Overview
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Thomas Michalek, a simple woodcutter, in a forest near Lezajsk, Poland. She requested that a church be built on the site of the apparition. The vision was accompanied by a miraculous light and the appearance of a beautiful lady dressed in radiant garments. The apparition led to the construction of the Basilica of the Annunciation, which became one of Poland's most important Marian shrines.
History
In 1578, Thomas Michalek reported seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary while working in the forest near Lezajsk. She appeared surrounded by heavenly light and asked for a church to be built in her honor. Despite initial skepticism, the local community and Church authorities investigated the claims. A wooden chapel was first erected, followed by the construction of a grand basilica. The Bernardine Fathers were entrusted with the care of the shrine, which became a major pilgrimage destination in southeastern Poland. The basilica houses a famous organ considered one of the finest Baroque instruments in Europe.
Pilgrim ExperienceVisited August 2023
My visit to Our Lady of Lezajsk
I was not prepared for how emotional my visit to Our Lady of Lezajsk in Lezajsk would be. Something about standing where Our Lady appeared, knowing the history, knowing the messages, it broke through all my defenses. I wept openly and I am not ashamed of it.
August 22, 2024