​​​Poland President To Visit Bucks Co. Shrine For Monument Unveiling

Community Corner

​​​Poland President To Visit Bucks Co. Shrine For Monument Unveiling A Mass and dedication to honor Polish heroes will be held Sunday at The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

DOYLESTOWN, PA —The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa will once again be visited by an international figure when Poland President Andrzej Duda attends Mass and the unveiling of a monument on Sunday, Sept. 22.

Events for the day and weekend are organized by the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee (www.sdcc-usa.org). The committee will dedicate a monument in the Shrine cemetery to those who fought for Polish independence after World War II and the Solidarity movement at 3:40 p.m. Mass will precede the event at 1 p.m. in the Upper Church.

"Our Shrine is pleased have President Duda visit, and welcome those who come to honor Polish heroes," said Father Maksymilian Ogar, OSPPE, spokesman for the Shrine. "All are welcome to come here to pray and visit. Throughout the years, the Shrine draws many people and nationalities, especially those who have a special reverence for the Blessed Mother."

Since its founding nearly 70 years ago, American Czestochowa has been visited by Pope St. John Paul II when he was a cardinal and many international cardinals and bishops, as well as political leaders such as presidents Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan. This is the second visit of Poland President Duda (2016).

(Courtesy of The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa)

The 170-acre campus contains the main church and several chapels, a retreat house, visitor's center, prayer walks and expansive cemetery that includes a section dedicated to Polish armed services veterans. There are several monumental and life-sized sculptures that recall Polish and American history. The Pauline Fathers and Brothers, formally known as the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit, reside in a monastery connected to the main church.

"We are always aware of and grateful for the support of local law enforcement and our neighbors during events such as this," said Father Maksymilian. "The Shrine is often the site of many large gatherings, from the annual pilgrimage to the Polish American Festival which just completed its 58th year. The success of these and other events is directly related to the support and cooperation of our community."

The Shrine and its administrators are a registered non-profit, religious organization and does not engage in political advocacy.

Located in Doylestown (New Britain Township), the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a place of pilgrimage, prayer, education and ministry. Its mission is to bring people of all backgrounds closer to Jesus Christ, through the intercession of and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. For more information about the Shrine and its ministries, events, facilities and schedules, visit www.czestochowa.us or www.facebook.com/american.czestochowa.