Polish dioceses commence August pilgrimages to Jasna Góra

In early August, dozens of Catholic pilgrimages set out from dioceses across Poland for the shrine of Jasna Góra in Częstochowa. The 44th Tarnów pilgrimage expects over 5,000 participants, while the 45th Płock pilgrimage will cover about 250 km with a similar number of faithful. Warsaw’s two dioceses launch separate walks on 5 August, each with its own theme – “Pan mój i Bóg mój” for the Warsaw‑Praga route and “Moc w słabości” for the Warsaw‑Metropolitan academic pilgrimage. The Toruń diocese began its journey on 4 August under the motto “Uczeń‑misjonarz niosący pomoc Ojcu Świętemu”. Youth, families, and groups of persons with disabilities also join, such as the Warsaw‑Praga “Jesteśmy” walk and the Kraków‑based youth pilgrimage of the Traditional Catholic Movement.

Pope Francis (Leon XIV) addressed the pilgrims in a general audience, urging them to let the hardship of the road, communal prayer and the encounter with Mary strengthen faith and hope. He called for peace and new vocations, noting that pilgrims from many Polish dioceses are being spiritually accompanied by parishioners.