Our Lady of Częstochowa is a beloved image of Mary revered by Polish Catholics. St. Hyacinth Basilica hosted a coronation of that parish’s icon during a Mass and blessing ceremony with Cardinal George on Aug. 31. The gold crowns, which were affixed to the painted image, were fashioned from jewelry donated by parishioners. Polish Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz also blessed the new crowns during a recent pastoral visit to Chicago.
Worshippers fill the pews in the historic St. Hyacinth Basilica to honor Our Lady of Częstochowa. St. Hyacinth often holds Masses or festivals native to Polish people.
Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World