(the largest basilica in Poland)

 Queen of Poland, pray for us. Mary’s majestic face is full of kindness and hope.
With lowered eyelids, she gazes at the Polish eagle on her dress.
At the feet of the eagle is the inscription, “Queen of Poland, give peace to our days.”

(Fr. Jan Twardowski, Litania polska)

Concerning the eagle on Mary’s dress, legend says that long ago a Polish prince discovered a wounded, bleeding white eagle and nursed it back to health. When the eagle was strong enough, the prince returned it to the freedom of the skies where it belonged. The eagle circled the prince’s home three times to show its gratitude. Thus the decision was made: the white eagle on a field of red would be the symbol of the free Polish nation, a symbol that continues to this day.