Blessed Marcelina Darowska’s legacy lives on here. This is the only parish in Poland dedicated to her. Let’s explore the remarkable story of Parafia b. Marceliny Darowskiej w Łomiankach.
This church stands as a testament to faith perseverance. Its history began not with grand plans but a small chapel. Around 1940 a wealthy industrialist Jozef Przyluski donated land and a villa. The Immaculate Conception Sisters arrived. They established a chapel a preschool and sewing classes. This small chapel soon became a beacon of hope during wartime. It offered solace to locals amidst the chaos.
After the war the chapel proved too small. It was replaced by a larger convent building including a new chapel and preschool. The pastoral center thrived. The number of worshippers increased significantly. In May 1994 Cardinal Jozef Glemp erected a parish here. Initially it was dedicated to St Matthew.
However a change was needed. The small chapel couldn’t host weddings or baptisms. The sisters and parishioners requested a name change. In 1977 Cardinal Glemp agreed. The parish was renamed in honor of Blessed Marcelina Darowska. The church’s construction began. Cardinal Glemp participated in laying the cornerstone in 1999. He consecrated the church in 2004. The expansion was spearheaded by Father Zbigniew Sajnog and Father Kazimierz Gers.
The church is more than just brick and mortar. It holds precious artifacts. A marble statue of Our Lady of Jaslowiec stands in the main altar. This is one of five such sculptures by Oskar Sosnowski. A wooden statue of St John Nepomucene another treasure was found on the Vistula River in 1844. Stained-glass windows adorn the church’s walls. The cornerstone rests in the left aisle a silent witness to history.
The story of Parafia b. Marceliny Darowskiej w Łomiankach reflects resilience and devotion. It’s a place where faith flourished in difficult times. The dedication to Blessed Marcelina Darowska is a unique aspect of this parish. It’s a testament to her influence. It’s also a vital part of the Łomianki community a vibrant center of worship and community life.