Monday 21 July 2014

Czarna Madonna


 
Czestochowa is the famous Marian Shrine in Poland dedicated to Our Lady the Queen of Poland.  The shrine is famous for the icon that is venerated there - The Czarna Madonna.  
 
For a good few years now, our tradition at St Marie's has been to sing the hymn in honour of Our Lady of Czestochwa at the end of Mass.  Until fairly recently we were only able to do this in Polish.  Now thanks to my Polish Confreres and the skills of a dear cathedral organist friend in the Torrid South we have a singable version of this lovely hymn in English.
 
 
On this earth our souls are restless
'til they find that special place
Where there reigns the Queen of Poland
Bearing scars upon her face
Sad but gentle as she gazes
almost begging one and all
that they ask for her protection with this call.
 
Madonna, Black Madonna
Hear your children, Lady of Grace.
O hide us, Black Madonna
in your gentle loving embrace.
 
In her arms you'll find protection
and her peace does not depart
For her children will find love
in her Immaculate Heart.
She is always there to help you
when you give your heart to her
and invoke your Blessed Mother's name with love.
 
Madonna, Black Madonna
Hear your children, Lady of Grace.
O hide us, Black Madonna
in your gentle loving embrace.
 
When the cares of life oppress us
We can flee to her to hide
To our Blessed Mother Mary
for she calls us to her side
So we ask you Queen of Poland
turn your eyes of love to us
hear the prayers your children offer now with joy.

Madonna, Black Madonna
Hear your children, Lady of Grace.
O hide us, Black Madonna
in your gentle loving embrace.

Here is a You Tube Clip of the unveiling of the Icon together with the
Hymn to Our Lady in Polish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkZ8UAJU_Lw

 
 

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