Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia

Marian Advocation of Lohiszyn (Brest)

In the regular sources of consultation on Marian sanctuaries of Belarus (Marian encyclopedia, Catholic pages of international scope and articles on Marian devotions of Belarus) there is no collection of a specific title Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia (Karaleva Palessia) linked to the town of Lohiszyn in the diocese of Pinsk. Therefore, no consta in a documented way the account of its origin, the date of the beginning of the cult, or any apparitions, miraculous findings of the image or concrete foundations.

Main data

Origin and history

In the regular sources of consultation on Marian sanctuaries of Belarus (Marian encyclopedia, Catholic pages of international scope and articles on Marian devotions of Belarus) there is no collection of a specific title Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia (Karaleva Palessia) linked to the town of Lohiszyn in the diocese of Pinsk. Therefore, no consta in a documented way the account of its origin, the date of the beginning of the cult, or any apparitions, miraculous findings of the image or concrete foundations.

Nor has a documented history of this title, which clearly distinguishes between local tradition / legend and contrasting historical facts, been located in the available references. No consta, therefore, the existence of an ancient ecclesiastical, chronic or published historical document that narrates the beginning of this concrete Marian devotion.

The image and the sanctuary

The available sources on Marian sanctuaries in Belarus describe in detail other pilgrimage centers (especially Budslau) but do not offer iconographic or technical description of a Marian image venerated under the title of Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia, in Lohiszyn. Consequently, no consta in a verifiable way the type of image (painted icon, oil on canvas, wood size, etc.), its style, or concrete iconographic features.

Similarly, no consta in the sources consulted the official name of the temple of Lohiszyn associated with this advocation (for example, parish, diocesan sanctuary, etc.), or if it has any honorary title (minor basilica, national sanctuary, etc.). No specific architectural or artistic descriptions of the sanctuary in question have been found.

Sponsorship and coronation

The Marian information available on Belarus mentions important patronings (such as that of Our Lady of Budslau on the Belarusian nation and the archdiocese of Minsk- Mohilev), but no official patronage of Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia on the region of Polesia, the diocese of Pinsk, the region of Brest or the town of Lohiszyn. Therefore, although the title "Queen of Polesia" suggests a regional patronage, no consta in official form in accessible sources.

On the canonical coronationit has not been found in Marian coronation repertories, or in news of the Holy See or in regular lists of coronations in Eastern Europe, any secure reference to the coronation of an icon of Our Lady of Lohiszyn. It should therefore be stated that: does not contain a documented canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

The main sources that describe the great Marian parties in Belarus include the multitudinary celebrations of Budslau, recognized even by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, but do not mention a specific Marian party related to Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia. Therefore, no consta the liturgical date of this advocation and the existence of a mandatory or optional memory in the diocesan calendar of Pinsk.

There are also no data on organized pilgrimages, inflow of faithful or popular traditions of this sanctuary (processions, novenas, night vigil, promises linked to the swamp region of Polesia, etc.). As a result, on this point it can only be said that no consta verifiable information about specific devotional practices linked to this advocation.

Link to the Rosary

No explicit references have been found that link in particular the advocation of Our Lady of Lohiszyn, Queen of Polesia, to the prayer of the Rosary (for example, Rosary cofradies erected in the sanctuary, large diocesan rosaries, specific indulgences linked to this image, etc.). No consta, therefore, a unique or own documented link between this particular advocation and the prayer of the Rosary.

From a general Marian perspective, in the Catholic tradition the Rosary He accompanies and supports devotion to the Virgin in all places and cultures, also in Slavic countries and in rural or swamp regions such as Polesia. Where a Christian community venerates an image of Mary, the Rosary usually becomes the simple and perseverant prayer with which the faithful meditate on the mysteries of Christ's life together with their Mother, they ask for their protection on earth and work, and they entrust themselves to their intercession in the midst of the social, economic or environmental difficulties of the region. Although there is no specific documentary record for Lohiszyn, the prayer of the Rosary is naturally integrated into any true Marian devotion, as an expression of filial trust and contemplation of the face of Christ in the company of Mary.