Brief Description
The National Shrine of the Virgin Mary – Queen of Peace in the village of Ozernoe (North Kazakhstan Region) is the main Catholic pilgrimage center in Kazakhstan. It emerged on the site of a miraculous event in 1941, when a lake appeared in the steppe, saving deported Poles from starvation. Today, the shrine stands as a symbol of faith, peace, and gratitude.
Location
Country: Kazakhstan
Region: North Kazakhstan Region
Settlement: Village of Ozernoe
Historical Background
Date of foundation: As a spiritual site – since 1941; official status as a national shrine – since the late 1990s.
History:
The village of Ozernoe was founded by Poles deported in 1936 from western regions of Ukraine. Life in the “Hungry Steppe” was extremely difficult, and in March 1941 a miracle occurred: in the middle of the barren land, a lake suddenly appeared, full of fish. This event saved many lives and was perceived as a divine sign on the Feast of the Annunciation.
Key Events:
- 1936–1941 – Deportation and formation of the Polish community; the legend of the miraculous lake originated.
- 1990s – Construction of the Catholic church began; parish priest – Father Tomasz Peta.
- 1997 – Installation of a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a fishing net, blessed by Pope John Paul II.
- 1998 – Erection of a memorial cross in honor of the victims of repression and as a sign of gratitude to the Kazakh people.
- 2013 – Installation of the “Star of Kazakhstan” adoration altar as part of the international project “12 Stars in the Crown of the Virgin Mary.”
Architecture and Infrastructure
- Church: A modern Catholic building combining European and Kazakh architectural motifs.
- Altar “Star of Kazakhstan”: Made of titanium and gold, decorated with symbols of the lake — fish, nets, and ornaments.
- Statue of the Virgin Mary: Carved from white stone and placed on the shore of Lake Mariamkol.
- Memorial Cross: A large wooden cross dedicated to the memory of the deported and gratitude to the Kazakh people.
- Monastic Residence: Three Carmelite nuns live nearby, leading a life of prayer and contemplation.
Religious Significance
The Ozernoe shrine is one of the main Catholic centers of Central Asia. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary – Queen of Peace and symbolizes salvation, peace, and faith.
Pope John Paul II referred to Ozernoe as “the People’s Shrine of Mary in Kazakhstan.”
The “Star of Kazakhstan” altar is one of twelve altars forming the global “Crown of the Virgin Mary,” symbolizing prayer for peace throughout the world.
Cultural and Tourist Significance
- Every year, pilgrims from Kazakhstan, Poland, and other countries visit the shrine.
- The site is actively visited by Catholic youth camps and volunteers.
- Polish culture, language, and the memory of the deportations are preserved.
- Ozernoe serves as a center of spiritual unity and a symbol of faith, endurance, and peace among nations.
Current Status
Today, the village has a population of about 200 people.
The shrine is maintained by the Catholic Archdiocese and remains one of the most important spiritual centers in Kazakhstan.
Annual pilgrimages, religious festivals, and memorial services are regularly held here.
Ozernoe continues to stand as a living symbol of faith, gratitude, and peace.
