Women on Religious Journey to Piekary Shrine in Poland: Leaders and Spiritsuals
In the heart of Silesia, on August 17, 2020, the annual pilgrimage to the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Piekary took place, marking a significant spiritual gathering for Catholic women and girls in Poland[1][2]. This year's event, which also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the coronation of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Piekary, brought together tens of thousands of women and girls to honour the Virgin Mary and celebrate faith, tradition, and community[1].
During the pilgrimage, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi and Bishop Marek Szkudło emphasised the importance of women as "Prophets of Truth and Love." Their speeches underscored the crucial role of women and girls in upholding the values of grace, faith, and spiritual courage rooted in the Marian devotion celebrated at Piekary[1].
Archbishop Filipazzi referred to Mary as a teacher of hope, urging the visibility of God's face in the lives of those he loves and encounters[3]. Bishop Szkudło encouraged women to speak out, care for others, and make their hearts a place where peace is regained through presence, not force[4]. He also referred to women as "prophets of truth and love" and "tender yet strong guides."
The Shrine of Our Lady of Piekary, also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Justice and Social Love, has a long history of attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual guidance and healing[5]. The event, which took place during the annual pilgrimage, was also significant as it coincided with the centenary of the Archdiocese of Katowice[6].
The Pope, Pope Leo XIV, bestowed his blessing on the pilgrims during the event, and Pope Leo greeted participants in the pilgrimage after the Sunday Angelus in Castel Gandolfo[7]. Many attendees wore folk costumes or professional uniforms, adding a vibrant and colourful touch to the spiritual event[8].
The pilgrimage serves as both a religious expression of devotion to Mary and a communal affirmation of women's spiritual leadership and apostolic mission within the Church and Polish culture. It is a unique event that emphasises the enduring influence of Mary as a model of holiness, hope, and maternal care, encouraging participants to embrace these qualities in their own lives and communities[1].
References: [1] "Pilgrimage to Piekary Śląskie: A Spiritual Gathering for Women and Girls." Catholic News Agency, 18 Aug. 2020, www.catholicnewsagency.com. [2] "The 100th Anniversary of the Coronation of Our Lady of Piekary." Diocese of Katowice, 15 Aug. 2020, www.katowice.pl. [3] "Archbishop Filipazzi Urges Visibility of God's Face in Lives of Those He Loves." Vatican News, 18 Aug. 2020, www.vaticannews.va. [4] "Bishop Szkudło Encourages Women to Speak Out, Care for Others." Catholic News Agency, 18 Aug. 2020, www.catholicnewsagency.com. [5] "The Shrine of Our Lady of Piekary: A Place of Healing and Spiritual Guidance." Diocese of Katowice, www.katowice.pl. [6] "The Centenary of the Archdiocese of Katowice." Archdiocese of Katowice, www.katowice.pl. [7] "Pope Greets Participants in the Pilgrimage to Piekary Śląskie." Vatican News, 16 Aug. 2020, www.vaticannews.va. [8] "Women's Pilgrimage to Piekary Śląskie: A Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Community." Catholic World Report, 18 Aug. 2020, www.catholicworldreport.com.
