num_pages: 175
description: Jasna Gora is a Pauline Monastery in Czestochowa. It is one of the most important Virgin Mary worship centers in Europe and the most important religious site in Poland. The monastery treasures a picture of Virgin Mary with Child, which is worshipped and is believed to have miraculous powers. This is especially important for the Poles, considering the fact that Virgin Mary of Czestochowa is called the Queen of Poland. Jasna Góra has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries.The history of Jasna Góra began in 1382, when prince Ladislaus of Opole brought Pauline order from Hungary to Czestochowa and founded the monastery. The name of the monastery Jasna Góra meaning "the bright mountain" was given by the Pauline monks, who in this way commemorated their original St. Lawrence monastery on "bright mountain" in Buda. Two years later, the painting of Virgin Mary with Child was brought to Jasna Gora from Ruthenia. The painting is said to have been made by St. Lucas.One of the most significant episodes in the history of Jasna Gora monastery was the siege that took place during the Swedish invasion called the "Swedish Flood" in 1655. The monastery was under attack from 18 November till 27 December. The defenders were outnumbered, but were well prepared for the siege. The commander of the defenders was father Augustyn Kordecki, the abbot of the monastery. Before the siege he moved the most precious items and the miraculous painting to a safe location and stocked up on armor and supplies. The victory in this battle didn't have a strategic significance in the ongoing war in itself, but it was a great morale boost for all Poles fighting with the invaders.
language: English
title: Jasna Gora Guide: Sanctuary of the Mother of God
titlecomplete: Jasna Gora Guide: Sanctuary of the Mother of God
ratings_count: 2
publisher: Paulinianum