The Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

An iconic image of unknown historical origin, Our Lady of Czestochowa is named for the Polish city that served as its home after it became the property of Polish prince St. Ladislaus in the 1400s. Our Lady of Czestochowa depicts images of young Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary in stances of thoughtful devotion. Jeweled crowns of real metal traditionally grace the heads of Christ and Mary in this widely revered Christian icon. Over the centuries, Our Lady of Czestochowa has attracted countless pilgrims and gained a reputation for producing miracles.

The copy of the Lady of Czestochowa on display at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, features crowns from pilgrims who belong to groups such as American Czestochowa and the Pauline Fathers and Brothers. Pope Francis blessed these crowns at the Vatican, and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput officially coronated the icon in August 2019.

Basic Tips for Walking Dogs at Your Local Shelter

Andrew Muc has spent 16 years as an accounting manager with NRG Energy, Inc., in Princeton, New Jersey. Beyond his activities in this position, which range from ensuring monthly revenue goals to consolidating financial reports for all NRG entities, Andrew Muc is an avid lover of cats and dogs. He spends time volunteering at local animal shelters looking after animals and taking part in fundraising events.

Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers, particularly when it comes to providing exercise to the shelter’s more active animals. When walking a dog on behalf of a rescue or shelter, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, when interacting with a shelter dog, walkers will need to balance a strong posture with a forgiving nature. Also, shelter dogs need love and attention like any other animal, so it is fine for walkers to treat their prospective walking partners with a snack both before and after an outing.

However, shelter dogs can also be full of energy and may be a step behind in obedience training. Therefore, walkers must quickly establish who is leading the walk. It is also advisable to avoid running into other volunteers when leaving the shelter’s kennel to start the walk.

Additional things to keep in mind when volunteering as a dog walker with a local animal shelter include wearing the appropriate attire for a long, fulfilling walk, and getting familiar with the particular leash and collar the shelter uses.

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa Provides Sanctuary

A Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Andrew Muc has served as an accounting manager for NRG Energy, Inc., since 2004. Outside of work, Andrew Muc volunteers as an usher and at the annual festival of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Established in 1955 by Fr. Michael Zembrzuski, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa aims to bring people closer to Jesus Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each year, the shrine welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to attend Mass or confession, or simply to take a tour of the beautiful grounds. The shrine has become a place of pilgrimage for Polish Catholics and Catholics of all nationalities.

In addition to offering daily sacraments and tours, the shrine is home to the Ave Maria retreat center, where groups can convene in peace and serenity for conferences, meetings, and retreats. Over the years, more than a million people have spent time in prayer on the 100-acre grounds.

Healing and Mercy Mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine

A certified public accountant, Andrew Muc serves as the accounting manager for NRG Energy, Inc. Dedicated to supporting his local community, Andrew Muc has spent much time volunteering at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

In 1951, Pauline priest Father Michael Zembrzuski came to the United States with a copy of the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa from Poland. Four years later, he dedicated the first chapel on the site of what became the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. In the following years, the shrine became a place of pilgrimage. Today, the shrine continues to draw visitors from all over the country.

The Pauline priests define their mission at the shrine as helping a diverse range of individuals deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through the intercession of Mary under the title of Our Lady of Czestochowa. As part of that mission, the shrine offers a monthly Mercy and Healing Mass.

Held on the first Friday of each month, the celebration of the Mass begins at 7 p.m. Afterward, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament offers time for further community prayer, including the Divine Mercy Chaplet and a special prayer for the physical and spiritual healing of those present.