The Archdiocese of Białystok

POLISH SANCTUARIES
The Archdiocese of Białystok
Sokółka –
Parish of St Anthony of Padua
The place of Eucharistic Miracle
53°24′25″N 23°30′00″E
Sokółka is a small town located near the border with Belarus. In
October 2008 happened an event which changed its life. During one
of the Sunday Masses, a Consecrated Host was accidentally dropped
on the floor by a priest who was distributing the Holy Communion to
the faithful. In accordance with liturgical laws, the priest stopped the distribution of the Holy
Communion and put the Sacred Host into the vasculum, which is a small vessel with water, where
after a few days the Host should be dissolved. The vessel was placed inside the sacristy safe. A week
later, the sacristan sister from the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Jesus in the Eucharist,
having opened the safe she felt the smell of fresh bread and noticed that the Host, contrary to
expectations, did not dissolve. Moreover, on the Host appeared an intensely red spot which
resembled a blood clot. The water in the vessel was unstained. Immediately, the appropriate Church
authorities were notified. In January 2009, Archbishop Ozorowski instructed that the
pathomorphological examination of the Host should be conducted and on 30 March of the same year
he appointed the Ecclesiastical Commission to investigate the occurring phenomena. The sample was
examined by two professors, specialists in the field of pathomorphology at the Medical University of
Białystok. They gave a consistent judgment that: “The material sent for analysis (…) in the
evaluation of two independent pathomorphologists (…) indicates the myocardial tissue, at least, of all
the living tissues of the body most resembles it.” The Ecclesiastical Commission determined that the
sample taken for examination belonged to the consecrated Host that had been moved from the
sacristy to the tabernacle in the chapel of the rectory. No interference was found.
On Holy Thursday, April 9, 2009, the church of St. Anthony of Padua in Sokółka was raised to the rank
of the Collegiate and the Collegiate Chapter of the Blessed Sacrament was appointed. The charism of
the Chapter is to care for worship and to spread the veneration of Christ in the Eucharist. Since the
spreading of the message about this Eucharistic event, even before the Particle of the Body of Christ
was exposed to public adoration, letters about unusual signs of God’s acts had started to arrive from
the faithful - especially about graces experienced thanks to the prayers in The Collegiate Church of
Sokółka, including many healings.
Parish of St Anthony of Padua - http://www.sokolka.archibial.pl/
ul. Grodzieńska 47, 16-100 Sokółka; tel.: +48 85 711 2001
sokolkaswantoni@wp.pl
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Grabarka –
The Sanctuary of Transfiguration of Jesus Christ;
the Holy Mount of Grabarka
52°25′02″N 23°00′20″E
In Grabarka there is an Orthodox women’s monastery of Ss. Martha
and Maria with an Orthodox Church Refectory of Dormition of the
Mother of God, the Church of Transfiguration, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God, two
pilgrim’s houses and an Orthodox cemetery.
The Holy Mount of Grabarka is a well-known and popular place of pilgrimages for Orthodox believers
of a centuries-old tradition. It is also famous for a healing spring which is at the foot of the mountain.
In 1710 during a cholera epidemic, one elderly man had a revelation while sleeping that the rescue
can be found on a nearby hill. The faithful followed him and climbed the mountain carrying crosses.
They prayed and drank water from the spring. According to parish chronicles the rescue from the
disease was found by about 10 000 people. In gratitude to God for this miracle they built there the
first wooden Chapel of Transfiguration. In 1947 an Orthodox women’s monastery of Ss. Martha and
Maria was also built. Since 2000 on the mount there has been the Iviron Theotokos, which is an icon
written on the Holy Mount Atos and given as a gift to commemorate 2000 years of Christianity.
Every year thousands of pilgrims carrying their votive crosses come to Grabarka. Leaving their
intention crosses on the hill and around the Church has become a pilgrimage tradition. The most
probable number of crosses standing there is estimated to be over 10 000. The pilgrims take
advantage of the miraculous spring whose outflow was surrounded by a picturesque well. Annually in
May Grabarka becomes a place for international meetings of Orthodox Youth. The most numerous
pilgrimages come to Holy Mount for the Feast of Transfiguration (18-19 August), but the faithful,
pilgrims and tourists come here all year round.
http://www.grabarka.pl/
The Diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec
Rychwałd - Sanctuary of the Mother of
God in Rychwałd
49°41′49,0″N 19°16′12,7″E
In the first half of 16th century a small wooden Church
of St. Nicholas was built in Rychwałd. It was
consecrated in 1547 and in 1644 it became a centre
of the cult of Virgin Mary. Thanks to the increasing
pilgrimage movement to the Sanctuary in Rychwałd, a decision was made to build a new big brick
church. The original wooden church was later moved to Gilowice, where it stands until today.
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The miraculous painting of the Madonna and Child is in the main altar. It was painted on a linden
board and comes from 15th century. It was made in accordance with the rules from the Late
Byzantine period.
Initially, the painting was owned by a magnate family but later it was given to the church in
Rychwałd. This painting of the Mother of God has been worshipped by the faithful since the very
beginning because they were convinced that the Blessed Virgin chose this place to help people. In
1647 the first miracle was reported. Elisabeth Karska form Bibersztyn, the tenant of the manor in
Rychwałd, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8th September) noticed that the painting was
shimmering in different colours and then she was healed from her skin cancer or a disfiguring scar on
her face. Her daughter and her husband were healed, too. Influenced by these events she entrusted
her whole family into the care of the Mother of God. Other families followed her example. In 1658
a decree was issued where the Church Authorities announced that The Painting of The Mother of
God of Rychwałd is miraculous and ordered the parish priest to spread the veneration of Virgin Mary
in this painting. Since 1946 Franciscan Friars have been the guardians of the Sanctuary in Rychwałd.
In 1965 this miraculous painting received papal crowns. The ceremony was attended by The
Archbishop of Cracow – Father Karol Wojtyła.
The monastery of Franciscan Friars
http://www.rychwald.franciszkanie.pl/
Św. Mikołaja Biskupa
Rychwałd, ul. Franciszkańska 1
Bielany
- Sanctuary of the Suffering Christ
Parish of Saint Matthias
49°56′18,05″N 19°12′10,75″E
The origins of the miraculous picture of the Suffering
Christ is mysterious. Oral tradition says that it was
pulled out of the Soła River. Placed in the wooden
church started giving ‘the signs of the Passion’. It is probable because until the first half of the 19th
century rafting on the Soła River was well-developed. Logs from the mountains were floated down
the river as well as the baize fabric from Węgierska Górka. Since the beginning it has been highly
venerated. Initially placed in the church was later moved to a new chapel built in 1752. Since then
the Image of Suffering Christ in Bielany has become a popular pilgrimage destination. At the altar the
votive gifts were gathered as visual signs of gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for the received graces.
In the chronicles numerous miraculous healings were noted. The sanctuary is located about 15 km
from Oświęcim and its Museum of Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
The sanctuary of Suffering Christ
The parish of Saint Matthias in Bielany
Bielany, ul. Solna 2
http://www.bielany.katolik.bielsko.pl/sanktuarium
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The Diocese of Bydgoszcz
Górka Klasztorna The Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Górka
Klasztorna
53°16′11″N 17°14′15″E
Górka Klasztorna near Łobzenica is one of the oldest Marian
Shrines in Poland. According to tradition, in 1079 the Mother
Mothe
of God appeared on a big oak tree seen by a shepherd.
shepherd It
happened two months after the murder of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski in Kraków. It was the first
apparition of the Mother of God on the Polish land. Today this places is famous for Miraculous
Painting of the Mother of God of Górka Klasztorna as well as for the well, in which water, since the
apparition of Holy Mary, has acquired miraculous properties. The heyday of the Sanctuary was
experienced in the 17th century, when the Fraternity of the Good Shepherd was founded and in the
18th century, when thanks to the intercession of Mother of God of Górka Klasztorna the most
numerous miracles occurred. Since 1923, Missionaries of Holy Family have taken care of the
Sanctuary.
In summer, Youth Days in Górka Klasztorna are organized , ended with the “Maria Carmen Festival.”
Since 1984, the Mystery of the Passion of Christ has also been performed, prepared by the members
of the international Association “Europassion”. It gathers people performing the Mysteries of the
Passion of Christ in 66 towns across whole Europe.
The Sanctuary of the Mother of God in Górka Klasztorna
http://gorkaklasztorna.com/
e-mail: gk@msf.opoka.org.pl
The Archidiocese of Częstochowa
Częstochowa - Jasna Góra
Sanctuary of the Mother of God
d of Częstochowa
50°48′45″N 19°05′50″E
Jasna Góra is the greatest and the most important religious
shrine in Poland. Every year hundreds of thousand faithful
pilgrims come from Poland and other countries.
The monastery of Jasna Góra was founded in 1382 by
Władysław Opolczyk, Duke of Opole, who invited the Order of
Saint Paul the First hermit
it from Hungary. The miraculous icon
ico
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of The Mother of God holding Infant Jesus in her arms is widely venerated. The face of Holy Mary
presented in the icon has dark complexion and that is why the painting is often called the image of
the Black Madonna. The Mother of God’s face is looking towards the viewer and it is expressing
seriousness, reflection and contemplation. The Holy Face of Child Jesus is also as serious and rapt as
of an adult.
The exact origin of the painting is not known. It was brought to Jasna Góra from Kievan Rus and to
Kievan Rus it was brought from the Byzantine Empire. The icon was painted on the linden board and
probably comes from the Medieval times(6th-9th century). Tradition says that the author was Saint
Luke, who painted the picture on a table top from the house where the Holy Family ate their meals.
The icon of the Black Madonna and the Sanctuary of Częstochowa immediately became immensely
important to the Poles. Jasna Góra became a place of religious cult and a place of a manifestation of
patriotism and attachment to Polish homeland.
At Easter 1430 the Sanctuary of Częstochowa was attacked by raiders who robbed the Treasure and
the Church. The picture of the Black Madonna was also damaged. During the robbery it was broken
into pieces and Holy Mother’s face was slashed with a sword and the signs of it remain clearly visible
today: on her right cheek there are two parallel scars, one the line of the nose cut with a third one.
The scars are also visible on the neck, two distinctly visible and four weaker. King Wladysław Jagiełło
ruling at that time ordered to renovate the painting. It is not known why the painters who were
renovating the picture did not remove the scars. Legends say that they wanted to remove them but
despite their efforts they did not manage to do it. Other sources say that the scars remained in order
to commemorate this shocking event.
Since the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries the Black Madonna starts being officially called the
Queen of Poland and the Patroness of the Nation. The 17th century was really dramatic for the
monastery of Jasna Góra because of the Deluge, when the Swedish army attacked Polish land.
Whereas a lot of Polish towns and fortresses were defeated by the Swedish, Jasna Góra was not.
Despite the fact that the enemy outnumbered the Poles the monastery survived. This event
strengthened the belief of the faithful that the painting is exceptional and saint and that Holy Mary
takes special care of Polish nation. 18th century is the time of the birth of a custom of going on
pilgrimages to Częstochowa on foot. The oldest pilgrimage route is the route of Warsaw Pilgrimage.
The first pilgrimage from Warsaw set off in 1711.
Currently, the Sanctuary of Jasna Góra is visited annually by a few millions of faithful. During the
greatest Marian Feasts - on 15 August, which is the Day of the Mother of God Queen of Poland, and
on 26th August, which is the Day of the Mother of God of Częstochowa, at one time in the Sanctuary
there are 500 000 pilgrims, which makes Jasna Góra one of the most often visited sanctuaries in the
world.
The cult of the Black Madonna had a great impact on the religiosity of the Poles and on the whole life
of the Church in Poland. Going on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Częstochowa became a family tradition
passed from one generation to the next generation. One of the especially faithful pilgrims was John
Paul II who visited the Sanctuary of Jasna Góra a lot of times. He came there at various moments of
his life: as a student, a young priest, a bishop and finally as the Pope.
The monastery of the Paulines
Jasna Góra
ul. o. A. Kordeckiego 2
42-225 Częstochowa, Polska
http://www.jasnagora.pl/index_old.php
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Gidle – The Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Gidle
the Health of the Sick
50°57′56″N 19°28′11″E
The greatest treasure of the Sanctuary is a tiny, about 9 centimeter,
stone figure of the Mother of God with a Baby Jesus. Its beginnings
go back to 1516. A farmer was ploughing his field in the place where
now stands the monastery. Suddenly, his oxen stopped and knelt
down. Neither urging nor beating helped. One moment, the man
noticed unusual brightness coming from the ground and among the light a tiny, the size of a hand,
statue of The Most Holy Virgin Mary lying on a chalice- shaped stone. A simple peasant treated the
findings as a material thing, so he took it home and put it into the chest. The statue, although it was
well covered, in a miraculous way uncovered itself a few times, producing a shining blaze of light.
However, the peasant did not recognize the sign of God and finally he and his whole family lost their
sight. When it occurred, thanks to water which remained after washing the figure, the family was
healed and regained the sight. The figure was moved into the parish Church of Mary Magdalene.
Since then, this place has been eagerly visited by the residents of the region and soon also by the
pilgrims from remote areas. In order to take care of the miraculous figure and of the developing
Marian cult the Dominicans were brought into Gidle in 1615 and they built the church and the
monastery there. The miraculous figure of the Mother of God was placed in a specially constructed,
richly sculptured altar. This wonderful altar impresses not only with its beauty but also with a wellconsidered architectural solution. The statue is placed in the niche, as though it is in the reliquary.
The niche is surrounded by a lot of small pillars, creating the perspective for a very small figure.
Thanks to that it is optically exposed and easily recognizable even from a far distance.
The monastery of the Dominicans
Plac Dominikański 6,
97-540 Gidle
http://gidle.dominikanie.pl
Diocese of Drohiczyn
Miedzna – Mather of God –
– Comforter of the Afflicted – Sanctuary
The Parish of Annunciation
52°28′01,3″N 22°05′23,9″E
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In the sanctuary there is a miraculous painting of the Holy Virgin Mary, famous for blessings. It shows
the Mother of God with her head slightly turned to the left, her face of strong facial features and
swarthy complexion.
The church in Miedzna is a Marian sanctuary of the diocese. A painting found there shows the
Mother of God of consolation. The oldest written references of 1729 concern the occurrences of
1726 and 1727. In January 1727, Jacek Pazio, led by some “miraculous brightness”, discovered an
image of the Holy Virgin Mary above a ceiling joist in a miller's cottage. The place of revelation has
been commemorated with a baroque chapel existing until today. The list of extraordinary
phenomena in 1727-1728 was so serious that a special Church commission was established next
year. In 1730 it was approved to exhibit the Miraculous Image for public veneration and to give due
reverence to it.
The Parish of Annunciation
ul. Kościelna 1
07-106 Miedzna
email: kancelaria@sanktuarium-miedzna.pl
Diocese of Elbląg
Elbląg (Elbig)Sanctuary of the Holy Cross
St. Michael Catedral
54°09′30″N 19°23′42″E
In mid 13th century, i.e. more than 750 years ago, some relics
of the Holy Cross were brought to the castle of Elbląg,
belonging to Teutonic Knights. Later (before 1400) the
Knights founded a reliquary, bejewelled with pearls. The relics of the Holy Cross were venerated in
the castle till 1454, when the inhabitants of Elbląg surrendered the town to the Polish king Casimir IV
Jagiellon. To restrict the Knights from return, the castle was ruined, and the Relics of the Holy Cross
were moved to St. Michael Church where they are venerated until today.
During the World War II, in 1945 the St. Michael Church went up in flames and also the reliquary was
damaged. As late as 1973, for the parishioners asking, it was reconstructed and conservated. Every
Friday, at 5 o`clock, the Way of the Cross and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy are celebrated. On
weekdays, the reliquary is placed in a beautiful gothic bay at the right side of the main altar.
Katedra św. Mikołaja
Mostowa 18, Elbląg
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Diocese of Ełk (Lyck)
Studzienniczna – Sanctuary of St. Mary
53°51'33.2"N 23°05'36.4"E
The sanctuary is located on the so-called island (presently
connected by a causeway to a bank), far away from motor
routes, almost enclosed with water and white water-lilies.
It takes only a few minutes to pass from the car park at the
Scapular Mother of God church to the chapel. The beginnings of the sanctuary are related to a hermit
who settled on the island and brought a painting of Mother of God with him. Probably, the first
hermit, whose name remains unknown, was a Camaldule monk. The presence of the hermit and
veneration of the Mother of God attracted many pilgrims. The hermit built a cottage to live in.
Inhabitants of surrounding villages admired the hermit’s manner of living. They visited the hermit,
asking him for prayers and advice in their problems.
Another hermit, known as Vincent Morawski, who continued the mission of his precursor, settled
there before 1770. The inhabitants, however, still remembered the first one. Owing to his devoted
service, he gained esteem of the pilgrims. The first church was built there in 1786. The local
community built the present church in 1847. The famous for blessings image of Mother of God of
Studzienniczna, a copy of her image of Częstochowa, is found presently in a neoclassical brick chapel
built in the second half of 19th century. Many cases of healing, spiritual and physical, took place
there. Beside the chapel, there is a well which, according to local believing, contains “miraculous
water, which cures of illnesses”. In 1995 the image was crowned with papal crowns. In 1999 the
sanctuary was visited by John Paul II, who came there by ship. He prayed in the chapel at the
Mother’s of God image, as every incoming pilgrim did. That event has been commemorated with
a Pope’s monument on the bank.
Studzienniczna - Sanktuarium Maryjne
Studzienniczna 10
Augustów
http://www.sanktuarium-studzieniczna.pl/
Sejny - Mother`s of God of Sejny Sanktuary
Basilica of Blessed Virgin`s Visitation
54°06′32″N 23°20′44″E
Since 1610 the convent church in Sejny was a place of indulgence and
a pilgrimage destination. At the beginning of the 17th century
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a famous for blessings wooden statue of Mother of God with her Child was brought. Originally,
Dominicans were in charge of the statue, and later diocese priests.
The statue belongs to the case type statues. It was carved at the turn of 14th and 15th centuries
(during Teutonic Knights' presence in Poland), of lime wood. It is 145 cm tall. It shows the Mother of
God with her Child, sitting on a throne. The case can be opened. A bass-relief inside the case
presents the Father who sits on a Throne of Grace and holds the Cross with Jesus Christ fixed to it.
Above the Father's head there is the Holy Spirit hovering in a form of a dove. On the openable sides
of Mary’s coat 26 figures of various states are seen.
The veneration of St. Mary was utmost developed in 18th century. It became weaker in the inter-war
period. The Sanctuary in Sejny regenerated in the seventies of 20th century. This was induced by
raising the parish church to the rank of basilica minor as well as crowning the Mother of God of Sejny
statue. The celebration was led by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła and Primate of Poland Cardinal Stefan
Wyszyński.
Basilica of Blessed Virgin’s Visitation
Bazylika Nawiedzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
Strażacka 1 16-500 Sejny
Archdiocese of Gniezno
Gniezno - St. Adalbert's Sanctuary Cathedral of Blessed Virgin's Assumption
and of St. Adalbert (Primatial Basilica)
52°32′12″N 17°35′33″E
The city of Gniezno was the first capital of Poland. The Gniezno
cathedral has been repeatedly the coronation place for kings of
Poland. It is the oldest Polish and sanctuary and the place of
treasuring the relics of St. Adalbert, the first martyr of Poland. The
last days of St. Adalbert's life were devoted to a Church mission to
pagan Prussians. He was killed by them and became a martyr. The
Saint's head was cut off his body and impaled to disgrace him. Then it was taken off the pole and
brought secretly to Gniezno. The King ransomed the rest of St. Adalbert's body and arranged his
burial in Gniezno. Since 1000, Gniezno has been a pilgrimage destination. Kings of Poland came to
Gniezno throughout ages, great Polish commanders came to entrust themselves to St. Adalbert,
attributing to him their victories. The cathedral was consecrated in 1097.
In the presbyterial part of the church, a gold-plated confession of gold-plated pinewood was placed,
as that one in the St. Peter’s basilica. Just beneath it, on a black altar, a silver coffin containing St.
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Adalbert's relics was placed. Behind the confession, there is a fragmentary cenotaph, i.e. an empty
grave of St. Adalbert. It is a replica of his middle-age sepulchre.
In 1994, the cathedral of Blessed Virgin's Assumption and of St. Adalbert was assumed by the
President of 'Poland as a monument of history. In the same time, the Roman Congregation for Divine
Cult conferred an official title of St. Adalbert's City to Gniezno.
Bazylika Prymasowska
Wzgórze Lecha, 62-200 Gniezno
Pakość – Calvary of Pakość
52°48′46″N 18°04′17″E
The Calvary of Pakość is also called Jerusalem of Kujawy
The biggest part of the Holy Cross relics is kept and
venerated there. This is also the second greatest calvary in
Poland after the Zebrzydów Calvary near Cracov. It comprises
a temple and 25 chapels, in a baroque style.
The calvary originates from 17th century. The first Way of Cross was celebrated here in 1628 under
the leadership of priest Wojciech Kęsicki, who was the initiator of founding the Calvary. Three years
later it was enlarged by Franciscans who come to Pakość. On the foundations of an old castle
granted to the monks, a church and a convent were built that exist until today. The Franciscans have
erected a baroque Church of Crucifixion. The greatest number of pilgrims come to Calvary of Pakość
every Friday of the Lent as well as during the Easter Triduum.
Diocese of Kalisz
Kalisz (Calisia) –
St. Joseph`s Sanctuary
Basilica of Blessed Virgin`s Assumption
51°45′48″N 18°05′36″E
The Sanctuary in Calisia plays the role of Polish centre
for venerating St. Joseph. It originates from 1670,
when a villager of Szulec was healed by St. Joseph`s
intercession. He found a painting of the Holy Family
as a vote of gratitude and placed it in the collegiate
church of Calisia at the altar donated also by himself.
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The time of intensively developing veneration of St. Joseph fell in the second half of 17th and the
whole 18th century, when St. Joseph`s Guardianship Day was already celebrated.
The year 1756 was remarkable in the history of St. Joseph`s veneration. There was a plague which
gobbled hundreds of townsmen. When all the means to stop the plague failed, all people were
summoned to a solemn mass. The plague ceased.
The St. Joseph`s Sanctuary is called sometimes the Sanctuary of the Holy Family, as the painting
presents the 12-year-old Jesus with his Mother and St. Joseph on their return from Jerusalem to
Nazareth, shortly after the parents found Him in the temple.
In the second part of 18th century the number of blessings received by St. Joseph`s intercession was
so high that the contemporary custodian of Sanctuary asked to send a special committee in order to
examine 70 reports on miracles and blessings. As a result of investigation made and findings of
Vatican theologists, the painting was acknowledged as a miraculous one.
In 1796 St. Joseph was crowned with papal crowns. It was the first in the world celebration of that
kind, when everybody of the Holy Family got their crown. And also, a visit of the pope John Paul II
(4th June, 1997) contributed in developing and growing the importance of venerating St. Joseph of
Kalisz. During that visit all Polish families as well as the protection of unborn life in Poland and the
whole world were entrusted to St. Joseph.
Sanktuarium św. Józefa w Kaliszu
St. Joseph`s Sanctuary in Kalisz (Calisia)
http://www.swietyjozef.kalisz.pl/
Pl. Św. Józefa 7 62-800 Kalisz
kancelaria@swietyjozef.kalisz.pl
The Archdiocese of Katowice
Piekary Śląskie
The Sanctuary of Our Lady
The Sanctuary in Piekary is the biggest one in this region. It
consists of the basilica of Our Lady and Saint Bartholomew
and the Calvary of Piekary. In the basilica there is a
miraculous image of Our Lady of Piekary. The beginning of the
cult is dated on 17th century when the image of Our Lady was
moved from the side to the main altar. In this moment a
wonderful smell of roses was detected. In 17th century many
miracles took place here e.g. a miraculous returning to health of inhabitants of Tarnowskie Góry,
since that time each year they have made a pilgrimage in remembrance of this miracles. Among the
pilgrims to Piekary there was a Polish King Jan III Sobieski who was on his way to Vienna to fight with
the Turks in 1683. Between two World Wars in 20th century the pilgrimages for one sex group started
to be organized in Piekary. On the last Sunday of May there is a pilgrimage for men and young men.
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The pilgrimage for women and girls is organized on Sunday after 15th August. In each of them about
100-150 thousand of pilgrims take part, gathering on the Calvary Hill.
The Calvary of Piekary was established in 19th century and consists of the Chapel of Archangel
Michael, the Way of the Cross, a few chapels connected with Passion program and 15 chapels of
Rosary.
Parafia Imienia NMP i Św. Bartlomieja
ul. ks Ficka 7
41-940 Piekary Śląskie
www.bazylikapiekary.pl
kontakt@bazylikapiekary.pl
The Diocese of Kielce
The Sanctuary and Basilica of the Tomb of God
50°21′27″N 20°01′36″E
In Miechów within monastery there is a replica of the Tomb of God in
Jerusalem being the oldest one in the world. According to tradition it
was built on the authentic soil from Golgotha, brought in sacks by the
knight Jaksa in 1163. The monastery in Miechów was the first
representative of the idea and the cult of the tomb of God in Poland
and in Europe. It was not only the oldest and the most eminent but
also the richest of all monasteries of this convent. It was regarded as
the center of all monasteries not only in Poland but also in France, Spain, Naples, England, Hungary,
Czech Republic and other countries. This place became important after the conquest of Jerusalem by
religious dissenters. The replica of the Tomb in Miechów was built about 1530 on the line East-West
just like the one in Jerusalem. It answers to the biblical description: the bed is on the right-hand side
(it can accommodate five people), a small entrance (to look inside you have to bend down in front of
it significantly), it can be closed it with a big stone. Inner dimensions are similar to original ones in
those in Jerusalem. The guards of the tomb are called “Bożogrobcy”. They wear habits like regular
canons but in black colour. On the coat on the left side they have a double red cross.
Parafia Grobu Pańskiego
ul. Warszawska 1 A
32-200 Miechów
www.parafiamiechow.pl
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The Diocese of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows
53°12′05,50″N 16°34′59,70″E
When in 1575 the protestants profaned the church in the
neighbouring town, among stolen valuable things there was
the Pieta, made at the beginning of 15th century from the
lime wood. It was weighted with stones and thrown into
a lake. After a few days this small figure came onto the surface. Then it was placed in the church in
Skrzatusz. Since then it has become famous for many miracles, especially many cures. In 1660 the
bishop acknowledged the figure of Our Lady as a miraculous one. In 1687-1694 the Polish King Jan III
Sobieski ordered to build a bigger church to thank for the victory over the Turks in Vienna.
Diecezjalne Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Bolesnej
Skrzatusz 31
64-930 Szydłowo
e-mail: skrzatusz@koszalin.opoka.org.pl
www.skrzatusz.koszalin.opoka.pl
The Archdiocese of Krakow
The Sanctuary of Passion and Marian
in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
49°51′37,1″N 19°40′14,6″E
The Sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska was established at
the beginning of 17th century, founded by voivoda Mikolaj
Zebrzydowski. It is one of the most interesting landscape and
architecture project and one of the most frequently visited
pilgrimage centres of Poland. In 1999 it was listed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Hundreds of
pilgrims arrived here to see the Passion played on Good Friday or the triumph of Mother of God in
August. The sanctuary consists of a baroque basilica where there is a wonderful image of Our Lady of
Kalwaria, a monastery and the complex of churches and chapels integrated into the landscape.
The Sanctuary has been built as an imitation of the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem. It may be said that
it is a copy of Calvary in Jerusalem with many chapels where you can contemplate the Passion of
Christ and the mystery of Our Lady's life. The Sanctuary is guarded by Friars Minor (in Poland they are
called Bernardines) This place in connected especially with the pope John Paul II. As a child he used to
visit this place with his father very often. That is why this place is often called the Calvary of the Pope.
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At the beginning of his pontificate it was the place of prayer for John Paul II, following his request “
I am asking you to pray for me here, through my life and after my death”
This place is really worth to be seen. Next to the monastery there is a Pilgrim’s House and
a restaurant.
Klasztor oo. Bernardynów
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
ul. Bernardyńska 46
phone: (033) 876-63-04
email: info@kalwaria.eu.
www.kalwaria.eu
The Sanctuary Of the Divine Mercy
in Łagiewniki
50°01′12″N 19°56′15″E
At the beginning the sanctuary was on the premises of
monastery of the congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of
Mercy. Between World Wars Saint Faustine Kowalska, through
whom Jesus Christ gave the message of the Divine Mercy to
the church and to the whole world, lived and died here. It
sheds light on the mystery of the Divine Mercy, calls to put trust in God and have merciful attitude
towards neighbours and also to proclaim and pray for the Divine Mercy for the whole world through
practising new forms of worship such as the Image of the Divine Mercy, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
or the Hour of Mercy.
In 1943 Father J. Andrasz SJ the Cracow confessor of sister Faustine blessed the first Divine Mercy
Image painted by A. Hyla and he initiated solemn masses honouring the Divine Mercy. The image
quickly became well known for many graces. The number of pilgrims visiting the Sister Faustina's
tomb considered as the Saint has grown each year.
Very dynamic development of worship of Divine was launched firstly after the beatification of Sister
Faustine in 1993 and her canonisation in 2002, secondly thanks to pilgrimages of John Paul II to
Łagiewniki in 1997 and 2002. It caused necessity of extension of the sanctuary i.a building a new
church – basilica that was consecrated on 17th August 2002 by John Paul II. In this place he entrusted
solemnly the world to the Divine of Mercy.
The Image of the Divine Mercy
The image of the Divine Mercy originates from the private vision that Sister Faustine had in her cell in
Płock on 22nd February 1931. She noted: “In the evening when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus
clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in the gesture of blessing, the second one was
touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, drawn slightly aside at the breast,
there were emanating two large rays, one red , the other pale (...). After a while, Jesus said to me
“Paint an image according to the way you see me, with the signature “Jesus, I trust in you”(Diary 47).
Asked about meaning of these rays Jesus explained the two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale
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ray stands for water which makes souls righteous. The red one stands for blood which is life of the
soul. Thus the two rays denote above all the holy sacraments. Happy, Jesus said, is the man who will
dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. Man's response to above gifts
of mercy is to have the attitude of trust. The Lord Jesus attached a number of promises to the
understood veneration of the image of the Divine Mercy. Jesus said the soul that will venerate this
image will not perish. In this way promising salvation, as well as progress on the road to Christian
perfection – a victory over the enemies of the soul, as well as the grace of a happy death. He also said
“I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of
mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: ”Jesus, I trust in you”. By means of this Image
I shall be granting many graces to souls”.
The first image of Merciful Jesus was painted in 1934 in Vilnius by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski under
direct supervision of Sister Faustine. For the first time the image was exposed for the public
veneration in the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in Ostra Brama on the first Sunday after Easter on 26th
April 1935. Nowadays this image is being venerated in the Church of Holy Spirit in Vilnius.
However, around the world the image painted by Adolf Hyla is the most famous which he donated to
the convent chapel in Cracow-Lagiewniki as a votive for the miraculous saving his family from the war.
In this way the words of Jesus “I desire that the image be venerated, first in your chapel, and then
throughout the world”, said during St Faustine's first vision in Plock, has come true.
Sanktuarium Bożego Miłosierdzia
ul. Siostry Faustyny 3
30-420 Krakow
www.milosierdzie.pl
The Sanctuary of blessed John Paul II
The sanctuary was erected solemnly on June 11, 2011 by
cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz. It was built as a part of the Center
of John Paul II “Have no Fear”. After beatification the
sanctuary received some relics of John Paul II. Among which
his blood, given by doctors from clinic Gemelli to cardinal
Stanislaw Dziwisz, is the most valuable. Others are the papal
pastoral cross, a vestment with mitre and the cross in front
which John Paul II prayed in his private chapel during his last
Way of Cross in Colosseum in 2005. In the sanctuary believers
can see a tombstone coming from Vatican's Cave of Basilica of
St. Peter in Rome. The tombstone is in the Priest Chapel
which is designed on a pattern of Crypt of St Leonard in
Wawel, where Karol Wojtyła celebrated his first Holy Mass.
On the tombstone there is a reliquary made on the pattern of The Gospel Book which pages were
turned by the wind during his funeral. On 23rd June 2013 Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz in the presence
of Polish Episcopate consecrated the upper part of the temple. The interior is decorated by mosaics
of father Marco Ivana Rupnika SJ who is the author of mosaics in the church San Giovanni Rotondo in
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Italy. The pilgrims can get indulgence under ordinary conditions on 22nd October.
Sanktuarium Świętego Jana Pawła II
30-610 Kraków
ul. Totus Tuus 32
www.skantuariumjp2.pl
e-mail: sanctuarium@diecezja.pl
The Marian Sanctuary in Ludźmierz
49°27′55″N 19°59′04″E
Ludźmierz is the oldest parish in Podhale. It is dated to 13th
century. In the Sanctuary there is a figure of Our Lady of
Ludźmierz. The cult itself is connected with the Cistercians
Monks for whom paying tribute to Mary, Mother of God is
one the main principle of their convent. The figure of Our
Lady of Ludźmierz is probably about 600 years old. It is a wooden statue of 125 cm high. In 1963 the
Our Lady of Ludźmierz got a crown from cardinal Stefan Wyszynski hands. The replica of figure is
situated by the miraculous spring at the entrance to the sanctuary. Next to the church there is
a beautiful Rosary Garden which reminds about John Paul's II visit and about his teaching about the
rosary. The curiosity of the garden is called “The Faith Gate” This is a wooden construction with a bell
insie, by which peal each man can announce their renewed faith to the Heaven and Earth.
Parafia Wniebowzięcia NMP w Ludźmierzu
ul. Jana Pawła II 124
www.mbludzm.pl
email: sanktuarium@ludzmierz.pl
Wadowice
- Sanctuary of The Mother of God of Perpetual Help
Parish of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
49°53′00,9″N 19°29′32,6″E
The earliest mention of a church in Wadowice comes from 1325. Cult
of The Mother of God of Perpetual Help in Wadowice started at the
turn of the XIX and XX century. About 1896, mission of Congregation
of the Most Holy Redeemer effected in establishing Brotherhood of The Mother of God of Perpetual
Help. Characteristic feature of this place is that it is a very popular place where schoolboys and
schoolgirls of Wadowice pray. Karol Wojtyła was one of them. He prayed in front of the painting not
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only in his youth but also later, as a priest, bishop, cardinal and three times as the Pope. Sanctuary in
Wadowice is also a place of cult of Saint John Paul II. The believers can request Mass intentions
through the intercession of Pope John Paul II in the special box placed next to the Chapel with relic of
the Saint Pope.
Parish of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wadowice
1 Jan Paweł II Square (John Paul II Sq.) , 34-100 Wadowice
http://www.wadowicejp2.pl/
kancelaria@wadowicejp2.pl
Diocese of Legnica
Krzeszów
- Shrine of Our Lady of Grace
50°44′03″N 16°03′51″E
Krzeszów is a small village placed in Lower Silesia. It has been
the main Sanctuary and the pilgrimages destination in
diocese of Legnica since its establishment. Krzeszów is
a historic monument of high international significance.
It is a part of the European Route of Cistercian Abbeys and
Sudetes part of the Way of St. James. The most important
part of the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace is the Minor Basilica of
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a beautiful temple from the late Baroque era, with very rich
interior, called the European Pearl of Baroque. The most precious picture of the diocese –the icon of
Our Lady of Grace is placed in the main altar of the Basilica. The icon has been known for many
graces and has been worshipped for centuries by Poles, Czechs, Germans and Hungarians. It is the
oldest in Poland, and one of five the oldest Marian images in Europe – dated the first half of the 13th
century.
Shrine of Our Lady of Grace
1 Jan Paweł II Square (John Paul II Sq)., Krzeszów
http://www.opactwo.eu/
sanktuarium.krzeszow@gmail.com
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Archidiocese of Lublin
Kazimierz Dolny
- Sanctuary of Annunciation to the
Blessed Virgin Mary
Franciscan Monastery
51°19′19,45″N 21°56′44,69″E
Kazimierz Dolny is one of the most beautiful
villages in Poland. The Monastery has been a
popular place of Marian cult in the region for
almost 400 years.
At first at this place there was located a chapel that was rebuilt in 1589 into a single aisle church of
Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Franciscan convent was brought here in 1626 and built
a one-storey cloister attached to the church, with a big yard inside. In the main altar you can find
a painting from the 17th century called ‘Annunciation’ that is very famous for many graces. It was
painted by a local painter Stanislaw who was inspired by a chalcography by Dutch artist Hendrick
Goltzius. The painting has been worshipped from the very beginning, and in 1628 an episcopal
commission announced it as ‘miraculous’. Most of the miraculous events that said to be caused by
Holy Mary of Kazimierz happened in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Franciscan Monastery
3 Klasztorna Street
24-120 Kazimierz Dolny
Diocese of Łomża
Łomża
- Sanctuary of The Mother of God of Łomża,
Mother of the Beautiful Love
Parish of St. Michael the Archangel
53°10′39,7″N 22°04′48,7″E
The object of cult in the Sanctuary is the 16th century painting of The Mother of God of Łomża. The
beginnings of this cult are unknown. As stated in the documents, the painting was originally located
in the chapel sacrificed to The Mother of God. The chapel was later passed to the Confraternity of
the Rosary established in the 17th century. The members prayed the Holy Rosary in the chapel every
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day and promoted Marian services and Marian Cult in the region. The painting of Lady of Łomża was
worshipped in a special way and very soon it was famous for many graces. Pope John Paul II crowned
the painting in June 1991.
Parish of St. Michael the Archangel
25 Dworna Street, Łomża
http://www.katedra.4lomza.pl/
e-mail: marianmieczkowski@wp.pl
Diocese of Łowicz
Łowicz
- Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Łowicz
The Cathedral Parish
52°06′28″N 19°56′36″E
A Cathedral located in the Old Market, called Masovian Wawel,
is a burial place of 12 archbishops of Gniezno and primates of
Poland who since 1136 very often resided in Łowicz. The object
was recognized as a Historic Monument and is the most
significant in the city. In the Basilica you can find an icon of the
Blessed Virgin Mary of Łowicz, crowned in 2002.
The Cathedral Parish
24/30 Stary Rynek
99-400 Łowicz
http://www.katedra.lowicz.pl/
Archidiocese of Łódź
Łódź - Łagiewniki
Sanctuary of St. Anthony
51°50′47,27″N 19°28′18,22″E
Łagiewniki was one of the most popular sanctuaries of St.
Anthony in the Kingdom of Poland and a popular pilgrimage
destination for people from Silesia, Pomerania, Czech Republic
and Moravia. The cult of St. Anthony in Łagiewniki dates back
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to the 17th century, when he appeared to a poor carpenter George and when the first wooden chapel
named by St. Anthony was built. From the very beginning the Franciscan Convent has guarded
Łagiewniki. It has been announced ‘miraculous’ in 1681 and it was then when the wooden church
and a cloister were built. The original chapel was transferred to the place ‘at the pond’ where it is
located today – about 800 metres from the church. The present Church of the Franciscan Convent
was built at the beginning of the 17th century. There is another Holy Patron of the Sanctuary Blessed Rafał Chyliński. He was an acknowledged confessor, preacher, protector of the poor and
needy. Just after his death, people who prayed at his grave were given graces. He was announced
blessed in 1991 by Pope John Paul II.
Sanctuary of St. Anthony of Padua
185 Okólna Street
91-520 Łódź
http://www.lagiewniki.franciszkanie.pl/
lagiewniki@franciszkanie.pl
Diocese of Opole
The Mount of St. Anne
- Sanctuary of The Virgin and Child
with Saint Anne
50°27′22″N 18°10′03″E
The first church on the Mount of St. Anne was built in the 15th
century. In the 17th century count Melchior Ferdinand von Gaschin
brought the Franciscan Convent who built the cloister here. The
current Basilica was built in the 17th century. There is a famous
statue of The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne inside. The Franciscan
archives do not mention the miraculous statue, but it is a subject of
many legends. It is said to be created in the 15th century and is one
of the oldest wooden statues in Silesia. On the slope of the Mount of
St. Anne you can also visit calvary with 40 Stations of the Cross from
the 17th century.
Franciscan Cloister
6 Klasztorna Street
47-154 The Mount of St. Anne
http://www.swanna.pl/
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Diocese of Pelplin
Kościerzyna
- Sanctuary of The Mother of God, Queen of
Families and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows
Parish of the Holy Trinity
54°7′16′′N, 17°58′38′′E
Kościerzyna is the only European city with two Marian
Sanctuaries crowned by the Pope John Paul II within one
parish.
Sanctuary of The Mother of God, Queen of Families is located in the parish church of the Holy Trinity
in Kościerzyna. There is an icon of Holy Mary worshipped there since the 17th century which is a copy
of a Roman painting of Saint Mary of the Snows in Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. The
exceptional cult is proved by countless pilgrimages to the Sanctuary. The Mother of God from
Kościerzyna is the Queen and the Protecotr of Christian families. In 1610 one of the bishops from
Kościerzyna prayed in Rome for help for the Pomeranian people who was not united with the Church
at that time. When he prayed he had a vision of Holy Mary who asked him to look for salvation for
his people in a copy of a Roman painting of Saint Mary of the Snows, which he would take to the
churches of his diocese. The icon consists of the middle part (109 x 93 cm) that is the original painting
of Saint Mary of the Snows, and side parts with nine circle medallions with Holy Rosary scenes
chained with beads.
In the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows (in the chapel of Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary) there is a famous gothic Pietà, worshipped by the believers. A stone statue (50
kg, 58,5 cm high) depicts The Holy Mary in sorrow who is sitting on the throne and holding a dead
body of her Son in her arms. This statue dates back in the 15th century and was modelled on the best
medieval works of European artists. Neither the sculptor, nor its place of origin is known. The Pietà
was found in Chełmno where it was buried next to the Church of St. John, and given to the
Congregation of Saint Benedict. The nuns placed the sculpture within the choir and worshipped it.
Later, during the II World War the sculpture was moved to Kościerzyna, and hidden in the presbytery
of the Church of St. Trinity. Rector of the parish - Father Stein - promised to the believers that the city
would survive because Our Lady of Sorrows covers Kościerzyna with her coat. He prayed a lot and
encouraged people to sacrifice the city to her. The city survived.
Parish of the Holy Trinity
John Paul II Square
83-400 Kościerzyna
www.sanktuarium.pl
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Diocese of Płock
Pniewy
- Sanctuary of St. Ursula Ledóchowska
52°51625”N 16°24656”E
In 1920 in Pniewy Ursula Ledóchowska established the first
House of Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing
Heart of Jesus (so called Grey Ursulines). Currently it is the
motherhouse of the Congregation.
In 1989 the relics of the Blessed Ursula were transferred here
from Rome, where she died. Her incorrupt body was placed
in a special sarcophagus. Ursula Ledóchowska was canonized in 2003.
Sanctuary of St. Ursula Ledóchowska
House of Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus in Pniewy
1 St. Urszula Ledóchowska Street
http://sanktuarium-pniewy.pl
Czerwińsk
- Sanctuary of The Holy Mother of Consolation
Basilica of Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin
Mary
52°23′43,9″N 20°18′33,5″E
The Basilica was first built as a cloister church in the 12th
century. Despite many renovations during the period of
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, it is still a Roman style
building. In the Basilica there is a miraculous icon of The Holy Mother of Consolation that was
ordered by Canons Regular of the Lateran and painted by Łukasz of Łowicz in 1612. The icon is a copy
of a Roman painting of Saint Mary of the Snows from Basilica of Saint Mary Major. It was announced
‘miraculous’ in 1648 by a Bishop of Płock and crowned in 1970 by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński.
Nowadays the Sanctuary is guarded by the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Basilica of Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Czerwińsk nad Wisłą
Salesian Society
23 Klasztorna Street
http://czerwinsk.salezjanie.pl/
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Archidiocese of Poznań
Poznań
Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous,
Mother of God, Our Lady of Poznań
52° 40.838' N 16° 93.078' E
The Sanctuary is located in the chapel of the St. Anthony church
(Conventual Franciscan) on the Mount of Przemysl in Poznan. Our
Lady has been venerated here since the 17th century in the image of
the Immaculate Conception, called the Miraculous Lady of Poznań.
Painted in the 17th century the picture was owned for a time by a religious brother, Thomas
Dybowski, who was walking the streets and marketplace with the image hung on his chest. When it
turned out that, through the image people receive a lot of grace, it was placed on the main altar of
the church of the Franciscans in 1670. In the 17th century, the image was transferred to the chapel
where we can see it until today. In 1968 while celebrating the Archdiocese millennium, Cardinal
Stefan Wyszynski, with the participation of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, crowned the image.
Franciscan Fathers in Poznań
ul. Franciszkańska 2
poznan@franciszkanie.gdansk.pl
http://www.poznan.franciszkanie.pl/
Archidiocese of Przemyśl
Dukla - Holy Shrine. John of Dukla
Bernardine Monastery
21.68229 E, 49.5591 N
The Bernardine Monastery in Dukla was built in 1741 and was
founded by Joseph Mniszech owner of the town. The
Monastery and the church are the main place of worship of St. John of Dukla, the monk from
Bernardine province of the 15th century. Dukla monastery became the central place of St. John
worship after the coffin with the relics of St. was moved in 1974 from Rzeszow to Dukla. The
sanctuary was visited by John Paul II on 9 June 1997, and the next day, during a Mass in Krosno, he
canonized John of Dukla.
Bernardine Monastery in Dukla
ul. Pocztowa 5
dukla.klasztor@gmail.com
http://www.dukla.bernardyni.pl/
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Stara Wieś
Starowiejska Mother of God Sanctuary
Starowiejska College Jesuit Fath
49°42'51.0"N 22°00'52.0"E
Stara Wieś is located approximately 50 km from Rzeszów. In
the main altar of the basilica there is a miraculous image depicting the scene of the Dormition and
Assumption crowned in 1877 by Archbishop Lodovico Jacobini, Apostolic Nuncio in Vienna, later
a cardinal. This is a copy of the image since the original was burned in "mysterious circumstances" in
1968. On 11 August 2006, the Institute of National Remembrance officially confirmed the burning of
images by the Secret Political Police and announced the event as a communist crime. The arsonist
remained unknown. The Monastery of Jesuits is directly adjacent to the Shrine. There is also
a museum in the parish house. The museum includes, inter alia, the remains of burned in 1968
miraculous image of Mother of God and a copy of the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, made by
Francis Śmirecki in 1618.
Jesuit College
Basilica
Stara Wieś 778
http//www.starawies.jezuici.pl
Diocese of Radom
Smardzewice
- Sanctuary and the Parish of St. Anna
51°28′27,97″N 20°01′39,66″E
The history of the shrine of St. Anna is associated with St.
Anne revelations. She revealed herself to a poor peasant and
asked him to worship her and her daughter - Mary and her
grandson - Jesus. The news about the apparitions spread
quickly and soon pilgrims began arriving in large numbers to this location. As a sign of honor the
villagers put an oak cross standing until today. Then, grateful for experienced miracles built a small
wooden chapel. Currently it is a walled chapel, documenting the secret incident and beside it, the
reconstructed oak cross. Sanctuary of St. Anne in Smardzewice in its present form was established on
the initiative of the Bishop of Warmia in the 17th century as a votive offered for the miracle received
here through the intercession of St. Anne. Sanctuary is under the care of the Franciscan Fathers.
Sanctuary and Parish of St. Anna in Smardzewice
ul. Główna 11
http://klasztor.website.pl/
smardzewice@franciszkanie.pl
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Stara Błotnica
Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation
Parish of the Nativity of the Virgin
51°32′47″N 20°58′32″E
The first written evidence of the existence of the church in
Błotnica is from 1237. The construction of the temple, which
can be seen today, began in the second half of the 18th
century and was completed at the beginning of the 20th
century. The object of worship in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Consolation is the picture of the
Madonna from Błotnice. The image comes from the 17th century, as well as the first mention of
miracles through the intercession of the mother of God. There have been numerous healings from
various diseases. In 1944, during World War II, lives of 30 Poles imprisoned by the Germans, were
miraculously rescued. All-night prayer in front of the image changed the decision of the occupation
authorities and restored their freedom. The coronation of the image took place on 21 August 1977
and was made by Cardinal Karol Wojtyla. Sanctuary is cared by the Pauline Fathers.
Parish of the Nativity of the Virgin
Stara Błotnica 40
http://www.blotnica.paulini.pl
blotnica@paulini.pl
Diocese of Rzeszów
Dębowiec
Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette
and Saletin Calvary
49°41′03″N 21°27′58″E
Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Polish Dębowiec is
called La Salette. It is one of the most popular Polish
pilgrimage sites. It was founded by Missionaries of La Salette in 1910. Now there is a new church of
Our Lady of La Salette, dedicated in 1966 and the Chapel of Our Lady of La Salette, 1960. The
previous church and chapel were destroyed during World War II. Saletin Calvary, built in 1929,
endured war. On Calvary, there are statues of three phases of the apparitions of La Salette and 14
scenes of the Passion of Jesus in the form of bas-reliefs on the crosses, set along the way of the cross.
In 1983 rosary chapels were also made around the square within the sanctuary. Special veneration of
the faithful is given to a famous miraculous statue of Our Lady of Tears, located in a side chapel of
the Sanctuary. The sculpture has a height of 130 cm and is a copy of the statue of La Salette. It
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represents the Saletin Mother of God sitting on a stone boulder, with her face buried in her hands
and bent forward. In 1996 the figure received a papal crown. In Debowiec sanctuary there is also
a silver plated reliquary with the relics of more than 50 saints. It has a shape of a truncated tree
trunk, from which branches and young shoots grow - a symbol of the rebirth of the Church. The relics
of the Apostles were mounted on the basis of the reliquary, they are the foundation of the Church.
Every year there about 700 pilgrimages arrive, counting a total of more than 30 thousand people. In
recent years, pilgrims came to Dębowiec from many different countries, including Ukraine, Slovakia,
Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, England, Switzerland, France, Sweden, and even the USA and
Mexico.
Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette
http://sanktuarium.saletyni.pl/
38-220 Dębowiec 55
sanktuar@poczta.onet.pl
Diocese of Sandomierz
Holy Cross (Łysa Góra)
- Shrine Relic of the Holy
Basilica of the Holy Cross
50°52′09″N 21°03′09″E
Sanctuary at Holy Cross is the oldest sanctuary in Poland.
Benedictine monastery on Bald Mountain (Łysa Góra) was founded in the first half of the 12th
century, although the legends are already talking about the year 1006. The relics of the Holy Cross
have been kept here since 1306. They are located in the Olesnicki chapel and are closed in the
transparent tabernacle. The reliquary was probably brought to Krakow by Hungarian King Stephen V
in 1270. From Krakow it was handed over to the Benedictines from Łysa Góra by King Ladislaus the
Short (Władysław I Łokietek) .
Convent of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Shrine of the Holy Cross Relics
Święty Krzyż 1, 26-004 Bieliny
http://www.swietykrzyz.pl/
e-mail: infoswkrzyz@gmail.com
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Sandomierz
- Sanctuary of the Blessed Zadok and 48 Companions
of the Martyrs and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the
Rosary
Church of St. James the Apostle in Sandomierz - St.
James Convent
50°40′37,0″N 21°44′39,4″E
The church of St. James the Apostle in Sandomierz is also the Sanctuary of the Blessed Zadok and 48
Companions of the Martyrs and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary. As sources confirmed by
archaeological research say, in 1259 or in 1260 during the Second Mongol invasion of Poland, the
monastery of Dominican Friars was attacked by Mongol-Tatar army. According to the tradition, on
February 2, 1260 the abbot of Zadok suffered martyrdom, also confreres in the number of 48, and
many residents of Sandomierz. Since the time of these events, the church has become a place of
worship of the murdered Dominican Friars. Dominican Chapel of Martyrs was built between 1603
and 1606.
Dominican Order is known for a special worship to the Mother of God and the Rosary devotion. Also
in this church the image of Our Lady of the Rosary is venerated. The image comes from the first half
of the 17th century and is modeled on the image of the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora in
Czestochowa.
In 2009 the Malopolska Way of St. James was opened, leading from Sandomierz to Krakow - Tyniec.
The route is a reflection of the ancient medieval road to Santiago de Compostela and is associated
with the pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Jacob. The first stage of the Way is the Church of St. James in
Sandomierz.
Church of St. James the Apostle in Sandomierz
ul. Staromiejska 3
Diocese of Siedlce
Kodeń
- Shrine of Our Lady Kodeńska (Queen of Podlasie),
St. Anna Basilic
51° 54' 50.3922"N 23° 36' 24.5118"E
The miraculous image of Our Lady of Kodeń has a very eventful
history. The picture was probably painted in the 6th century by
Archbishop Augustine of Canterbury at the request of Pope Gregory I,
as a copy of the sculpture of Our Lady, which was in his private
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chapel. The pope decided to give the sculpture to the Archbishop of Seville who placed it in the
sanctuary in the town of Guadalupe in Spain. The image was in the papal chapel until the time of
Pope Urban VIII, until 1630, when it was stolen from Rome by Prince Mikołaj Sapieha called the
Pious. Seriously ill Sapieha went on a pilgrimage to Rome. During the prayer in front of the image of
Our Lady of the Gregorian, later named Our Lady of Kodeń, he was miraculously healed. Moved by
this miracle he decided to get this picture for Poland. Unfortunately, the Pope did not want to give
him the image, so Sapieha decided to steal it. For this reason he was excommunicated by Urban VIII,
but after a few years received forgiveness. The image was crowned in 1723.
Klasztor Misjonarzy Oblatów Maryi Niepokalanej
Convent of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
ul. Rynek 1, Kodeń
http://www.koden.com.pl
Pratulin Sanctuary of the Blessed Martyrs of Podlasie
Parish of St. Peter and Paul
52°09′59″N 23°26′15″E
The object of worship in the Sanctuary in Pratulin are relics of
the Blessed 13 Martyrs Uniate, murdered in 1874 by Tsarist
troops. In the 11th century the church split into the Eastern Church - Orthodox and Western - Roman
Catholic. The attempts were made to unite the followers of Christ, but only the Union of Brest in
1596 led to the unity of the Orthodox Church in Poland with the Catholic Church. Members of the
Church began to becalled Uniates or Greek Catholics. The Martyrs of Pratulin didn’t want to give his
temple to Russian authorities who wanted to make it the Orthodox Church. Their relics are laid in
the side chapel of the parish church in the urn specially prepared for this. In 1886 a small church,
stained with the blood of Uniate, was demolished by order of the Russian authorities. In this place, as
decided by Bishop Zbigniew Kiernikowski, there is currently a wooden church, dating from the 18th
century. It was transferred from another location and underwent extensive renovations. At the
beginning of October 1997 Pope John Paul II beatified the Pratulin martyrs.
Parafia św. Apostołów Piotra i Pawła
Parish of St. Peter and Paul
Pratulin 19
http://sanktuariumpratulin.pl/sanktuarium/
parafiapratulin@wp.pl
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Diocese of Sosnowiec
Przeginia - The Sanctuary of the Holy Saviour
50°15′N 19°43′E
In the north chapel of the sanctuary there is a miraculous image of
the Merciful Jesus. It is painted on canvas, in the Ecce Homo style:
Jesus is depicted wearing a crown of thorns, His hands are tied and
He is holding a red stick. According to the legend, the history of this
painting is connected with battles with Cossacs on the East
boundaries of the Republic of Poland. There was a soldier who saved
the painting from a burning church during a battle. He put the canvas
around his waist and survived whole war campaign bearing no wound. In gratitude, he hung the
painting in the public chapel in his family village, Sieniczno. When the painting became famous, the
bishop of Cracow gave an order to move the painting in solemn procession to the Parish church of
Przeginia.
Sanktuarium Najświętszego Zbawiciela
Przeginia 352
http://parafiaprzeginia.hekko.pl/
Archidiocese of Szczecin-Kamień
Trzebiatów - The Church of the Maternity
of the Virgin Mary
54°03′50″N 15°15′59″E
The first parish church in Trzebiatów came into existence in the
beginning of the 18th century. The present building was constructed
at the turn of 14th and 15th century. From the beginning of the 16th
century it was a protestant church. After World War II it became the
Catholic Church and the Marian shrine. The church of Trzebiatów
contains one of the oldest bells in Poland. Additionally, the altar painting deserves special attention:
It was painted by Ernest Deger, one of the best Catholic Ecclesiastic painters. The painting depicts the
Mother of God with a wreath of stars above Her head, with long hair, moon underfoot, holding the
baby Jesus. There is a similar image in the Diocese Museum in Cologne and in Düsseldorf.
Parishioners of Trzebiatów worship the painting honouring the Gracious Mother of God. It was
crowned in 2006.
ul. Lipowa 10, Trzebiatów
trzebiatow@eparafia.pl
www.trzebiatow.epar
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Diocese of Świdnica
Bardo Śląskie - The Sanctuary of Mother of God,
the Guardian of Faith and the Mountain Chapel
of the Crying Mother of God
50°30′19,0″N 16°44′25,4″E
It is one of the oldest sanctuaries in Poland which was a destination
for pilgrims from the beginning of the 12th century. In the church
there is a Figure of the Lady of Bardo which is known for its numerous
graces. It is the oldest Romanian sculpture in Śląsk (south part of
Poland). It was created in about 1100. The sculpture of the Lady of
Bardo is made from lime wood. Thoughtful and smiling with kindness, this sculpture of the Mother of
God is sometimes called the “Smiling Madonna”. Until today there is a time-honoured custom of
taking the Figure down from the altar and passing it to pilgrims to kiss. The solemn coronation of the
Figure took place in 1966 and it was the first coronation in the west part of Poland.
Above Bardo there is the Mountain of Bardo known also as Calvary. It is a separate place of the
worship of Mary. According to oral tradition in the beginning of 16th century, there was an apparition
of Mother of God crying over the misery of people that was expected during the coming war. She left
prints of her hands and feet on the rock as a proof of authenticity of the apparition and also as
a token of remembrance. A stone chapel was built in that place in the 17th century. There is also the
“Mary’s well” halfway the Mountain Chapel, a wellspring known for 300 years. According to the
tradition, it has healing properties, especially for eye diseases and headaches.
Parafia Nawiedzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
Plac Wolności 5, Bardo
e-mail: parbardo@wp.pl
http://bardo.redemptor.pl/
Diocese of Tarnów
Zabawa Sanctuary of the Blessed Karolina Kózkówna
Parish of The Holy Trinity
50.11935°N, 20.82388°E
Sanctuary of the blessed Karolina Kózkówna is becoming more and
more popular among the Catholic youth. Many young people from
Poland and from abroad are coming to her grave. Blessed Karolina
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was born in 1898 in a poor family, the fourth child of eleven. Since her childhood she was called
a “real angel” by the villagers. She was murdered in the beginning of World War I by a Russian soldier,
while defending her virginity.
Her beatification process started in 1965. John Paul II proclaimed her Blessed in 1987. From that
moment, worship of Karolina has been spreading continually. Many churches and chapels dedicated
to her came into existence and many people are making pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of Zabawa.
In the Chapel of Martyrs and Victims of Violence there are two coffins of the Blessed. One of them
was used to bury Karolina's body in a graveyard, the other was used during the time when it was
buried in the vestibule of the church. After her beatification, the body was moved to the sarcophagus
in the main altar. The museum of the blessed Karolina is in the bicameral home of Karolina within the
sanctuary.
The sanctuary in Zabawa is also the Centre of The Pure Heart Movement whose members declare to
stay pure until the sacrament of marriage.
Parafia Trójcy Przenajświętszej
Zabawa 2
33-133 Wał-Ruda
sanktuariumzabawa.pl/
Diocese of Toruń
Grudziądz The Sanctuary of the Graceful Mother of God
The Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas
53°29′35″N 18°44′53″E
The Parish church dedicated to Saint Nicholas Bishop is one of the
oldest churches of the Chełmno area. According to the tradition, the
Parish was established far back in the 11th Century. A miraculous
painting of the Graceful Mother of God is especially worshipped in the sanctuary. Its coronation took
place in 2002. The oil painting was created in the first half of the 17th century. During the stormy
time of reformation, parishioners were turning to the Holy Mother looking for help and support. In
1655 the church was taken from the Catholics. Parishioners were praying to God in the name of the
Holy Mother, and after 4 years were answered. The church came back to the Catholics. Nowadays,
worship of The Graceful Mother of God in Grudziądz is experiencing a boom.
Parafia św. Mikołaja Biskupa
ul. Kościelna 1
Grudziądz http://kolegiata.twoje-miasto.pl/
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Rywałd Sanctuary of the Holy Mother of Rywałd,
Comforter of Disconsolated
Saint Sebastian Parish
53°22′56″N 19°01′58″E
The curators of the sanctuary are Friars Minor Capuchin monks.
A figure of the Mother of God with a baby Jesus is worshiped in sanctuary. According to art critics, it
falls into a category of Beautiful Madonna on a Throne. This work of art was created probably in the
14th century by an unknown Teutonic knight from a castle in Radzyń Chełmiński. After a certain time
the figure was placed in a wayside shrine, around which a brightness appeared one day. Because of
this event citizens decided to build a chapel in honour of the Holy Mary. After that they also founded
a church dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary. In the end of the 14th century the figure was
placed in the church in Rywałd. The convent and church of Capuchins is also a destination for
pilgrimages of Polish Romani people.
Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Rywałdzkiej
(Parafia św. Sebastiana)
Rywałd Królewski 48
http://rywald.kapucyni.org.pl/
e-mail: rywald@ofmcap.pl
Archidiocese of Warmia
Gietrzwałd The Sanctuary of the Mother of God
of Gietrzwałd
Parish of the Birth of Virgin Mary
53°44′51″N 20°14′08″E
Gietrzwałd became famous because of apparitions of the
Mother of God which lasted from the 27th June to the 16th September in 1877. The main visionaries
were 13 year old Justyna Szafryńska and 12 year old Barbara Samulowska. They both came from
indigent Polish families. The Mother of God talked with them in Polish. When the girls asked Holy
Mary who she was, she answered: “ I am the Virgin Mary Immaculately Conceived”. After inquiring
what she wanted from them, Mary replied: ”I wish for you to pray the Rosary everyday!”.
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The painting was enthroned in the main altar in 1949. The altar was lifted and the painting was
placed in a gold-plated frame. The scene of the apparition of the Mother of God, described by the
visionaries, is depicted on the curtain of the painting.
In 1963 pope Paul VI gave a permission for a solemn coronation of the painting. It was fulfilled by
Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, the Primate of Poland, with participation of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, the
Archibishop of Cracow and the Bishop of Warmia, Józef Drzazga. On the 1st June in 1967, the
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome established the feast
of the Mother of God of Gietrzwałd with a special mass and breviary form for the Diocese of Warmia.
Under the Papal bull of PaulVI, the church in Gietrzwałd received the title of the Minor Basilica on the
2nd February, 1970. The Sanctuary of Gietrzwałd is preserved by the Canons Regular of the Lateran.
On the 2nd of February, 2005, in the basilica of Gietrzwałd, the metropolitan bishop started
a beatification process of a visionary nun Stanisława Barbara Samulowska (1865-1950) from the
Convent of Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Gietrzwałdzkiej
sanktuariummaryjne.pl
ul. Klasztorna 1, 11-036 Gietrzwałd
e-mail: biuro@sanktuariummaryjne.pl
Stoczek Klasztorny The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace
54°07′30″N 20°43′35″E
The church, dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in
Stoczek, was built as a votive offering by bishop Mikołaj
Szyszkowski after the end of the war with Sweden in the 17th
century. After the construction of the building in 1641, a copy
of the painting of the Mother of God Salus Populi Romani (The Salvation of People of Rome) was
brought to the church. The original painting is in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. The
Bishop entrusted the care of the sanctuary to the convent of Franciscans. The church is built in
Baroque style, in the form of a rotunda. In 1700 the painting was crowned and the church was
dedicated to the Visitation. Worship of the Mother of God each year was becoming more and more
popular at that time.
The convent of Stoczek was taken over by Prussian State on 30th October, 1810 by the decree of
Cassation. After 16 years from the introduction of the decree on 4th April, 1826, Prussian authorities
closed the sanctuary in the presence of thousand parishioners. As a result of strenuous effort of
bishop of Warmia, J. Hohenzollern, Prussian authorities, after more than 30 years, agreed to return
the destroyed sanctuary to the Catholic Church. On the 18th October, 1920, the Franciscans came
back to Stoczek from province of Śląsk. After the annexation of Austria to Germany in 1938, Nazis
imprisoned Austrian bishops in the Stoczek’s convent.
After the end of World War II, Stoczek and Warmia were returned to Poland. On the 13th of March in
1957, the sanctuary in Stoczek was entrusted to the Congregation of Marian Fathers who were
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expelled from Warsaw by communist authorities in 1954. The convent in Stoczek is also known as
a place of detention of Stefan Wyszyński, the Primate of Poland, who was opressed by communist
authorities. He was imprisoned there from the 12th of October, 1953, to the 6th October, 1954. For
the Cardinal, the incarceration in Stoczek was a time of reflection, personal development and
transformation, which later had a significant external effect on the people of Poland. The act of
personal devotion to the Holy Mary which he fulfilled in Stoczek became the base of the program of
the great novena before the Millenium of the Baptism of Poland, and the renewal of the Jasna Góra
Vowes of the Nation.
Zgromadzenie Księży Marianów
http://www.stoczek.pl
Stoczek Klasztorny 30
11-106 Kiwity
e-mail: marianie@stoczek.pl
Święta Lipka The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Święta Lipka
Parish of Visitation
54°01′32″N 21°13′02″E
Święta Lipka is a famous Sanctuary of Mary which has had
Jesuits as curators for several centuries. Beginnings of the
sanctuary go back to the 14th century: “There is a famous place in Prussia which took the name from
a lime (Lipka in Polish means lime), because for a very long time there was a branchy lime tree
standing in that place on which Our Lady with the Baby Jesus appeared as God’s work.” The tradition
of making pilgrimages to Święta Lipka was established in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims were coming to
the sanctuary to gain indulgences and in hope of regaining their health.
Święta Lipka was entitled to the Jesuits in the 17th century. The chapel was built and the copy of the
Our Lady of Snow painting was placed there. Because of the growing amount of pilgrims the church
was enlarged.
The sanctuary consists of the church, the cloister and the convent. The rich and diverse decoration of
the buildings is preserved and almost unchanged to this day. The main altar, side altars, exquisitely
crafted tabernacle, movable decorative organ, fresco in the church and cloister, forged gate, stone
and wood sculptures, and works of artistic blacksmithing and iron-working all characterize Święta
Lipka as “The Pearl of Baroque”. It is a place of extraordinary historic value, and is known as one of
the greatest forms of the late period of Baroque in Poland.
Pope, John Paul II, with decree on the 24th February in 1983, gave the title of Basilica Minor to the
church in Święta Lipka. Protestants are also making pilgrimages to Our Lady of Święta Lipka.
Św. Lipka 29
11-440 Reszel
sanktuarium@swlipka.org.pl
http://www.swlipka.org.pl/
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Archidiocese of Warsaw
Niepokalanów The Sanctuary of Our Lady Immaculate
and St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe
52°12′13″N 20°25′14″E
The convent in Niepokalanów was established in August,
1927. It was a place of life and work for Maximilian Maria
Kolbe, a Franciscan. Before World War II, Niepokalanów was an important publishing centre of
religious magazines in Poland. During World War II the convent was a shelter for soldiers and many
refugees regardless of their nationality or creed. In the turn of 1939 and 1940, monks took care of
a group of about 1500 Jews in the convent.
Warfare did not leave out residents of the convent. Father Maximilian Kolbe, with 4 other monks,
were arrested in February of 1941 and died in Auschwitz concentration camp 6 months later.
Franciscans, being deprived of publishing their magazines, focused on activities which served the
local people. They organized help for prisoners, refugees and taught in secret.
After the end of World War II the convent quickly reactivated its publishing activity. However, in May
of 1949, communist authorities forbade it. Many times monks were victims of harassment.
One of the rare positive aspects of that time was an ability to build a church in a modern style (19481954). Pope John Paul II in 1980 gave the church the honorary title of Basilica Minor. Three years
later, in June 1983, he visited the convent and basilica in Niepokalanów during his second pilgrimage
to Poland. He called Niepokalanów the place of the heroic life of Saint Maximilian and the workshop
of Immaculate. Niepokalanów received the title of Polish Sanctuary on the 25th March 2004.
The most valuable building in the complex is the old chapel, today’s sanctuary of St. Maximilian. It is
the oldest building in the convent. This is the place where St. Miximilian was praying, celebrating
Mass and proclaiming the gospel. Next to the sacristy, there is the first cell of St. Maximilian in which
he lived from the establishment of Niepokalanów in 1927 till 1930, when he left for a mission in
Japan.
Today Niepokalanów is an important pilgrimage centre in central Poland.
Klasztor Niepokalanów Zakonu Braci Mniejszych Konwentualnych
(OO. Franciszkanie)
www.niepokalanow.pl
Paprotnia, ul. M. Kolbego 5, 96-515 Teresin
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Warsaw The Sanctuary of Our Lady Merciful
52°14′56″N 21°00′47″E
The initiator of the building of the church was a Jesuit servant
of God, Piotr Skarga. His beatification process started in 2013.
Other founders of the church were King Sigmund III Waza and
Andrzej Bobola.
In 1773, after the cassation of the Jesuit convent, the building
became a church school, subordinate to National Education
Committee. For a short time the church belonged also to the
Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit. In 1818 the church went through a crisis and was used as
a Cathedral warehouse, and in 1828 as a wool storage. The church did not return to its original
service until 1834 when Piarists took care of it. In 1918 the building returned to Jesuits. During World
War II the church was almost completely destroyed. Jesuits started reconstruction of the building in
1948. Unlike the nearby church of Saint John, the Jesuit’s church was reconstructed after the war in
the same form as it was before, in the renaissance style.
There is a miraculous painting of the Mother of God Merciful In the sanctuary. The oval image is
a copy of the Renaissance polichrome from Faenza in Italy where in the 15th Century worship of
Merciful Mother of God began. In 1973 the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński crowned the painting and the
Virgin Mary was proclaimed the main patron of Warsaw.
Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Łaskawej
http://www.laskawa.pl/
Dom Zakonny Towarzystwa Jezusowego
ul. Świętojańska 10, Warszawa
laskawa@jezuici.pl
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