As planned, on March 21, 2025, the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa "From Ocean to Ocean" arrived by plane in Rio de Janeiro, beginning its pilgrimage to protect the civilization of life and love in Brazil. She was accompanied by Polish missionary Fr. Leon Juchniewicz, who has been serving the Church in Ecuador for 38 years.
The journey was long and tiring, as it lasted all night with a stopover in Panama. For the past few years, Fr. Leon has served as the custodian of the Icon, taking care of It in successive countries of South America.
A large group of pro-lifers from the Brazilian Spiritual Adoption movement, along with Bishop Zdzisław Stanisław Błaszczyk, the auxiliary bishop of the Rio de Janeiro diocese (also Polish) and Lech Kowalewski representing the International Coalition "From Ocean to Ocean" waited for Her with great patience at the Galeão airport.
Friendly customs officers tried to make a conditional clearance of the traveling Icon so that there would be no problems in the future when the Mother of God flies to Argentina. However, for this reason, Fr. Leon had to wait until all the customs clearance documents were issued.
The long-awaited appearance at the entrance to the arrivals hall, Fr. Leon pushing a cart with two large aluminum crates, caused an enthusiastic reaction from those waiting, who began to joyfully sing local Marian songs. Fr. Leom put the main box upright and opened it like a book, showing the audience the Icon of the Mother of God. Bishop Błaszczyk officially welcomed the Mother of God. Then each of the waiting people could greet Her personally.
Representatives of the Spiritual Adoption movement accompanied Our Lady in the Czestochowa Icon on the way to the Archbishop's Palace and the seat of the archdiocese. They also helped with unpacking the crates and assembling the feretron, which was renovated with great difficulty by Father Leon while still in Ecuador.
Bishop Błaszczyk brought from Poland the idea of establishing the Spiritual Adoption of the Unborn Child Movement also in Brazil. Here, it is developing very dynamically and greatly enriching various aspects of the defense of life. There is even a Polish and English version on their website.
Then the Icon was transported to the bishop's curia in Rio and solemnly carried into the hall. Bishop Błaszczyk told the employees what this Icon is, how to read it, and many events from the history of Poland, as well as from Our Lady's journey through the world "From Ocean to Ocean".
Next there was a visit to the local Radio, where there was an opportunity to explain the idea of this pilgrimage and invite to further events.
Then the Black Madonna was moved to the chapel, where the bishop, accompanied by other priests, celebrated Holy Mass. and gave a special sermon. The whole thing was broadcast over the internet.
After the Holy Mass, Black Madonna traveled to the Seminaries in Rio, where She was venerated and spent Her first night on Brazilian soil.
Rio de Janeiro – March 21, 2025