The traveling icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, in her “From Ocean To Ocean Global Pilgrimage” on behalf of life issues, will arrive in Houston on February 21, 2014. In the summer of 2012, a group of Catholic and Orthodox faithful began a global campaign in support of life and family under the patronage of Our Lady of Czestochowa (the Black Madonna). Starting in Vladivostok, Russia, the Ocean to Ocean Campaign in Defense of Life has received the support and blessings of numerous bishops in Europe, as well as Metropolitan Hilarion of the Russian Orthodox Church, and is expected to circle the globe and enkindle a sustainable movement to build a culture of life.
The campaign is based on the pilgrimage of an icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa which has already traveled over 40 thousand miles, traversed 24 countries, visited 75 cathedrals and 60 Orthodox churches in over 400 cities; and has been venerated by hundreds of thousands since the campaign began. Along the way, bishops and priests have celebrated liturgies and have given talks to inspire greater devotion to the Blessed Mother and to awaken the faithful to the urgency of recovering a true culture of life. With these visits, local parishes, shrines and other venues have hosted viewings, celebrated Mass, and coordinated events around her visit.
The icon will be present at the following Houston area churches:
–Friday, Feb. 21 at Holy Ghost Church (6921 Chetwood, Houston, TX 77081) for a 7 pm Spanish Mass and Rosary.
–Saturday, Feb. 22 at Christ the Good Shepherd Church (18511 Klein Church Rd, Spring, TX 77379) for an 8:30 am Mass with a Rosary at a Planned Parenthood clinic on Louetta.
–Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4 pm and all day Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Parkway at San Jacinto and Fannin St.) The Icon will be present for all weekend Masses.
Our Lady of Czestochowa has been credited with numerous miracles and healings – both of a spiritual and physical nature. This icon has been blessed and consecrated at the monastery of Jasna Gora in Poland, where the original is kept, and entrusted to the defense of life and family. Now, after traveling 40,000 miles from Vladivostok in Russia through 24 countries in Europe, she will be visiting Houston on her global pilgrimage. Please join the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as they welcome this icon to ask for her protection of life and family as well as personal petitions.
For more information about this icon, please visit Human Life International
James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.