The Pilgrim Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa arrived at the Parish of Queenship of Mary and remained at the main altar adorned with flowers from August 10 to 13.
Although the image is not unknown in Guayaquil, since here is a parish that bears Her name, many people gathered at the end of the Mass on Saturday night and Sunday to see, adore and touch Her. Some people wanted to take a picture with Her, others saw the opportunity to pray a Hail Mary and ask for Her protection and intercession.
What struck them the most was the beauty of the Icon, despite having a sad look. “I didn't think it was going to be so pretty,” said Pastor Fr. Raniero Marincioni when he first saw Her, and even asked for a big applause for such a noble visitor.
This was the Week of Priestly Vocations, so some seminarians visit parishes to give a message about the vocation of this ministry, elevated by Jesus Christ as a sacrament. Fabian Acuna, who visited this parish, studied at the Major Seminary of Guayaquil, together with about 60 seminarians. He belongs to the Parish of Our Lady of Czestochowa, so seeing this Icon in the Parish was really a blessing.
On Monday night Maria Veronica Vernaza, volunteer assistant of the Ocean to Ocean initiative, made a brief explanation to the parishioners about the meaning of this Icon of Mary. There were many questions, especially since in Ecuador it is not customary to observe iconography, but pictures and statues.
Some people proposed the idea of taking Her back to Quito, the capital, so that in front of the National Assembly the Catholics pray together with the Mother of God to intercede for the country, at this time when such sensitive issues as abortion and gender ideology are discussed. We are sure that Mary will make Her walk wherever She is needed the most.