On the rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks, a Polish Franciscan monk devoted twenty-

three years to building the Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos—a remarkable tribute to

Our Lady of Czestochowa, the revered Black Madonna of Poland. With only his hands,

faith, and unwavering determination, Brother Bronislaus Luszcz transformed native

stone, glass, shells, and everyday objects into a lasting expression of devotion that still

draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Decades later, photojournalist and author Jeanette McDermott retraced his footsteps to

document the artistry and faith embedded in each grotto. Through her photography and storytelling, she reveals how Brother Bronislaus’s creation continues to inspire spiritual travelers and preserve a vital piece of Missouri’s cultural and religious heritage—a rare testament to the enduring power of Ozark folk art born from faith and human hands.