Part Two:
We started our tour in the 600th Anniversary Museum where you find Historical exhibits. There were seven century old books, musical instruments, paintings, votive offerings from John Paul the 2nd and many historic items. One of these is the Nobel peace prize of Lech Walesa. We then went to the Knights hall, which is one of the oldest parts of the Jasna Gora. Then on to the Chapel of the Holy Virgin where the Black Madonna painting is, there was a mass in progress and many pilgrims on their knees circling the altar in prayer. It was very moving. The walls at the back of the chapel were lined with crutches from people who have been healed here. They have to remain well for 5 years before it is accepted as a miracle, with cancer patients they have to wait 10 years. It is overwhelming to say the least. Next the Basilica, built in the 17th century because the chapel was too small to accommodate all the pilgrims who come each year. Then on to the treasury, where they house votive offerings (things given by visitors). One of the things was a rosary made of bread from a prisoner from Auschwitz. Also a ring given by John F. Kennedy, when he visited before he was president. After our tour we walked around the fortified walls where they have beautiful bronze stations of the cross. We could hear singing and shouting and when we looked out towards the town we saw hundreds of pilgrims arriving from Krakow. They carried banners and different colored balloons. They were singing and praying, an incredible sight. It is impossible to put all the sights sounds and feelings into this journal! Tomorrow, another day of travel.
We started our tour in the 600th Anniversary Museum where you find Historical exhibits. There were seven century old books, musical instruments, paintings, votive offerings from John Paul the 2nd and many historic items. One of these is the Nobel peace prize of Lech Walesa. We then went to the Knights hall, which is one of the oldest parts of the Jasna Gora. Then on to the Chapel of the Holy Virgin where the Black Madonna painting is, there was a mass in progress and many pilgrims on their knees circling the altar in prayer. It was very moving. The walls at the back of the chapel were lined with crutches from people who have been healed here. They have to remain well for 5 years before it is accepted as a miracle, with cancer patients they have to wait 10 years. It is overwhelming to say the least. Next the Basilica, built in the 17th century because the chapel was too small to accommodate all the pilgrims who come each year. Then on to the treasury, where they house votive offerings (things given by visitors). One of the things was a rosary made of bread from a prisoner from Auschwitz. Also a ring given by John F. Kennedy, when he visited before he was president. After our tour we walked around the fortified walls where they have beautiful bronze stations of the cross. We could hear singing and shouting and when we looked out towards the town we saw hundreds of pilgrims arriving from Krakow. They carried banners and different colored balloons. They were singing and praying, an incredible sight. It is impossible to put all the sights sounds and feelings into this journal! Tomorrow, another day of travel.