Lezajsk: Basilica of Saint Mary of Lezajsk
About the apparitions of Our Lady of Lezajsk:
In 1578, a man named Thomas Michalek, was startled by a bright light. Then a lady appeared to him and identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary. She asked him to build a church on that site. She said, “Thomas, I chose this place. Here my son will be loved and respected, and whosoever shall call upon my intercession, will receive my blessing“.
Thomas was afraid, and he did nothing in response to this message and did not tell anyone. Our Lady appeared to him again and told him to put an end to his silence and announce what he had seen and heard; however, he still did nothing.
Finally, Our Lady appeared to him a third time and scolded him for not following her instructions. After this, he did relate his story to his fellow villagers, but was afraid to approach the Bishop. H informed the authorities, who did not believe him….even his parish Priest refused to believe. He was actually thrown in to prison. He was subsequently released, and a small chapel was built here.
In 1606, a larger shrine was built here thanks to the efforts of the local Bishop (Msgr Potrokonski) and the support of the Polish King, Sigismund III. Later, the Bishop’s successor confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions. Pope Benedict XIV ordered that the image be crowned on September 8, 1752.
About the Basilica of Our Lady of Lezajsk:
The Basilica is beautiful with many paintings and baroque architecture. The highlight, of course, is the image image of Our Lady of Leżajsk (Our Lady of Consolation). It is the work of Fr. Erasmus in the late 16th Century. He had been the was mayor here, but later, he joined the Order of Canons Regular, where he became a priest.
Traveling to Lezajsk:
Address: Place Mariacki 8 – Lezajsk 37-300 (Province: Podkarpackie)
email: sanktuarium.lezajsk@gmail.com
Click here for the official website of the Basilica of Saint Mary of Lezajsk
