Polish Poems

– Translated from Polish to English by Danuta Romanowska. Organized by Carole MacClennan in 2021 under the direction of Father Johann Roten, S.M.

The Marian Library has a collection of mainly Marian Polish poems, both older and contemporary, translated into English by Danuta Romanowska. Selected to illustrate the wealth and variety of Polish Marian devotion and spirituality, they reflect what Pope John Paul II said about the Black Madonna of Częstochowa and the people of Poland: “The Poles are accustomed to link with this place, this shrine, the many happenings of their lives: the various joyful and sad moments, especially the solemn, decisive moments, the occasions of responsibility, such as the choice of the direction for one's life, the choice of one's vocation, the birth of one's children, the final school examinations, and so many other occasions” (Act of Consecration to the Mother of God, June 4, 1979, Częstochowa).

Mary, Mother and Queen of Poland, is the enduring listener, the faithful support of the faithful, suffering with and for the people, but victorious in adversity and hardship. She is Our Lady for all seasons, all classes of society, and she is present everywhere in famous shrines and humble wayside chapels.

These poems are in more than one sense part of Romanowska’s spiritual legacy. They attest to her love and dedication to the "Polish Madonna," which is a reference not only to her personal attachment to the Mother of God, but also to her commitment to Polish poetry and culture. If religion gives culture depth and ultimate meaning, it is the privilege of culture to add beauty and new revelation to religion. Romanowska knew this from the heart and gave it expression in this harvest of love. She had a dedicated companion on this literary journey in the person of Carole MacClennan, who with her wisdom and pen helped to build bridges between cultures.

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