Lumen 2018

A second volume of the Confraternity Book, dated 1775 and kept by the Marians until 1864, contains a list of 650 members of the Confraternity who were recruited not only from the parish itself, but also from farther away outside the parish. The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, too, met in the presence of the icon of Our Lady of Gozlin. 94 The icon was painted by an unknown artist at the beginning of the 17 th century on linen canvas and measures 132 cm x 107 cm. The icon was originally glued to a wooden plate, the figure of Mary was covered with a silver dress and her head was adorned with a gilded crown held up by two angels. There is also a crown above the head of the Infant Jesus. The picture is similar to the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa. It depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus on her left arm, as the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, whose eyes are gazing at the People of God and her right hand is pointing to the Son of God. Jesus is pointing to His Mother with two fingers of his right hand as if to say: “Come to the Mother of God.” In His left hand, He is holding the Book of the Word of God. Mary’s face is serious, concerned, and pensive. The garments of the Mother and the Infant Jesus are adorned with little gold chains, em- broidery, precious stones, and pearls. Between the frame and the columns stand two angels: one is holding the nails from the Cross, and the other — a crown of thorns. The inscription on the right reads: Quo Abiit Dilectus Tuus o Pulcherrima , and the one on the left: Where did Your Beloved go, OMost Beautiful One . The numerous votive offerings at the feet of Our Lady of Gozlin, also known as Our Lady of Defense and Rescue, testify to the graces obtained here by many of the faithful. Among about 150 votive offerings are gold rings, coral necklaces, pendants, ducats, silver and gilded little hearts from before World War I and World War II, as well as frommore re- cent times. The Book of Graces contains notes of gratitude for graces received, and those who make Mass offerings ask Our Lady of Gozlin for protection against temptations, fires, and natural disasters. Many people dedicate themselves to her before this icon: parents and their children on the day of their First Holy Communion, newlyweds, and S TANISLAUS P APCZYNSKI 390