Interestingly, Parafia pw. Swietego Patryka stands as the only church in Poland dedicated to Saint Patrick. This fact alone sets it apart. Let’s delve into the story of this unique church.
Parafia pw. Swietego Patryka is a Roman Catholic parish. It is part of the Grochów Deanery within the Warsaw-Praga Diocese. The parish was established in 1991. The church building itself was constructed between 1990 and 2000.
The story begins earlier however. In June 1988, Father Wojciech Zdziebłowski was assigned to create a new parish. The authorities issued a location decision in April 1989. A cross was erected on the church grounds in March 1990. Bishop Marian Duś consecrated the cross and the site.
A wooden chapel donated by the Pallottine fathers from Ożarów was assembled. Cardinal Józef Glemp consecrated it in November 1990. Construction of a temporary presbytery followed in the summer of 1992.
Building the brick church began in spring 1991. The plans were designed by engineer Wojciech Kluk. By the end of 1998, the church had its roof. The building was in a basic complete state.
The first parish missions were led by Franciscan Fathers in April 2000. Bishop Kazimierz Romaniuk celebrated the first Eucharist. He also consecrated the church walls. Bishop Stanisław Kędziora consecrated the presbytery during a visitation in March 2001.
An act of establishment was placed in the altar in March 2002. Bishop Kazimierz Romaniuk consecrated the church in June 2002. Parafia pw. Swietego Patryka maintains connections with the Embassy of Ireland.
Relics of Saint Faustina Kowalska were brought in October 2002. Relics of Saint Padre Pio followed in May 2003. Saint Joanna Beretta Molla’s relics arrived in December 2005. The church’s interior was completed between 2002 and 2005. This included the altar and ambo. Also the baptismal font and flooring were added. Stained glass windows, a mosaic, oak pews and confessionals completed the interior.
Archbishop Sławoj Leszek Głódź consecrated the chapel of Our Lady of Luck in March 2007. New Johannus organs were dedicated in November 2007. Archbishop Henryk Hoser presided over the dedication in March 2009. He consecrated a mosaic of John Paul II and Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński.
Parafia pw. Swietego Patryka stands as a testament to faith and community. Its history reflects dedication and collaboration. From its humble beginnings to its consecrated present, it serves the community. It offers a space for worship and reflection. Remember the unique story of this church. It is the only one in Poland dedicated to Saint Patrick.