27 June – The Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

Our Lady appeared for the first time to Justyna Szafrynska (13) when she was returning home with her mother after having taken an examination prior to receiving the First Holy Communion. The next day, Barbara Samulowska (12) also saw the ‘Bright Lady’ sitting on the throne with Infant Christ among Angels over the maple tree in front of the church while reciting the rosary. The girls asked “Who are you?” she answered, “I am the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception!” “What do you require, Mother of God?” they asked, the answer was: “I wish you recite the Rosary every day!” There were 13 more apparitions from 27 June 1877 to 16 September 1877.2 February 1970 – Pope Paul VI elevated the Church in Gietrzwald to the rank of Basilica Minor.