On the sixth day of the pilgrimage through Germany, Monday - October 29, the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa made a sojourn in the Holy Trinity Church in Leipzig. The service was conducted and blessings given by Reverend Lothar Vierhock – the pastor of the parish. Since the visit in Leipzig took place on a Monday, the coordinators of the pilgrimage decided to recall the traditional Monday marches that took place in the 80s in favor of freedom and democracy.
Some 300 thousand people would participate in the Monday marches during that time. These manifestations moved the people of the former East Germany and became a major impetus of the peaceful revolution that helped in bringing about the fall of the Berlin Wall. The coordinators of the peregrination organized and officially registered a peaceful march in defense of life, which commenced after the celebration of the Holy Mass, with the Icon of Our Lady at the helm. The Holy Icon was carried through the streets of the city. This region of Germany is heavily marked by atheism, which was heavily promoted by the then Communist regime. Only 4% of the population residing in this region declares to be Catholic.
The arrival of the Blessed Mother Mary was the perfect opportunity to invite everyone to pray for the civilization of life in Leipzig and recall the way of the search for freedom. Our Lady of Czestochowa, carried in the procession was able to bless all, who live in this area.
The police department gave its exemplary support. Only a small group of people walked in the procession, so they should have been using the sidewalk, yet because of the presence of the Icon, they were allowed to process on the street. Hence, Our Blessed Mother was clearly visible to all. As the participants of this demonstration assessed - this was a unique experience.
After a conversation between the coordinators of the pilgrimage in Germany with the Leipzig participants of this march, Our Lady departed for Dresden.