PRESS RELEASE
137 days + 2,000,000 people + 30,000 km
Peregrination of Our Lady of Czestochowa "From Ocean to Ocean"
Across the World in Defense of Life
Up to date, as of October 9, 2012, the Icon has already travelled over 30 thousand kilometers in 137 days. The Icon has been met by nearly 2,000,000 people. Large crowds of people – Orthodox, as well as Catholics – have been greeting Our Lady on Her scheduled route, giving their unwavering witness of faith and their active involvement in the defense of life.
Since June 15, when this historic and unprecedented pilgrimage began in Vladivostok, the following countries have already welcomed Our Lady's Icon on Her journey: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Currently, the Icon is visiting Germany. This fall, the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa will be visiting the following countries: Belgium, Great Britain, Ireland, France, and Spain. Our Lady will arrive in Fatima, Portugal just in time for Christmas.
Next year, at the beginning of March 2013, the VII World Congress of Prayer for Life will commence a continuation of Our Lady's journey in defense of life across the world. The Icon will be peregrinating throughout Canada and the United States of America, beginning in May of 2013.
A few highlights of the peregrination in progress:
The peregrination "From Ocean to Ocean" is an initiative of the lay leaders of the pro-life movement from 25 countries. At their request, the bishops in subsequent countries are giving this effort their blessing. The Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church have both been supportive of this peregrination. The Icon of Czestochowa has been travelling the world in the intention for the protection of life since January 28, 2012, when a copy of the True Icon designated for this undertaking had been touched to the original Icon, and blessed at Jasna Gora.
More information on the website: www.fromoceantoocean.org
Ewa Kowalewska
International Organizational Committee
European Coordinator of Peregrination