Our Lady of Święta Lipka

The miraculous painting of Our Lady of Święta Lipka, also known as the painting of Our Lady of Christian Unity, was created at the initiative of the superior of the Jesuit mission, Abbot Tomasz Clagius, or his successor, Abbot M. Leski.

The painting was created in 1640 by the Flemish painter Bartłomiej Pens in his workshop in Vilnius. The oil painting on canvas is modeled on the miraculous icon of Our Lady of the Snows “Salus Populi Romani” from the Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It quickly became famous for its miracles. From 1640 to 1658, approximately 600 requests and healings were recorded.

Thanks to the goldsmith Samuel Grewe (1719), the entire canvas is covered with a silver dress with rich floral ornamentation and ribbons, from which the faces and hands of the Virgin Mary and Child emerge. The artist also created gilded crowns, halos, stars, rays, and two angels.

In the painting, the Virgin Mary wears a red dress and a blue cloak. She embraces the Child with her arms. The tiny Jesus looks attentively and lovingly at his mother. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, while his left hand holds a book.

Initially, the painting of the Virgin Mary was placed in the central part of the main altar in the Sadorski Chapel. In 1690, after the construction of the new church, it was moved to the chapel, and in 1714, it became part of the main altar created by Krzysztof Peucker.