Polish pilgrimages to Jasna Góra attract thousands of faithful

In July 2026, several organized foot pilgrimages converged on the Jasna Góra sanctuary in Poland. Around 750 pilgrims from Piotrków Trybunalski, 1,100 from the Przemyskie archdiocese, and 1,291 from Poznań walked more than 100 km each, praying for new priestly vocations, family unity and peace. Participants were grouped by themes such as Marian, patriotic, papal, youth, and charitable missions, and many carried a relic of St. John Paul II.

A night of spiritual vigil was held on 14‑15 July for “pilgrims of the spirit” who could not join the walking routes. Sister Maria Maciąg addressed the gathering, explaining that “a student lives in relationship with the Master” and “a missionary is one who is sent,” linking the message to the year’s pastoral slogan “Uczniowie‑misjonarze.” The vigil included a midnight Mass celebrated by Fr. Andrzej Bienia and testimonies about missionary work, including adoption support for children in Africa.