Built in 1901 the neogothic chapel of the Infant Jesus stands before you. This is the Kaplica pw Swietego Alojzego Orione. It wasn’t always a place of worship for the Orione Fathers. Its initial purpose was to serve the nearby Infant Jesus Hospital. The hospital needed expansion even before World War I. The war however halted construction. After the war work resumed. Three naves and a sacristy were added. The presbytery remained unchanged. Construction finally concluded in 1925.
World War II significantly damaged the Kaplica pw Swietego Alojzego Orione. During the 1939 siege of Warsaw its tower and bells were destroyed. The roof suffered damage. Sadly during the Warsaw Uprising the chapel was damaged again. This time the roof and windows were destroyed.
The Orione Fathers began their work in the church of the Infant Jesus in 1945. This happened after the closure of a care center on Barska Street in Warsaw. Their permanent presence began in 1973. The parish of St Alojzy Orione was finally erected in 1986. The Kaplica pw Swietego Alojzego Orione then truly became their home.
Inside the Kaplica pw Swietego Alojzego Orione you’ll find three altars. The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa. It also features moving images of the Infant Jesus and St Alojzy Orione. In the side naves there are paintings. One is of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The other is of St Joseph with the Child. A painting of Divine Mercy from Lviv hangs on the right. It was brought here in 1941. Professor Stanisław Batowski painted it. On the left you can see the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Professor Chyła from Krakow painted this in 1944.
The priests of this parish minister to the sick in the Infant Jesus Hospital. This continues the tradition of caring for the sick that began with the hospital’s construction. The Kaplica pw Swietego Alojzego Orione is a testament to faith perseverance and resilience. It is a beacon of hope in the heart of Warsaw. It stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of this city.