Pope John Paul II had a profound, life-long devotion to the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, the patroness of Poland, which was a central feature of his personal faith and Marian spirituality, embodied in his papal motto “Totus Tuus” (“Totally Yours”) and his lifelong dedication to Mary. This devotion manifested in numerous visits to Marian shrines, his decision to wear the brown scapular, and the symbolic placing of the bullet from his 1981 assassination attempt into the crown of the statue of Our Lady of Fátima as a sign of his gratitude for being saved by the Virgin’s intercession.
Devotion to the Black Madonna of Częstochowa
- Personal and National Roots:
John Paul II grew up with a deep personal and national devotion to the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, also known as the Queen of Poland. - Papal Symbolism:
His personal devotion became even more evident after he was elected pope, with the Marian “M” symbol prominently featured in his papal seal. - Public Visits:
He made multiple visits to the Marian sanctuary at Częstochowa, as well as other significant Marian shrines around the world, including Fatima, Aparecida, and Lajas.
Expression of Devotion
- “Totus Tuus”:
His papal motto, Totus Tuus, meaning “Totally Yours,” expressed his complete personal consecration and devotion to the Virgin Mary. - The Brown Scapular:
John Paul II also promoted the Brown Scapular, a sacramental signifying a special covenant between Mary and the faithful, and a symbol of Marian spirituality. - Entrustment to Mary:
He entrusted the entire world to the Virgin Mary on three separate occasions during his pontificate, highlighting his deep belief in her intercessory power.
Gratitude for a Miracle
- The Assassination Attempt:
In 1981, John Paul II was shot in St. Peter’s Square. He attributed his survival to the Virgin Mary, stating, “One hand fired the shot. Another (the hand of the Virgin Mary) guided it”. - The Bullet at Fátima:
As a sign of gratitude, he had the bullet extracted from his body placed in the crown of the statue of Our Lady of Fátima, a testament to his devotion and the miraculous intervention he experienced.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/prov.africa/
