Polish Poetry
[Translated by Danuta Romanowska]

In Poland, honoring the Holy Mother in a most special way is an integral part of life throughout the entire country. Her picture is seen in every Polish hut, in churches, in small shops, and m magnificent chambers. Flowers and votives--perhaps a simple hand-made handkerchief or an expensive diamond--decorate the Holy Mother's pictures. Some votives--for instance, crutches left in loving thanks for a miraculous cure--are displayed in a special room near her chapels. She looks on all of these offerings with kind and loving eyes.

Throughout Polish history, thousands of legends have been told about the Holy Mother, and she has become known by hundreds of titles, such as Mother of Orphans, of the Poor, of the Military, of Students, of Consolation, of Good Counsel, of Grace, of the Scapular, of Hope, of Enduring Listening. In addition, the Polish people address the Holy Mother with names such as Counselor of the Sorrowful, Support of the Faithful, Suffering Madonna, Guardian of Faith, Melancholy Benefactress, and Victorious Holy Mother. Her titles arise from legend and historical situations that reflect the needs of Poles at particular times in history. When her people call on her faith and hope, she never fails to come to their aid. It is her close presence that sustains and uplifts the Polish people in times of suffering and sorrow as well as in times of joy.
John Paul II, Pope (d. 4/2/2005)