PRESS RELEASE
Gdańsk, January 25, 2026
The Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, which has been traveling the world "From Ocean to Ocean" for the protection of the civilization of life and love, is returning to Gdańsk!
On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas Day – and the Day of Consecrated Life – on February 2nd, during the 6:00 PM Mass at the Church of St. Casimir the Prince in Gdańska Zaspa, there will be a solemn welcome and reception of Our Lady in Her famous Częstochowa Icon, which has been on a pilgrimage in defense of life around the world for 14 years.
She traveled through 32 countries on a route of approximately 220,000 km across five continents. Millions of people prayed with Her. Touched to the Jasna Góra Icon on January 28, 2012, She departed for the East. She began Her journey from Vladivostok, across Asia and Europe, to Fatima, Portugal. The second stage encompassed the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and the next stage encompassed countries in Central and South America.
She was hosted at many famous Marian shrines, including Częstochowa, Walsingham (England), Knock (Ireland), Lourdes (France), Zaragoza (Spain), Fatima (Portugal), Guadalupe (Mexico), Aparecida (Brazil), and many others.
She participated in the March for Life in Washington on January 22, 2014, where she stood in prayer in front of the Supreme Court, which initiated positive changes in the defense of life in the USA. There are testimonies of numerous children saved in the womb.
The International Committee of the "From Ocean to Ocean" Pilgrimage, composed of pro-life movement leaders, aware that they alone cannot defeat the great attack of the civilization of death, has initiated a special prayer, "Entrusting the Protection of the Civilization of Life and Love to the Hands of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary." It is recited during the visits of Our Lady in Her Częstochowa Icon to various parishes and sanctuaries. It is available at www.fromoceantoocean.org, where reports from this unique journey of the Queen of Poland can also be found in six languages.
Currently, Our Lady in Her Częstochowa Icon has returned to Europe and, after visiting Italy and meeting with young people during World Youth Day in Rome, has returned to Poland.
After a short visit to the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński Memorial House in Częstochowa, she is coming to Gdańsk. She will stay at the Church of St. Casimir in Zaspa for several weeks, surrounded by veneration and fervent prayer.
During this time, a special Rosary Prayer for the Defense of Life and Family will begin in this parish on February 15th, under the patronage of the late Professor Włodzimierz Fijałkowski – on the 23rd anniversary of his death. This prayer will continue on the 15th of each month. It will also be possible to participate remotely via the internet. (We will send a detailed announcement on this matter after the Icon's welcome in Gdańsk).
It is already known that the traveling Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa "From Ocean to Ocean" will participate in the National March for Life in Warsaw on April 19th, accompanied by the Knights of Columbus.
The organizers of this unique pilgrimage cordially invite you and emphasize that the return of the world-traveling Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa to Poland is not accidental. We need Her especially now!
We invite you!
Lech Kowalewski – International O2O Coalition
Ewa Kowalewska – Human Life International Poland