“Janusz, chcę, żebyś z tej kaplicy zrobił parafię.” These words, spoken by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, set in motion the story of Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła.
Welcome to this house of prayer. This church stands as a testament to faith and perseverance in Warsaw’s Mokotów district. The Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła, or Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Church, has a history that began in challenging times.
In 1968 Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński recognized the need for a church in the rapidly growing residential area near Domaniewska Street. The political climate of the time made establishing new parishes difficult. The Cardinal entrusted Father Janusz Żyżaniewski with the task of creating a parish from a small private chapel. This chapel belonged to the Franciscan Sisters. It was located on the edge of Królikarnia park. The chapel was a former laundry adapted for religious purposes. Despite its humble beginnings, it became the heart of a new community.
Father Żyżaniewski faced numerous obstacles. The area was largely populated by officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Staff of the Polish Army. Despite these challenges, he expanded the chapel and began offering catechism classes in 1971. From 1970 Father Stanisław Guzek assisted him. Then from 1974 Father Kazimierz Zoch-Chrabołowski joined the effort.
In 1981 the authorities finally granted permission to build a new church. Architects Marek Martens and Leszek Korolewicz took on the project. The unusual shape of the plot and the proximity of a power station posed design challenges. Yet they created a unique and modern church.
Construction began on June 1 1982 during martial law. Cardinal Józef Glemp laid the cornerstone on October 7 1982. On May 26 1996 he consecrated the upper church.
The architecture of Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła reflects the changes after the Second Vatican Council. The church has a square layout. The altar is placed close to the center. Stained glass windows in the chapel depict great Polish figures of the 20th century. These include Saint John Paul II and Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński. Also included are Saint Faustyna Kowalska and Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe.
Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła has had three parish priests. Father Janusz Żyżaniewski served from 1981 to 2003. Father Jan Zieliński was the parish priest from 2003 to 2024. Since 2024 Father Piotr Odziemczyk has been the parish priest.
Today Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła continues to be a vibrant center of faith. It also provides various activities for its parishioners.
The story of Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła is one of faith. It is also a testament to the strength of community. It is a place where faith meets modern life. It is a place that continues to serve the spiritual needs of Warsaw.