Hidden within the walls of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Warsaw lies a captivating chapel. This is the chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help a place of remembrance and faith. It’s more than just a side chapel. It holds a special significance for Polish tourists and hikers.
The chapel serves as a memorial to the deceased members of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society PTTK. Numerous commemorative plaques adorn the walls honoring individuals who dedicated their lives to PTTK. Among these honored members is a very special one. It is an especially moving tribute to the society’s honorary member Pope John Paul II.
On the eastern wall an image of the blessed Holy Father stands against a mountainous backdrop. A poignant addition was made on May 26 2012. Relics of John Paul II droplets of his blood rest within the chapel wall itself. The installation of these relics was performed by a long-time friend. Cardinal Jozef Glemp the former Primate of Poland personally oversaw the ceremony. Every first Sunday of the month after the last afternoon Mass a special blessing is given using these holy relics.
The chapel is home to a statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help the patron saint of the parish. Stained-glass windows depicting the emblems of various PTTK branches add to the chapel’s unique character. The artistry of the interior is striking. The upper church’s interior design including the presbytery walls and the Stations of the Cross was created by Zhora Golstyan. This Armenian artist and sculptor masterfully combined his talents to create the exquisite decorations.
To the right of Our Lady’s figure lie additional relics. These are the relics of Archbishop Zygmunt Szczesny Feliński and the blessed priest Jerzy Popiełuszko. Their presence adds another layer of spiritual significance to this already sacred space. The chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help isn’t just a place of worship. It is a testament to faith remembrance and the enduring spirit of Polish tourism and religious devotion. The blend of religious devotion and commemoration of prominent figures creates an atmosphere that is both reverent and inspiring. It’s a place where history faith and the spirit of adventure converge in a remarkably meaningful way.