Our Lady of Budslau

Budslau, Belarus

The most important Marian shrine in Belarus, where the Virgin Mary is venerated as the Mother of God.

History of the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Budslau is located in the Minsk region of central Belarus. Devotion to the Virgin Mary at this site dates back to the 16th century, when an image of the Virgin was brought by Bernardine monks.

The miraculous image

The image of Our Lady of Budslau is a 16th-century oil painting depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. It was canonically crowned in 1783 by Pope Pius VI and is considered one of the most important Marian images in Eastern Europe.

Miracles and conversions

Throughout the centuries, numerous miracles have been attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Budslau:

• Cures of serious illnesses
• Conversions of souls far from the faith
• Protection during wars and conflicts
• Preserving the faith in times of communist persecution

The annual pilgrimage

Every year, on the first Saturday of July, tens of thousands of pilgrims from Belarus, Poland, Lithuania, and other countries flock to the Budslau Sanctuary. The pilgrimage is one of the most important in Eastern Europe.

The Virgin Mary during the Soviet era

During the Soviet occupation (1920-1991), religion was heavily persecuted in Belarus. Many churches were closed or destroyed. However, devotion to the Virgin Mary remained alive underground. Catholic families continued to pray the Rosary in their homes, passing the faith down from generation to generation.

Prayer to Our Lady of Budslau

O Our Lady of Budslau, Mother of Mercy and Queen of Belarus. You who have accompanied the Belarusian people in their most difficult times, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. Protect our land, strengthen our faith, and guide us toward peace and unity. Amen.