Does anyone know what makes this church so special? We are standing before Kościół św. Elżbiety w Powsinie. It is also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of longing in Powsin. This church is in Warsaw’s Wilanów district.
Let’s step back in time. The history of Kościół św. Elżbiety w Powsinie dates back to the 14th century. In 1398 Elżbieta Ciołkowa founded a wooden church here. She dedicated it to Saint Andrew the Apostle and Saint Elizabeth. This was to honor her husband’s soul and give glory to God.
In 1410 the Bishop of Poznań, Wojciech separated Powsin from the Wilanów parish. Residents complained about the long journey to the Wilanów church. He created a separate parish for them at the new Kościół św. Elżbiety w Powsinie.
The original wooden church likely perished during the Swedish invasion. A second wooden church was built. But it fell into disrepair. In 1725 Elżbieta Sieniawska funded a grand brick church. Józef Fontana, a famous Baroque architect, designed it. This 18th-century structure forms the core of today’s Kościół św. Elżbiety w Powsinie. Fontana’s church was a single nave structure shorter than the current one.
From 1803 to 1815 Father Jan Paweł Woronicz served as the parish priest. He later became the Primate of the Kingdom of Poland. In 1889 Countess Aleksandra Potocka financed the church’s expansion. Side naves and a porch were added. Also two towers were built.
In 1921 further renovations occurred under Father Teofil Mierzejewski. Architect Józef Dziekoński designed the changes. The church gained its present appearance. The three naves were lengthened. The 19th-century towers were removed. A free-standing bell tower was erected.
For over 300 years the main altar has housed the miraculous image of Our Lady of longing. It is also called the Powsin Madonna. The oil painting shows Italian school features from the 17th century. The artist is unknown. Mary is depicted with her hands on her chest in prayer looking upward. Bishop Stanisław Święcicki in 1675 called it a miraculous image. Votive offerings were given in thanks for graces received in Powsin.
During World War II and the Warsaw Uprising the image was especially revered. People believed it could bring salvation and national revival. Pope John Paul II placed a golden papal crown on the Powsin Madonna in 1998. This event celebrated the church’s 600th anniversary.
Since 1753 the painting of the Holy Trinity covers Our Lady of longing. It is unveiled during May and October devotions. Also it is unveiled on Marian feasts.
The interior of Kościół św. Elżbiety w Powsinie is beautiful. The Baroque main altar has a passage for pilgrims. Figures of Saint Wojciech and Saint Stanisław flank the Madonna. These are the patron saints of Poland. A valuable tabernacle made in Florence sits on the mensa. Side altars feature 19th-century paintings by Buchbinder. Stained glass windows add color on sunny days. The 18th-century ambo and baptismal font are notable.
Kościół św. Elżbiety w Powsinie stands as a testament to faith and history. Its walls echo with centuries of prayers and devotion. The sanctuary continues to be a place of pilgrimage. It offers solace and hope to all who visit.