Licheń Stary is village in Wielkopolskie and major Roman Catholic Mary pilgrimage site in Poland second only to Częstochowa.
Understand
[edit]Village was settled since stone age, and before Christianization it was Licho (pagan evil spirit) belief site from which village derives its name. Until 19th century it was completely irrelevant and mostly unknown place.
Sometime in 18th century local smith put wooden image of Mary with Polish eagle on chest in small forest chapel. In 1850 shepherd Mikołaj had several revelation around this image in which Mary prompted him to pray and move image into more fitting place. Soon village fell to cholera epidemic and fearful residents began praying for cure by Mary image. In 1852 Catholic authorities moved image to church in Licheń and in 1855 new brick St. Dorothy church was built. It held Mary image until 2006.
Since then pilgrimage site increased in size. In 1967 image of Licheń Holy Mary was coronated by hierarchs of Polish Catholic Church in presence of around 150 thousand believers, crown was sent by pope Paul VI. In 1970s and 1980s pilgrims were instructed to bring large stones with them for construction of Calvary hill. In 2004 new monumental (albeit controversial) church was built to fit ever growing masses of pilgrims. It is largest church in Poland and one of the largest in the world (12th).
Get in
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By car
[edit]If you are not travelling as part of pilgrimage, then car is the only reliable way of getting to the village as there is no public transportation going to Licheń Stary. Parkings are usually paid.
By foot
[edit]As pilgrimage site there are many pilgrimages going on foot usually from Konin where closest rail junction is located.
Get around
[edit]By foot
[edit]All relevant sites are in vicinity of 1 km. Distances are small enough to get anywhere on foot. Only Grąblinek Forest is far enough (2 km) to warrant car.
See
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- 1 St. Dorothy Church, Klasztorna 4 (southern side). The old church built in 1855. Until 2006 it was place where Mary icon was located. Regular mass service. Free observation deck on top of the church.
- 2 Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń, Klasztorna 4 (northern side). The new church where Mary image is located. Monumental and gold. Largest church in Poland and 12th largest in the world. Five masses every day in summer season. Paid observation deck at 130m open till 17:00.
- 3 Grąblinek Forest, Konińska (just south of Stary Licheń). Place of first revelations where image was erected first. Way of the Holy Cross is located here. Several chapels and a church. Free parking
Do
[edit]Go on Holy Mass, pray. Admire beautiful churches and gardens. If you feel tired you can also swim in nearby lake.
Buy
[edit]There are many religious items for sale close to churches. You can also donate to the church.
Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]- 1 Holy Water Source, Klasztorna 3. Place with holy water and chapel. After opening a well in 1967 woman regained sight after drinking from it. (or at least it was holy water, as there are suspicions that it is now simple tap water)
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Pilgrim House 'Bethlehem', Klasztorna 4 (close to Calvary Hill between Old and New church), ☏ +48 63 270 86 40. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Simple accommodation for pilgrims going to Licheń, private rooms with bathrooms and breakfast. Close to churches and Calvary hill.
- 2 Pilgrim House 'Ark', Klasztorna 4 (western side, close to new church), ☏ +48 63 270 81 62. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Pilgrim house with private rooms with bathrooms and breakfast. Close to new church.