The Importance of the cult of our Lady of Ostra Brama

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Aušros Vartai; Vilnius; Religingumas; Gate of Dawn; Vilnius; Religiosity.

ENIn the minds of the Polish people, Ostra Brama has always been inextricably associated with the icon of Our Lady of Vilnius. This connection, however, is not free from ambiguity, which is often highlighted by scholars studying Polish religiosity. In scholarly analysis the most common approach is the treating of the cult of Our Lady of Ostra Brama as a manifestation of national Catholicism, which allows Poles, especially in difficult moments of history, to find strength and patriotism in religion and indeed we can find many examples from the history of the Vilnius icon which confirm that this image has been treated as a kind of a national icon. The cult of Our Lady of Ostra Brama appeared during the course of wars conducted by Poland against her neighbours. The occupation of Vilnius by the Muscovite army in 1655, as well as the occupation of the city by the Swedes in 1702 constituted a real threat to the existence of the inhabitants and triggered the need to seek protection from other than mere human hands. The image of Our Lady of Ostra Brama, especially due to its location, became a real defensive rampart and the only real effective weapon against the enemies. The strength of such a message was emphasized not only by pious songs created in the 18th century, such” as “O! Thou, Great Stronghold of Giedymin’s City” or “O! Thou, Holy Gate, Joy unto God,” but also by Marian devotional services popularised by the Carmelites – the guardians of the icon. It was before the image of Our Lady of Ostra Brama that the Loretto litany was sung for the first time in Polish lands (incidentally, in the second half of the 18th century, the Ostra Brama accompanying musicians were considered among the best in the country), and it was here that the Rosary became a primary manifestation of Marian devotion of Poles. [Extract, p. 103-104]