The organizers of the National March for Life, which took place on April 19, 2026, in Warsaw, invited Our Lady of Częstochowa in Her icon "From Ocean to Ocean," entrusting Her to the care of the Knights of Columbus in Poland. This icon was touched to the original at Jasna Góra in 2012.
Since then, it has been on a global pilgrimage for the protection of the civilization of life and love. She has already traveled approximately 220,000 km through 32 countries on five continents. Millions of people have prayed with Her. Now that She has returned to Poland, the invitation to the National March for Life was obvious and highly anticipated by pro-life advocates.
Recently, the icon "From Ocean to Ocean" was hosted at the Church of St. Casimir the Bishop in Gdańsk Zaspa. Due to the agreed-upon trip to Warsaw under the supervision of the Knights of Columbus, on the evening of April 17th, a farewell ceremony and the Icon's departure took place, accompanied by Knights of Columbus in formal attire and carrying swords.
On Saturday, April 18th, the Icon arrived at the Pauline Fathers in Warsaw and was brought into the Church of the Holy Spirit in the New Town, where the Sanctuary of the Jasna Góra Mother of Life is located. After Mass, a prayer vigil was held there before the march.
On Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, the Knights of Columbus, with solemn assistance, carried the Icon to the Archcathedral Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in the Old Town.
The icon was placed near the altar. She is in a special feretory, making it easy to carry, surrounded by a protective structure that prevents damage from accidental impacts. Suitable feet facilitate positioning, preventing it from being placed on the floor, making it easier not only to place it in the church, but also in the square or during procession stops. The feretory is equipped with LED lighting with its own battery power. This makes it clearly visible from a distance, not only in the church, but also during processions.
During Mass in the Archcathedral, Bishop Piotr Jarecki delivered the sermon. At the conclusion, Father Samuel Karwacki, OSPPE, led the vows of Spiritual Adoption.
The Knights of Columbus, in impressive company and in ceremonial attire, marched with the icon to Castle Square and lined up for the march.
At the front were mounted hussars and historical figures to commemorate the 1060th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland. Our Lady led the march, surrounded by pro-life activists. She could be seen from the front of the column, surrounded by a large crowd of marchers joyfully demonstrating for life.
The honorary escort of the Knights of Columbus around Our Lady in the Częstochowa Icon was very impressive. The men marched in a special, military formation, maintaining a parade pace even in the largest crowds! The presence of Our Lady in the "From Ocean to Ocean" Icon was very visible and significant. She, in turn, presented Her wonderful sons – the Knights of Columbus, who venerated Her while simultaneously making their presence felt. There are now approximately 8,000 of them in Poland – a magnificent army protecting the faith and the Church. After the National March for Life marched through the streets of Warsaw, the Knights of Columbus venerated the Icon at the podium, where leaders and invited guests spoke.
The International Committee "From Ocean to Ocean" extended its warmest thanks to the Knights of Columbus for the honorary escort and assistance of the Icon of the Mother of God during the National March for Life.