On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 15 of August, 2023, the Anthonian Institute organized a PILGRIMAGE to the Our Lady of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa.
The activity was organized by the Fathers of the Anthonian Institute through the effort of the superior of the house Fr. Herbie together with his confreres. The pilgrimage was attended by most of the Filipinos living in Warsaw to witness the beautiful pilgrimage to Częstochowa together with some Polish friends.
The activity started to arrive at the institute at 6:00 in the morning and with the instructions of Fr. Herbie and a little catechesis of a pilgrimage. After the instructions of Fr. Herbie, before the travel, a short prayer is rendered in the chapel to officially start the pilgrimage. While travelling, Fr. Herbie made sure that the people who joined the pilgrimage is well informed abou the nature of pilgrimage and the background needed to know very well the story and history of the Our Lady of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa. It was also an opportune moment to PRAY, REFLECT, and ask for INTERCESSION from the Blessed Mother and present it to her Son Jesus. It was a moment of sharing also for all the Filipinos who partake in the said pilgrimage and enjoy the friendship of one another. It was about 58 participants to be exact.
As soon as the pilgrims arrived at the vicinity, they stayed first at the convent of the Fransiscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which is very near to Jasna Góra (Place of the Black Madonna) and greeted the sisters and made some kind of refreshments before going to the sight. At 11:00 in the morning, Frs. Herbie, Mike and Tirso concelebrated the mass with thousand of pilgrims participating from around the world. It was also a special moments for the Filipino pilgrims to sit nearest to the altar during the celebration of the mass presided by the Archbishop of Częstochowa His eminence Wacław Tomasz Depo with his Auxiliary bishop Andrzej Przybylski and other bishop from Zambia with more than 100 concelebrating priests. It was also an opportune moment that the pilgrims from Philippines were recognized before the mass.
It was a once in a lifetime experience of the pilgims. The pilgrims were filled with contentment and were happy for such an experience. The group left Częstochowa with much happiness and devotion after meeting the Blessed Mother or also known as the "Our Lady of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa." Prayer was rendered while journeying back to Warsaw and spirit-filled pilgrims left the institute with gratefulness in their hearts for such a memorable Pilgrimage.