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OF "OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA" |
| Some of the readers my recall the
papal visit to New Zealand in 1986 and the Eucharist he celebrated in the
grounds of Auckland Domain (November the 22nd). John Paul II has chosen
this occasion to present to us a gift from his heart. This is the picture
of "Our Lady of Czestochowa". In fact it is a beautiful, gold plated copy
of the miraculous icon from Poland. This gift was offered to all New Zealanders,
and received by a Maori delegation just before the Holy Mass. Pope's
intentions were, to encourage us to a grater faith in Mary's helpful role
in leading us to Her Son. We can only wonder, how he knew that there have
not been many places in our country associated with Mary.
Although history of the original painting is full of dramatic events, related to a struggle of polish people, there is also a good deal of events associated with this New Zealand copy. After papal visit, the picture was held in Auckland for a short while. Then after a special gathering at Aotea Square "Our Lady" started a journey to some unconventional places on our soil. Firstly to Motuti, Panguru and Totara Pt. in Hokianga region, where beginings of the Catholic Church took place in this country. Then, to Hamilton, Matata in the Bay of Plenty, Waihi on the shores of Lake Taupo and finally to Tokoroa (the parish of Pius the X). Tokoroa is a residency for Bishop Max Takuira Mariu - a "custodian" of the picture. So unlike in most places in the world our picture traveled with its guardian rather, then being bonded to a particular place of cult. This picture comes on a pilgrimage to the faithful not vice versa. |
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| An exception to this was a busload
of people from polish catholic community led by Fr Stan Wrona who went
to "Our Lady" to Tokoroa last year. The jubilee of 20 years pontificate
of John Paul II provided an appropriate occasion for that pilgrimage.
With an exceptional courtesy of bishop Mariu the picture continues its journey to the people. This time it is back in Auckland, within polish community, where it is shared between families, and is present at Saturday and Sunday Masses at St Paul's College chapel in Ponsonby. This provides unique opportunity to the faithful to revitalize their gratitude to Mary, to give thanks for Her role in the Salvation, and to help us to celebrate 2000 y. anniversary of Christ's birth. On Saturday the 16th of October the picture of "Our Lady" will be taken back to Tokoroa to its current home, to its custodian. The polish community welcomes all to participate in this pilgrimage, which extends beyond an ethnic community event. In doing so there would be some fulfilment of Pope's wishes expressed in Auckland 13 years ago. Jack Drecki Auckland 30/08/99
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