Drawn to the heavens the tower of Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Anielskiej pierces the sky. This church stands as a beacon of faith in Warsaw’s Wawer district specifically in Radość. We are standing before a testament to community spirit and enduring devotion.
Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Anielskiej also known as the Church of Our Lady of Angels is more than just a building. It is a living story etched in brick and faith. Its history began in 1922. Citizens united through the Stowarzyszenie Miłośników Letniska Radość which translates to the Association of Lovers of Radość Summer Resort. They started building this sanctuary.
Imagine Warsaw in the early 20th century. Radość was emerging as a popular summer escape. The community felt the need for a local church. They wanted a place to gather and worship. Engineer Paszkiewicz designed the church. Construction however faced numerous hurdles.
Ks. Bronisław Lewandowski became the rector in 1930. He pushed the walls up to the ceiling. Later Ks. Łuczak completed the construction and added a zinc roof. Each priest left his mark on Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Anielskiej.
Ks. Stanisław Jaczewski plastered the interior. He also built the presbytery. Ks. Aleksander Biernacki installed central heating making it more comfortable. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński consecrated Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Anielskiej on August 4 1957. This marked a significant milestone.
Two catechetical rooms were created beneath the presbytery in 1959. These rooms provided space for religious education. The church continued to evolve. Between 1962 and 1963 a tower was erected. Professor Stanisław Marzyński designed it. The tower houses two bells.
These bells Święty Wacław and Święty Wojciech carry a poignant story. Wincenty and Karolina Zalewski donated them in 1936. They were dedicated to their sons Wacuś and Wojtuś who died in 1927. The bells are a memorial to lost children. Their chimes echo with both sorrow and love.
Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Anielskiej is an active parish. It is part of the Anin Deanery in the Warsaw-Praga Diocese. The parish was established on July 1 1931 by Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski. Ks. Kazimierz Łuczak became the first parish priest.
Several priests have served the parish over the years. Each has contributed to its growth and spiritual life. Ks. Micek Bronisław has been the parish priest since August 1 2017.
The church stands on Wilgi Street. Its location is in the heart of Radość. This area developed in the late 19th century as a summer resort. It was near the fashionable Otwock railway line. By 1905 there were 22 houses and 35 residents. Since 1951 Radość has been part of Warsaw.
Today Kościół pw. Matki Boskiej Anielskiej continues to be a vital part of the community. It offers regular masses and various religious services. The church is not just a historical landmark. It is a living vibrant center of faith and community. Its story is a reminder of the power of collective effort and enduring belief.