Many Marian Sanctuaries in the world are known of special religious services like procession of lights or special rosary celebrations. One can find such procession in Fatima or Lourdes, and in some sanctuaries in Poland. Church of Our Lady Revealing Miraculous Medal in Zakopane-Olcza was honored the title of diocesan sanctuary on December 7, 2008. In late July, a procession of light was celebrated was celebrated for the first time here.
Polish Vincentians work in Olcza parish which is close to Tatra Mountains in outskirts of Zakopane, in southern Poland. for almost hundred years (since 1913). From the beginning of their ministry, they cherished and spread devotion and dedication to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. In early 1980s they started construction of present church, which now is one of the largest and prettiest in Podhale region and which has been variously described as looking like shepherd’s tent or as two hands in prayer. National Center of Association of Miraculous Medal is here, too.
On Monday, July 27, 2009 after the special Mass celebrated at 8:00 p.m. (local time) a Procession of Lights and Rosary was lead from the sanctuary to nearby (a quarter of a mile uphill) cemetery. Very Rev. Arkadiusz Zakreta CM, Visitor of Province of Poland of the Congregation of the Mission presided the liturgy, first celebrating the Mass and then leading the Procession of Lights.
As Fr. Mieczyslaw Kozlowski CM, pastor of Our Lady Revealing Miraculous Medal Church and shrine, explains, 27th day of the month to organize the Procession liturgy was chosen to commemorate day of death of St. Vincent de Paul (September 27, 1660). July was chosen as the first month when the procession took place because of Year of the Priests which begun in June. The other reason to initiate this monthly service is upcoming Jubilee Year of 350th Anniversary of Death of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac which is to start on the feast of St. Vincent de Paul this September. Processions of Lights, which will be observed every 27th day of each month, after the Holy Mass said at 8:00 p.m., will be one of various celebration of the 350th Anniversary Year in Poland.
On behalf of Vincentian Priests working in the Shrine of Our Lady Revealing Miraculous Medal we warmly invite you to attend this unique manifestation of devotion to Our Lady of Miraculous Medal if you will be visiting Zakopane and Tatra Mountains. Next Procession of light is scheduled for Thursday, August 27.
[read this story in Polish at misjonarze.pl or Famvin.org Polska]
