Amber-diamond votive offerings of gratitude

Amber Diamond Gown of Trust made for the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Czestochowa

The tradition of the image decoration with votive gifts in the form of richly decorated and exquisitely made dresses dates back several centuries. At the SACROEXPO's exhibition "Gift and Mystery - art in the sphere of sacrum" the amazing gown will be put on display. For three years the gown was the Icon of Czestochowa decoration. The conference will be held on June 9th at the D78 exhibition stand.

The crowns had been blessed by the Pope John Paul II the day before he passed; then they were presented to Jasna Gora monastery. The crowns were the inspiration to create a unique gown, called the Gown of Trust. The gown was created to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the miraculous defense of Jasna Gora and as the offering to Our Lady of Czestochowa as thanksgiving for John Paul II life and pontificate. The amber gowns were made by Mariusz Drapikowski, goldsmith and amber jeweller from Gdansk. He emphasizes that this work was like icons writing. "Icon writing is associated with a limitless devotion to the work and absolute concentration on prayer. This is the kind of prayer "- explains the artist. The gown blessing and the the papal crown decoration took place at Jasna Gora on August 26 during the Our Lady of Czestochowa Holiday.