Press Release
International Coalition “From Ocean to Ocean”
Hundreds to Venerate Renowned Religious Icon in Chicago - May 2014
Chicago, IL – In a rare traditional religious ceremony, hundreds of Catholics are expected to take part in welcoming the “Black Madonna,” and icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, to the following parishes:
The icon, a replica of the famous “Black Madonna” of Czestochowa, has traveled from the Pacific coast of Russia, throughout Europe and now North America, racking up over 60,000 miles of travel while being seen by millions of Catholic and Orthodox faithful.
The Ocean to Ocean pilgrimage, an unprecedented effort for the international pro-life movement, is being presented by Human Life International, the world’s largest grassroots pro-life organization, whose European leaders launched the pilgrimage in the summer of 2012. Eventually, the icon will continue throughout the Southern Hemisphere and the rest of the world. The icon was “written” in Poland and blessed by the ordinary of Czestochowa.
“This pilgrimage is intended to awaken the faithful about the urgency of defending life from the moment of conception, “said Father Peter West, Vice President of HLI and chairman of the pilgrimage committee.” Hundreds of thousands, in venerating the image, have recommitted to restoring a Culture of Life, while hosting discussions, lectures and contests around the visitation of the icon. Truly, our Blessed Mother, as Mediatrix of all grace, is interceding on our behalf with her Son, the Lord of Life, and we will see a return to respect for life and family.”
This event is free and open to the public. Voluntary donations to support the pilgrimage will be requested.
For photos and more information on Human Life International’s Ocean to Ocean pilgrimage, visit www.hli.org/oceantoocean and www.fromoceantoocean.org in English, www.ododeanudooceanu.pl in Polish and www.deoceanoaoceano.org in Spanish