In Poland, the tallest statue of the Mother of God in Europe consecrated – a symbol of faith and nation

Konotopės kaime pašventinta 55,6 m aukščio Dievo Motinos skulptūra – aukščiausia Europoje. Ceremonijoje dalyvavo Lechas Walesa.

In the small Polish village of Konotopa, with fewer than 150 residents, a 55.6-meter-tall statue of the Mother of God was solemnly unveiled and consecrated on Saturday. It is the tallest statue of its kind in Europe, surpassing even the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, which, including its pedestal, reaches about 38 meters. The new monument also exceeds the statue of Jesus Christ erected in Świebodzin in 2010 (about 52 meters).

A testimony of faith in a small village

Hundreds of people attended the ceremony, including the legendary leader of the anti-communist movement, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa. During the service, accompanied by roses scattered from helicopters and the sounds of traditional Polish music, priests celebrated Holy Mass. Wałęsa, who during the 'Solidarity' era wore a badge of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa on his lapel, said: 'I started with the Mother of God and I end with the Mother of God.'

The role of the Church and contemporary challenges

Most Poles consider themselves Catholics, and the Church has maintained significant influence in society since the fall of communism. Nevertheless, Bishop Wiesław Mering, who attended the ceremony, spoke openly about the weakening of the Church and the retreat of part of society from faith. 'The history of Christianity has its ups and downs, but this place reminds us that the Mother of God will not abandon Poland,' the bishop emphasized.

The statue – an expression of gratitude

The statue was commissioned by local businessmen Roman and Grażyna Karkosik, who call it an expression of gratitude to God. According to Grażyna Karkosik, the statue is 'for all people,' so that everyone who sees it might reflect on their life and God. Local authorities hope the monument will become a center of pilgrimage and tourism – an observation deck has been installed on the pedestal.

The statue is 55.6 meters tall, including a 15-meter crown-shaped pedestal.
Lech Wałęsa, the 'Solidarity' leader and former president, attended the ceremony.
The monument was commissioned by the Karkosik family as a sign of gratitude to God.