Niepokalanów, Poland
About the Location
Poland’s identity has long been rooted in Christianity, with the Catholic faith shaping its history and culture. The 1717 coronation of Our Lady of Czestochowa marked a key moment, reinforcing Mary’s role as Queen of Poland.
The town of Niepokalanów, founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe, became home to the 8th Star in the Crown of Our Lady Eucharistic adoration chapel in 2018. This sacred site draws more than 300,000 pilgrims annually. EWTN’s livestream of perpetual Eucharistic adoration from the chapel boasts an impressive one million unique visitors each month.
About the Altar
Inspired by the teachings of Saint John Paul II and the life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, the "Star of the Immaculate" altar in the Basilica at Niepokalanów places the Virgin Mary at its center, her open hands inviting the faithful to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Beneath her heart, the Eucharistic Christ is displayed in a radiant host, symbolizing Mary as the gateway leading to Christ.
Mary is surrounded by silver lilies and crystal lilies of the valley symbolizing her purity and her Immaculate Conception. The sun’s rays surrounding the Immaculate for a luminous glow, echoing Marian apparitions. Twelve cut stones represent the stars from St. John's apocalyptic vision and the Miraculous Medal, beloved by Saint Maximilian.
