The Image of Our Lady
Prayers in front of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Częstochowa are the principal aim of pilgrims arriving at Jasna Góra. The image is one of the best recognised symbols of Christianity in Poland.
The image of the Virgin Mary and Child venerated in the jasna Góra Shrine is one of the icons of the “Hodegetria”, or “Indicating the Way” type. The icon is also known as the Black Madonna since
Mary’s face under the many layers of varnish is brown in colour. Legend has it that the image was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist on boards of the table used for meals by the Holy Family. Today scientists are inclined to accept one of two theories of the origin of the image.
