A temporary chapel’s humble beginnings. That’s where the story of the Kościół Świętego Tomasza begins. Right here in Warsaw’s Ursynów district. This unassuming church holds a rich history. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and community.
The Kościół Świętego Tomasza wasn’t built overnight. It started as a small temporary chapel in 1983. A simple structure erected amidst the developing Ursynów neighborhood. Cardinal Glemp blessed it the following year. The initial plan was more ambitious. A church built on a prominent hilltop. However bureaucratic hurdles and logistical challenges changed the plan. The church finally found its home in the heart of Ursynów Południowy.
In 1995 a significant milestone arrived. Cardinal Józef Glemp laid the cornerstone for the new church. This marked the beginning of the larger church’s construction. Architects Andrzej Fabierkiewicz and Stanisław Stefanowicz designed this beautiful building. Construction took several years. Finally on December 23 2001 the church was consecrated. This was another significant event. It celebrated the culmination of years of effort. The dedication was performed by the Polish Primate.
The construction wasn’t without its challenges. A significant fire damaged the roof in 2006. The blaze consumed approximately 150 square meters. Careless workers on the roof caused the fire. Thankfully the damage was repaired. The church stands today a testament to its resilience.
But the Kościół Świętego Tomasza is more than just a building. It’s a center of community life. Next to the church a katechetical house called Betania was built between 1986 and 1992. This served as a parish center. It housed various community initiatives. For example a day care center for Alzheimer’s patients was one. This was the first in Poland. A gallery called “TeKa” provided a space for non-professional artists.
The church also holds a part of Saint Thomas the Apostle’s relics. These were solemnly presented in 2007. Archbishop Carlo Ghidelli of Lanciano-Ortona brought them. They are a source of great pride for the parish. The Kościół Świętego Tomasza stands as a symbol of faith community and artistic expression in Warsaw. It’s a place of spiritual and cultural significance. It’s a place worth exploring and remembering.