Poznan, Poland Virgin Mary Painting @ St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church in Downers Grove
If you ever find yourself at St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church in Downers Grove, make sure you take a moment to look at the painting of the Virgin Mary hanging in the vestibule right outside the church that is hanging just to the right of the main doors. That's it above. St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic church in Downers. From the SMG site : St. Mary of Gostyn Parish, the oldest Catholic church in Downers Grove, was founded by poor immigrants who came from Gostyn, Poland, shortly after the American Civil War. By the 1880’s, Polish-speaking priests from Chicago were regularly serving this rural settlement. Masses were said in homes or tents because there was no church. Founded by Polish immigrants. Cool, right? But also cool because my Mom is Polish. So that means, I'm Polish. And so are my kids. Right below the painting is this plaque that reads "The picture of the Virgin Mary and child dates from 1540." Yeah...1540?!?! If you click