“Sanctuary of strength” that’s what the Kaplica pw. Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej became during Warsaw’s darkest hours. This chapel stands as a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of the Polish people.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable place. The Kaplica pw. Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej is part of the Parafia Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej. This parish was established on July 5 1919 by Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski. However a pastoral center existed on Łazienkowska Street since 1907.
The church itself dedicated to Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej was constructed between 1977 and 1983. Stanisław and Piotr Marzyński designed it. Father Adam Tymieniecki oversaw the construction. Cardinal Józef Glemp consecrated the church in 1993. An earlier church stood at 14 Łazienkowska Street. It was built in the neoclassical style between 1916 and 1932. This replaced a wooden chapel. Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski consecrated it on November 12 1933. Sadly it was destroyed in September 1944 during the Warsaw Uprising. Communist authorities then forbade its reconstruction.
The parish office is located on 5 Zagórna Street. You can reach them by phone or fax. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday. They are open from 9:00 to 10:00 AM and 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
The history of the Roman Catholic Parish of Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej in Warsaw’s Powiśle district is quite interesting. At the turn of the 20th century a working-class industrial district emerged in Czerniaków’s Powiśle. The growing pastoral needs led to the creation of a pastoral center in 1907. It was located on Łazienkowska Street. The number of working-class residents in Powiśle continued to increase.
In 1923 construction began on a church at 14 Łazienkowska Street. Hugo Kudera designed it. The construction lasted ten years. In 1933 Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski consecrated the new church. President Ignacy Mościcki Marshal Józef Piłsudski and many faithful attended.
During the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944 the church suffered severe damage from German bombs. Many civilians seeking shelter inside perished. After the war Masses were held in the surviving section. Communist authorities prevented the church’s full restoration due to plans for the Łazienkowska Route. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński’s efforts led to permission to rebuild a fragment of the church.
Under Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński’s pressure approval was granted to build a church and rectory on 5 Zagórna Street. Thus the Parafia Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej relocated. Father Adam Tymieniecki undertook the church’s construction. Bishop Jerzy Modzelewski consecrated the site in 1977. In March 1979 Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński laid the cornerstone.
The church stands on land sanctified by the blood of insurgents. Veterans of the Warsaw Uprising have a special connection to the church. It serves as a sanctuary commemorating the Uprising. The church contains many symbols of the Uprising. Relics of Blessed Father Józef Stanek are here. He was a chaplain murdered by the Nazis during the Uprising.
In 1983 Bishop Jerzy Modzelewski consecrated the partially completed church. Cardinal Józef Glemp consecrated the completed church in September 1993. During martial law the Kaplica pw. Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej served as a meeting place for Solidarity members and dissidents. Lech Wałęsa was among them.
The main altar features an image of Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej. The chapel of Divine Mercy holds relics of Saint John Paul II. It also has a revered image of the saintly Pope. Today the Parafia pw Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej has about 8000 residents. Four priests serve the parish. Dominican Sisters have worked here for 50 years. The parish includes various groups.
As you stand here remember the Kaplica pw. Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej is not merely a building. It is a symbol of unwavering faith. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Its walls echo with prayers hope and the stories of those who sought solace within. Take a moment to reflect on its history. Appreciate its significance to Warsaw and Poland.