2017: A Good Year to be in Poland and Portugal

The "Black Madonna"

In 2017 we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Our Lady appearing at Fatima in Portugal, but it is also the 300th anniversary in Poland of Our Blessed Mother's coronation in her image of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Expect great things this year and especially watch Poland whose parliament is wise enough to respect the holy Mother of God by naming her the nation's queen!

 The "Black Madonna" was first crowned on her birthday, September 8th, in 1717. What a testament to Poland that they continue to embrace the great Mother of God not only in their churches, but in their public life!

2017 embraces these important anniversaries. What a great year for Catholics and others wise enough to honor Jesus' Mother. Have you made the Five First Saturdays? This is the perfect year to do it! God is never outdone in generosity. If you honor His Mother He will reward you with many graces. Guaranteed!


Poland is a little far to visit, but I hope this year to travel to a town of my childhood, Doylestown, PA to visit the National Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa. I don't remember ever going there when I lived in the area (from 1960-64) which surprises me because my mother was very devoted to Our Lady.

But when you are a mom of ten children, you are pretty busy just doing your daily duties of feeding and clothing the hungry hordes, getting them to school and activities, etc. In any event, this is a good year to focus on Our Lady and visit churches dedicated to her, and the Shrine in Doylestown is a perfect place to add to my list. Want to join me on pilgrimage? You will surely be blessed!

Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us.

The polish pope welcomes visitors to the shrine.

altar in the crypt church