2016-07-28 08:19:00

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.

Listen to the interview by Lydia O’Kane with 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.”

Listen to the interview by Lydia O’Kane with Fr. David Dlamini, OSPPE:

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.

Listen to the interview by Lydia O’Kane with Br. Jeremy Santoso, OSPPE:

“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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