360th Anniversary of the Icon of the Mother of God of Grodno

For 360 years, the city of Grodno in Belarus has enjoyed the special protection of the Mother of God, whose icon is kept in the Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier. This icon is a reproduction of the Madonna della Neve, Salus Populi Romani. Donated by its owner Wojciech Zhelyazowski to the Student Association of the Jesuit College in Grodno, it has since become known as an icon of the student congregation. In 1664, it was solemnly transferred to the Jesuit Church in Grodno, and since then, by virtue of the many confirmed miracles and graces received through the intercession of the Mother of God, not only young people and students, but also many believers from Grodno and its surroundings began to invoke her as the Heavenly Patroness of Grodno. At the beginning of the 18th century, the icon was placed in a separate chapel of the new Church of St. Francis Xavier, and as a sign of gratitude for the miracles and favors granted, the faithful adopted the custom of placing various symbolic ornaments, known as "vows," beside it. On August 28, 2005, having obtained written consent from the Apostolic See, the icon was solemnly crowned, as depicted on the commemorative stamp celebrating it.