Wadowice is the place where everything began — as Bl. John Paul II had stated. Here, he was born, baptized, went to school, and served as an altar server. He lived with his family in a flat, right nearby his parish church. The flat has been turned into a museum. His mother and older brother had died here.
The Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located near the main city square, is a beautiful, old church, which is currently being visited by crowds of people traveling in the footsteps of the Polish Pope.
The arrival of the Czestochowa Icon "from Ocean to Ocean" at the Wadowice city square was very sightworthy. In front of the basilica, the Icon was being awaited by ca. 500 motorcyclists, who were making their 4th General Polish Pilgrimage to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska "In the Footsteps of John Paul II." At first, the motorcyclists sent out representatives to greet Our Blessed Mother — over a dozen motorcycles — so that, together with the personal escort of the Icon from the Katyn Rally, they could lead Her to the city center of Wadowice, right up to the basilica church. The whole group was waiting especially, so they could meet and venerate Our Lady traveling in defense of life.
The Pastor, Father Stanislaus Jaskowiec, greeted the Icon of Our Lady and carried "Her" into the church, where the faithful prayed, reciting together the Holy Rosary. Unfortunatly, this meeting was very brief, because the time was limited and She was already being awaited in Bielsko-Biala.