On Sunday, the 30th of December Our Lady of Częstochowa came to the retreat house at the National Shrine of the Most Prescious Heart of Jesus, Our Lord in the capital of the autonomous community of Castille and Leon – Valladolid. Archbishop Ricardo Blazquez Perez, the metropolitan of Valladolid archdiocese,Vice-President of the Episcopal Conference of Spain celebrated the Holy Eucharist in the intention of families.
Next the Icon was taken to the church of Esclavas del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (the Servants of the Most Prescious Heart of Jesus), where the permanent adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is continuously held. The Black Madonna stayed there on the turn of the year from the 31st December 2012 to the 1st of January 2013. The adoration continued all the time. On the New Year Day, January the 1st, the solemn Holy Mass was celebrated. Many people came to pay homage to the Black Madonna.
On Wednesday, January the 2nd, the Częstochowa Icon was carried in a procession to the parish church of St Laurent, where the patroness of Valladolid, Our Lady of St Laurent (Laurentius) is venerated. According to tradition, this figure was brought to Valladolid by a priest, who saved her from the Moors in the eleventh or twelfth century. Over 200 people attended the evening Holy Mass.
Next day, on Thursday, January the 3rd, the faithful began to fill the church as early as 11.30 AM. At 2.30 PM the pastor of the parish of St Laurent celebrated the Holy Eucharist to say farewell to the Icon. At the beginning he sang the hymn “The Black Madonna” in Spanish. In his homily he read out the story of the Icon, mentioned the Miracle on the Vistula in 1920, and stressed the Mother of God`s help in this historic event. He encouraged the congregation to give themselves in the hands of Mary, because She can help in things that are impossible in human terms. Over 400 people attended this Holy Eucharist.
After the farewell the “Live Mobile” with the Mother of God left for Burgos.
