARY 2006 CHANGES

Sunday Mass Schedule

12:00 (Noon) Polish Mass moves to 12:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. English Mass moves to 2:30 p.m.

Weekday Masses

Mon thru Sat - 7:30, 8:00 and 11:30 AM (English)

Holy Day Masses

Vigil - 5:00 PM (English) Holy Day - 7:30, 8:00, 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM (English)

Confessions

Before all scheduled Masses on Sunday

Before the 11:30 Mass on Weekdays (Mon-Sat)

Devotions

Our Lady of Czestochowa Perpetual Novena: every Sun. & Wed.

Marian: May & Oct. - daily

Sacred Heart: June - daily

Lent: Stations of the Cross - Fri. 7 PM (English), 5:00 PM (Polish)

Gorzkie Zale - Sun. After 12:00 Noon Mass (Polish)

Directions to the Shrine

[Directions Picture]

FROM NEW YORK (HOLLAND TUNNEL) THRU NJ TO PA

Routes l & 9 South from tunnel to Route 78 West. Rt. 78 to Route 287 SOUTH. Rt. 287 to Route 202 SOUTH. Rt. 202 to PA Route 313. Turn right on Rt. 313 WEST. At 7th traffic light turn left onto FERRY ROAD. Shrine is approx. 2 miles down Ferry Rd.

FROM NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE

NJTP to Exit 6 (PATP). PA Turnpike (west) to Exit #343 (Willow Grove-Doylestown) - Rt. 611. Rt. 611 North to Route 313 (DUBLIN). Exit - turn left onto Rt. 313 WEST. At 2nd traffic light turn left onto Ferry Rd. Follow Ferry Rd. approx. 2 miles to the Shrine.

FROM WILMINGTON & BALTIMORE

Follow Blue Route (ROUTE 476) to PA Turnpike. Take PA Turnpike (east) to Exit #343 (WILLOW GROVE-DOYLESTOWN)- Rt. 611. Take Rt. 611 North to RT 313 Exit (DUBLIN). Turn left onto Rt. 313. At 2nd traffic light turn left -follow Ferry Rd. 2 miles to Shrine.

FROM SCRANTON OR ALLENTOWN

PA Turnpike OR Route 309 South to Quakertown. Take Route 313 (cast) to FOUNTAINVILLE. Turn right onto Ferry Road. Follow Ferry Road approx. 2 miles to the Shrine.

FROM NORRISTOWN & MONTGOMERYVILLE

Route 202 thru Montgomeryville to Chalfont. At light in Chalfont turn left onto Route 152 (north). Go 1/4 mile to Park Avenue. Turn right onto Park Avenue. At first Stop Sign (3 way intersection) make a right onto Ferry Road. Follow Ferry Rd. approx. 2 miles to Shrine.

From: American Czestochowa Folder, August 2003