Our Lady of Częstochowa, also known as the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, is a highly venerated icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland

. The icon depicts Mary as the "Hodegetria," meaning "One Who Shows the Way," where she gestures toward Jesus as the source of salvation, while the child Jesus blesses the viewer and holds a book of gospels

. The image has a long and storied history, including legends that it was painted by Saint Luke on a piece of the cedar table used by Saint Joseph or even part of the table from the Last Supper

. Historically, it was documented in 1382 when Prince Ladislaus brought the painting to Czestochowa, where it was placed in the care of the Pauline Fathers at the Jasna Góra Monastery

. The icon was damaged in 1430 during an attack, with visible sword cuts and an arrow wound still present on the painting today

. Our Lady of Częstochowa is regarded as the Queen and Protector of Poland. In 1655, King Jan Casimir declared Mary the Queen of Poland, placing the nation under her protection, a vow ratified by the Polish parliament

. The icon has been crowned multiple times, with the first papal coronation by Pope Clement XI occurring in 1717, signifying its importance to Polish national and religious identity

. The shrine at Jasna Góra remains a major pilgrimage site, attracting over a million visitors annually, and the devotion to Our Lady of Częstochowa is a central part of Polish Catholic faith and culture worldwide

. The icon is also revered by Eastern Orthodox Christians and is associated with numerous miracles and acts of divine intervention in Polish history

. Feast Day: August 26

. In summary, Our Lady of Częstochowa is a sacred icon symbolizing the Virgin Mary's role as protector and queen of Poland, deeply embedded in Polish religious tradition and national identity, housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery, and honored worldwide by Polish communities