August is traditionally the month of pilgrimages to Marian shrines in Poland. Faithful people of all ages and from different places set out on pilgrimage. A similar tradition exists in the United States, where Polish communities make pilgrimages to two shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa. On the East Coast, pilgrims walk for four days to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA, while the Polish community from Chicago and the surrounding areas makes a two-day pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville, IN.
On Saturday morning, August 8, we began our pilgrimage with morning Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago. Throughout the journey, we were accompanied by singing and prayer, and we listened to spiritual conferences. Many pilgrims also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We walked 28 miles to reach the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Along the way, on Saturday evening, we visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Ludźmierz at the Carmelite Fathers in Munster, IN. We stayed there overnight after celebrating Holy Mass, and there was also an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Approximately 6,000 pilgrims took part in this pilgrimage, including parishioners from the Redemptorist Parish of Our Lady of Czestochowa and Charity in Cicero IL, together with their pastor, Fr. Waldemar Latkowski. Each pilgrim carried in his or her heart personal intentions of thanksgiving and prayers of petition.
Despite the physical effort and challenges of the journey the 39th annual pilgrimage we reached Mary safely, with smiles on our faces and hearts filled with joy. The pilgrimage culminated in Holy Mass, celebrated with the participation of Bishop Artur Ważny, Bishop of the Diocese of Sosnowiec in Poland; Bishop Robert J. McClory, Bishop of the Diocese of Gary; and Bishop Robert Fedek of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
This weekend, dedicated to strengthening our relationship with God and honoring Mary, was a truly blessed time for everyone. The beautiful weather and the presence of fellow pilgrims walking alongside us allowed us to appreciate the beauty of God’s gifts and the joy of being together.
Waldemar Latkowski, C.Ss.R.
Source: denverlink, vol. 19, issue 32 of 21 August 2026
