Catholic Pilgrimage to Budslau

Historical and Spiritual Significance

The history of Budslaw as a Catholic pilgrimage center began in 1504 when Grand Duke Alexander Jagiellonczyk allocated land above the Servecz River for Bernardine monks from Vilnius. The settlement derived its name from the wooden huts ("budas") where the monks initially lived. The spiritual significance of the site was established in 1588 when, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared with the Baby Jesus in her arms during the construction of the first chapel.

The miraculous icon of Our Lady of Budslau arrived in 1613, gifted to the Bernardine monastery by chaplain Isaac Salakai. This 16th-century icon, measuring 72×65cm and painted in oil in the Western European Hodegetria style, was originally given by Pope Clement VIII to Minsk governor Jan Pac in 1598 to honor his conversion from Calvinism to Roman Catholicism. The icon's journey to Budslaw marked the beginning of its role as a national treasure.

Documented miracles attributed to the icon began as early as 1617, when it reportedly restored the sight of 5-year-old Jehoshaphat Tyszkiewicz, who later became a Carmelite priest. Abbot Elevtery Zeleyevich documented 42 miraculous recoveries in his 1650 book "Zodiac on the Earth," including healings of epilepsy, lameness, and speech impediments. The icon survived numerous historical challenges, including temporary evacuation during the Russo-Polish War (1654-1667) and threats of destruction during World War II.

Papal recognition has been consistent throughout the icon's history. Pope Clement VIII originally endorsed the image in 1598 to combat Calvinism. Pope John Paul II elevated the shrine to Minor Basilica status on June 11, 1993, through the decree "Inter paroeciales," and granted pontifical coronation through the decree "Purissima Virgo" on June 7, 1995. The icon was officially crowned with papal crowns by Cardinal Kazimierz Świątek on July 2, 1998, establishing it as the patroness of Belarus.

Sacred Sites and Churches

National Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Budslau

Local Name: Нацыянальны санктуарый Маці Божай Будслаўскай

Address: ул. Красная площадь 8, Budslau, Minsk Region, Belarus

GPS Coordinates: 54.7868076, 27.4515082

Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Website: Archdiocese of Minsk-Mohilev

Dedication: Our Lady of the Assumption

Historical Note: Built between 1767-1783 in late Baroque style, incorporating parts of the original 17th-century stone church as a side chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara. The sanctuary houses the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Budslau, painted in Rome in the 16th century and gifted by Pope Clement VIII. The church survived a major fire in 2021 that destroyed the roof but spared the icon and main altar. It was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1993.

Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims visit to venerate the miraculous icon, participate in Masses and processions, pray at the side chapel of Saint Barbara containing the original 1643-47 wooden carved altar, and join the annual night candlelight procession during Budslaw Fest. The sanctuary complex includes the main basilica, the historic Saint Barbara chapel, and surrounding pilgrimage grounds where pilgrims gather for prayer and reflection.

Annual Celebrations and Feast Days

July 2 – Feast of Our Lady of Budslau

The main celebration featuring solemn Masses, night candlelight processions with the icon, and the gathering of tens of thousands of pilgrims from Belarus and neighboring countries. This UNESCO-recognized celebration includes priests welcoming pilgrims, youth prayer vigils, and hours of prayer to the Mother of God.

First Weekend of July – Budslaw Fest

The annual pilgrimage weekend when organized groups from across Belarus and beyond journey to the sanctuary, many traveling on foot for dozens or hundreds of kilometers. The tradition includes makeshift pilgrim camps, communal prayers, and the welcoming of pilgrims by residents who offer food and shelter.

Practical Information for Pilgrims

Getting There: Budslaw is located approximately 150 km northwest of Minsk in the Myadzyel district. The nearest major airport is Minsk National Airport (MSQ). From Minsk, pilgrims can travel by bus or train to Myadzyel, then take local transportation to Budslaw. Many pilgrims participate in organized walking pilgrimages from major cities, particularly from the Red Church in Minsk. The village has a train station with limited service.

Where to Stay: During major pilgrimage events, local residents traditionally welcome pilgrims into their homes, offering food and shelter. Organized pilgrim groups often camp in designated areas near the sanctuary. Nearby accommodation options include Myadel Hotel (approximately 20 km from Budslaw) and various guesthouses in the lake district.

UNESCO Recognition

The Budslaw Fest celebration was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019, recognizing its significance as a living tradition that strengthens community bonds and perpetuates Belarusian Catholic identity through generations.