LAWRENCE — Our Lady of Czestochowa, known as the Polish Madonna will be honored during Mass Aug. 29, 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi, 35 Essex St.
The bilingual liturgy features readings and hymns in Polish.
Aug. 26 is the feast day of Our Lady of Czestochowa, a holy icon of the Virgin Mary Poland's holiest relic and one of the country's national symbols.
According to tradition, St. Luke the Evangelist is said to be the original artist of the painting which depicts Mary holding the Christ Child.
The image was brought to Poland in 1382 from Jerusalem via Constantinople.
Since then, there have been numerous miracles associated with the painting.
Among them is the Black Madonna saving the monastery of Jasna Góra, Polish for Bright Mount, from a Swedish invasion in 1656. The other miracle was preventing its church from being destroyed in a fire, where her flesh was darkened by the flames, thus her title.
In 1656, King Jan Casimir proclaimed the Black Madonna to be the "Queen of the Polish Crown."
When Poland gained its independence in 1918, the Shrine attracted numerous visitors as well as after the end of World War II.
Today the Shrine of Czestochowa in Poland still attracts millions of tourists.
Poles' devotion to the Black Madonna is so great, they dedicated a National Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Penn., in 1966. The dedication coincided with the 1,000 anniversary of Poland's conversion to Christianity.
Religion listings
Atkinson Congregational, 101 Main St., Atkinson, N.H.: Summer Kids' Club continues with the safari theme Sundays at 9 a.m. until Aug. 29.
Beth Israel, 501 S. Main St., Andover: Open house for prospective members, Aug. 29, 4 to 8 p.m. with an end of the summer barbecue. A second open house is Sept. 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
Church of Spiritual Life, 126 Merrimack St., Unit 5, Methuen: teacher and psychic medium April Sheerin leads a spiritual self-defense workshop, Aug. 22, 5 p.m. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.
Corpus Christi Church, 35 Essex St., Lawrence: Bible study on the Blessed Virgin Mary in the scriptures Wednesdays until Sept. 22, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant St., Methuen: Summer Sunday schools tomorrow at 10 a.m. with "The Travels of Paul."
First Congregational Church, 15 Lawrence Road, Salem N.H.: Wednesday worship services at 7 p.m. through Sept. 1. It is preceded by a buffet supper at 6 p.m. Cost is $3 per person; $8 per family.
Haverhill Community Church, 17 Newcomb St., Haverhill: A study on the book of Ephesians is Sundays, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Little Sisters of St. Francis, 8 Barnard Way, Danville, N.H.: Dottie DeGrandis Sudol leads a day of renewal Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited seating. For reservation call 603-382-7490 or send an e-mail to littlewaystac@yahool.com. Donation is $20.
Mary, Mother of the Church of St. Luke the Evangelist parish, 12 Amesbury Road, Newton, N.H.: The national statue of Our Lady of Fatima which was blessed by Pope Paul VI will be at the parish Aug. 22 beginning with Mass at 9 a.m. William Sockey, the statue custodian explains Fatima's message.
The Rev. Michael Monette leads a healing Mass on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.
Marsh Corner Community, 317 Pelham St., Methuen: Adult Sunday School class on "Putting the Bible Together," tomorrow, 9:15 a.m.
The congregation hosts a Children's Church for students in kindergarten through second grade tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.
Mother Queen of Peace of Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, N.H.: Outdoor Mass is Sept. 12 at 10:45 a.m. followed by parish festival from noon to 4 p.m. Free tickets available after the Masses.
New Creation Healing Center, Hunt and Newton Junction Roads, Kingston, N.H.: A four-week Bible study series "Deliver Us From Evil," focusing on the Lord's prayer, is Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
North Parish, 190 Academy Road, North Andover: Margaret Low leads worship services tomorrow at 10 a.m. She is a studying at Andover Newton Theological School, pursuing ordination. Low worked for the VA Hospital in Boston and is completing her chaplaincy training. Her father Barry will provide the music along with a friend from the Navy Band.
Presentation of Mary, 209 Lawrence St., Methuen: The sisters host adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of St. Claire residence Monday to Friday, 9 to 11 a.m.
Religious Society of Friends, Forest Street Union Church, 15 Forest St., Methuen: Quaker meeting is Sundays at 2 p.m. Details or directions call 978-397-6340 or go to www.lawrence-andover-quakers.org.
Rolling Ridge Conference Center, 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover: Summer retreat for women Aug. 27 and 28, featuring meditation, prayer, fellowship and time to walk the labyrinth. The program is presented by the Martha and Mary Productions led by Julia Steer of St. James Episcopal in Groveland and Jen Acorn of All Saints Episcopal in West Newbury.
St. Anne, of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, N.H.: First Friday adoration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sept. 3, 7 to 8 p.m.
St. James Episcopal, 119 Washington St., Groveland: The church's pastor, the Rev. Marya DeCarlen who has been on sabbatical since April leads worship and preaches tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
St. John the Baptist, 110 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill: Deacon Tom Anthony leads exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by prayers Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Anthony celebrates prayer services Thursdays, 9 a.m.
St. Monica, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen: Women's prayer group meets Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 in the school's music room.
A nine week of prayers in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal begins Sept. 7 at 6:45 p.m. and runs every Tuesday through Nov. 2. It features Marian hymns, exposition of the blessed sacrament, recitation of the rosary and benediction.
St. Patrick, 114 Center St., Groveland: Rosary for peace group meets Thursdays at 7 p.m.
St. Patrick, 12 Main St., Pelham, N.H.: Bible study on the women in the Old Testament begins Sept. 8, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $12.
First Saturday Devotions to the Virgin Mary Sept. 4, beginning with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 8:30 a.m.
St. Paul Episcopal, 390 Main St., North Andover: The Rev. Alexander Daley, who retired from the parish after 29 years of service, celebrates worship tomorrow at 9 a.m.
St. Robert Bellarmine, 198 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover: Registration for the parish's adult religious education program is Aug. 28, 4 p.m. and Aug. 29, 9 and 10:30 and Sept. 2, 4 to 7 p.m. Topics for this year's Generations of Faith includes introduction to the sacraments, invitation to conversion, Matthew in advent and beyond, Marian traditions, pastoral care of the sick and Lenten disciplines.
Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover: Open house for prospective members is Aug. 26, 5 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to noon. both will offer opportunities to meet clergy, staff and volunteers, tour the temple, get information on membership along with refreshments.
Kabalat sabbath with Rabbi Robert Goldstein, Cantor Donn Rosensweig and music director Dough Irelander is Aug. 27, 7 p.m.
Temple Emanu-El, 514 Main St., Haverhill: Open house for prospective members to the temple and religious school is Sept. 12, 9 a.m.
Third Baptist, 22 Warren St., Lawrence: Trustee annual day tomorrow at 4 p.m. with guest preacher, Pastor G. Fernandez of Boston.
Trinitarian Congregational, 72 Elm St., North Andover: Church hosts Wednesday worship services at 7 p.m. The title for the informal service is "Come as You Are ... Leave Refreshed." It features the Rev. Richard Knight on guitar and guided meditation.
Trinity Episcopal, 26 White St., Haverhill: Reiki master, drum facilitator, teacher and musician leads tomorrow's liturgy at
The Rev. Jane Bearden meets with newcomers to the church for supper and conversation on Aug. 29, 6 p.m.
Universalist Unitarian, 15 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill: Delight Reese preaches on, " Gardening in Eden" during tomorrow's 9:30 a.m. service.
Group meets for Buddhist meditation tomorrow at 5 p.m.
West Congregational, 767 Broadway, Haverhill: Men's Bible study on the First Book of St. Peter on Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. A study on the women in the bible is Thursday, 6:45 a.m.
