Wondering about the story behind this church? We are standing in front of Kościół pw. Świętej Jadwigi. It is a place with a rich history. Its tale involves resilience and faith.
Kościół pw. Świętej Jadwigi began as a simple wooden structure. In 1920 and 1921 a wooden church was built. Княжна Maria Ewa Radziwiłłowa and the Grędzicki family donated the land.
Ks. Zygmunt Łubieński consecrated the church in 1920. The parish itself was established in 1921. Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski created it.
Preparation for a new church started in the 1930s. Sadly the plans were lost during World War II. They burned along with the rectory. The church suffered damage in September 1944. Parishioners moved the surviving equipment to a chapel. It was located on Poborzańska Street. The parish almost vanished. The number of parishioners dropped drastically. It went from 5000 to only 500 people.
Residents formed the “Care Council of St. Jadwiga Church”. They renovated the damaged church. The parish grew again. Factories like FSO and Polfa expanded. Workers’ hotels were built nearby.
In 1969, Ks. Ryszard Grygiełko got permission to renovate the old church. It became clear the old church was beyond repair. He decided to replace the wooden structure with a new brick one. Despite obstacles from the authorities a new church was consecrated. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński dedicated it in 1971. This happened on the 50th anniversary of the parish. It was dedicated to Jesus Christ the King of Peace.
The main altar features a cross with Christ. Below it is an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A depiction of St. Jadwiga is on the left side of the presbytery.
In 1981, a “Solidarity” banner from FSO Warszawa was consecrated. Blessed Ks. Jerzy Popiełuszko performed the ceremony.
Kościół pw. Świętej Jadwigi played a vital role during “Solidarity’s” formation. Cardinal A. Tabera visited the parish in 1973. He was the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship in Rome. In 1976, a new Stations of the Cross was consecrated. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński officiated.
During martial law in 1981 the church became a support center. It was part of the Prymasowski Committee to Aid the Imprisoned. After an amnesty, it became the Prymasowski Charitable and Social Committee.
A new 300-kilogram bell named “Jadwiga” was consecrated in 1989. Cardinal Józef Glemp consecrated it. Parishioners and the parish priest funded the bell.
Interestingly Pope John Paul II visited the parish in 1997. He also gave the parish relics of Saint Jadwiga the Queen. The cross in front of the church is from the altar in Błonia. The parish also has a fragment of the Grunwald Monument. Also there is an original Figure of the Lviv Mother of God.
So while the parish is dedicated to St. Jadwiga, the church is named Jesus Christ King of Peace. It stands as a testament to faith, community and perseverance.