At around 10:00 in the morning, on Sunday, August 12th, the Icon of Czestochowa traveling through the many countries in defense of life had crossed the Polish border. After a touching farewell in front of the Basilica of St. Michael in Marijampolė, the Polish escort took over. At the head of the motorcade rode ten motorcycles from the Rally of Katyn.
The motorcyclists wore their blue "armor" of the Mother of God, like the knights, and a medal of the Icon on their chests along with the logo of the peregrination: "From Ocean to Ocean" on their backs. The motorbikes were marked with the Icon of Czestochowa plaques, flags with pro-life symbols, as well as with the national flags of Poland. The shrine on wheels - "the Life Mobile" mounted on the vehicle trailer, was driven by Dr. Thaddeus Wasilewski attached to his car for the first stretch of the route. He is an OBGYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) who, after his conversion, walked away from practicing "In Vitro Fertilization" and engaged in serving the other side – serving life by embarking on the infertility treatment using NaPro Technology. The cavalcade looked really impressive.
With the assistance of police and municipal departments in Augustow, the Icon made a stop at the first sanctuary (shrine) on Polish soil, beautifully situated between the lakes in Studzieniczna. His Excellency, Bishop Romuald Kaminski of the Diocese of Elk, greeted the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa very solemnly and afterwards, he presided at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and gave a sermon. He spoke of love and life. Just as love brings forth life, so should our love for Christ and His Mother bear fruit in the commitment to the defense of life, especially that of the small and defenseless. Our Lady calls us not only to say "yes" to life and enjoy it, but also to an active and apostolic engagement in the defense of life.
Following the Mass, the Act of Entrustment for the Protection of the Civilization of Life and Love to Our Lady was renewed. Many participants of the solemnity joined in this prayer on their knees. After the solemnity and farewell to the Icon, Bishop Romuald imparted a special blessing to the escort group of motorcyclists.