Krakow pilgrims reach Jasna Gora shrine

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the archbishop of Krakow, welcomes pilgrims at the Jasna Gora monastery. Photo: PAP/Waldemar Deska

The pilgrims were greeted at the national shrine by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow, and the pouring rain did little to dampen the spirits of those present.

The 34th Pilgrimage on Foot of the Archdiocese of Krakow began on 6 August at Wawel Castle, former residence of the kings of Poland.

The first edition of the pilgrimage was held in August 1981, during the period of communist rule in Poland, and at a time when the Solidarity trade union was at full strength.

It occurred just three months after Krakow's so-called 'White March', which followed the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, former Archbishop of Krakow.

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the archbishop of Krakow, holds a T-shirt with the slogan 'We're waiting for you in Krakow'. Photo: PAP/Waldemar Deska

Mid-August traditionally sees a series of pilgrimages to Jasna Gora from across Poland, with many culminating at the shrine on 15 August, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The monastery houses Poland's most venerated icon, the Black Madonna, which has drawn pilgrims since the medieval period. (nh)