The parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the city of Bielsko-Biala has received Our Blessed Mother very solemnly. The altar was surrounded with the most unusual, colorful flowers, and after the official greeting ceremony, the faithful were approaching the Icon individually, in order to offer Mary flowers and well-wishes, as this was the Eve of Our Lady of Czestochowa's own feast day (celebrated in Poland on August 26th).
Pastor Krzysztof Ryszaka, a wonderful organizer, had prepared a very rich program for this last visitation of the Icon on Polish soil.
Bishop Piotr Gregor, the suffragan of the Bielsko-Zywiec Diocese, presided over the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and gave the homily, as well.
The prayer vigil lasted throughout the night. Several groups and whole deaneries were praying. The choirs sang beautifully. The Midnight Mass was celebrated in honor of Mary, in order to process with the Icon afterwards to the memorial of Bl. John Paul II. Despite of the late night hours, the church continued to be filled with people, who also arrived in large numbers to the morning Mass at 6:15am to bid Our Lady farewell at 8:30 am as "She" was leaving Poland and departing for the Czech Republic.
In the evening of August 25th, a Czech delegation had arrived with Radim Uchac from the pro-life movement "Hunit pro Żivot" in Prague. Together with the representatives of the Polish Pro-Life Movement, they participated in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and afterwards got to know how to use the Life Mobile which they were supposed to take over on Sunday.