Our Lady of Czestochowa, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, is said to be one of those painted by St. Luke the Evangelist as Our Lady shared with him the stories of Jesus’ life that would be recorded in his gospel. Also known as the “Black Madonna,” the icon is painted on wood; according to tradition, on the very wood of the Holy Family’s table built by Jesus himself. This icon of Our Lady has had a special place of honor as the heart of the Catholic faith in Poland for at least the last 600 years. The two sword slashes on Our Lady’s face, and a scar from an arrow to the throat, sustained in the 15th century from separate attacks by enemy invaders, has given hope to the Polish people of the Blessed Mother’s special protection, and comfort in their many sorrows throughout centuries of devastating invasions to their country. She is loved by people around the world.