Our Lady of Cacica

Cacica, Romania

The most important Marian shrine in Romania, where the Virgin Mary is venerated as Queen of Poland.

History of the Sanctuary

The Shrine of Cacica is located in the Bukovina region of northern Romania. Devotion to the Virgin Mary in this place dates back to the 18th century, when an image of the Virgin was brought by Polish settlers who established themselves in the region.

The miraculous image

The image of Our Lady of Cacica is an 18th-century wooden carving depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. It was canonically crowned in 1927 by Pope Pius XI 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 Cacica:

• 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 August 15 (the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary), tens of thousands of pilgrims from Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and Moldova flock to the Shrine of Cacica. The pilgrimage is one of the most important in Eastern Europe.

The Virgin Mary during the communist era

During Nicolae Ceaușescu's communist regime (1965-1989), religion was persecuted in Romania. However, devotion to the Virgin Mary remained alive underground. Catholic families continued to pray the Rosary in their homes, passing on the faith from generation to generation.

Prayer to Our Lady of Cacica

O Our Lady of Cacica, Queen of Poland and Mother of Mercy. You who have accompanied the people of Romania 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.