Eleven August days were spent by a group of nearly two hundred residents of Bolesławiec on the pilgrimage trail leading from Legnica to Częstochowa. On August 5, we travelled to Legnica at 5:25 a.m., in order to set out from there, after Holy Mass, on the route of the 2nd Pilgrimage of the Legnica Diocese, warmly farewelled by Bishop Tadeusz Rybak. Father Jacek Skrzypczyk from the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Father Ludwik Maciak from Kruszyn travelled with us. Father Jacek took on the responsibility of leading the third group, while Father Ludwik served as the important Spiritual Director of the Legnica pilgrimage. In addition to the Bolesławiec parishes, the third group included parishes from Bogatynia, Lubań (with Father Ryszard Mucha), Chojnów (with Father Marek Osmólski) and others. A pilgrimage is a kind of retreat, which is why the key part of each day is always the Eucharist. In addition, morning and evening prayers, the Little Hours, the Angelus, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and the devotions of the Rosary, the Litany of Loreto, the Stations of the Cross and silence—a moment for reflecting on the Gospel—are observed.
To give a complete picture of a pilgrim’s day, it should be mentioned that we do not only pray but also sing a great deal, listen to talks by clergy and laypeople, and speak ourselves about matters that interest us. In this way, we shape the atmosphere within the group, which influences the attitude of all the pilgrims.
The day ends with the Jasna Góra Appeal.
The burden of intentions carried by the pilgrims to Jasna Góra finds an outlet during the recitation of the Rosary. Sometimes these are reflections on the individual Stations of the Cross.
Residents of the places where we spend the night are invited to the Jasna Góra Appeal. The “Appeal” usually begins with cheerful singing, sketches, dancing and games. Later, the pilgrimage guide sums up the day that has passed and announces pastoral news. Finally, in complete quiet and prayerful concentration, we make an Act of Contrition and sing the hymn “Mary, Queen of Poland”.
The main theme of this year’s pilgrimage was the Papal Message for the World Youth Day in Denver and the Ten Commandments. Priests and laypeople walking in the pilgrimage gave talks on this subject.
We were usually woken at five in the morning, and at six we were invited to Holy Mass. We then set out on the route. On average, we covered 23–27 km a day. Each stage was divided into sections of 5–7 km, followed by a rest. We most often rested in the shade of trees, in the forest, and in welcoming villages and towns.
At every step of our journey, we encountered people’s kindness and hospitality. In the places we passed through, tables laden with food and drink had been set up.
Along the way, we helped one another. The truck driver transporting our heavy luggage gave lifts to weaker pilgrims, not only from our group. The stronger pilgrims carried the backpacks of the weaker ones. The entire singing group deserves praise for enriching our journey with songs, prayer and fun. Their cheerful mood spread to everyone.
The Medical Service was exceptionally popular. Despite their fatigue, its members brought relief to our feet and muscles and discreetly helped with other ailments as well.
Our safety on the road was watched over by the so-called order stewards. They made sure we walked in the proper formation; it was difficult to lead us through the main streets and roads, where we could occupy only part of the roadway.
Extremely happy, we welcomed the Jasna Góra monastery. With all our hearts, we sang to Mary that she is our Queen.
...and you can experience it too if you set out with us next year!
Halina Weiss
from the Bolesławiec TRÓJECZKA