On this very spot a humble chapel once stood. This is the site of the Parafia Świętego Marka Ewangelisty in Warsaw’s Targówek district.
The Parafia Świętego Marka Ewangelisty wasn’t always the magnificent structure it is today. Its story began not with grand plans but with a simple act of faith. Cardinal Józef Glemp officially established the parish on April 25 1990. This was a momentous occasion. It marked the creation of a new spiritual home for the people of Targówek. The parish was formed from parts of two existing parishes. These were Świętej Rodziny in Zacisze and Chrystusa Króla also in Targówek.
Before the current church existed a temporary structure served as a place of worship. Imagine a small makeshift chapel. It was hardly more than a simple shed. Yet within those humble walls the spirit of the community flourished. Father Szczepan Stalpiński played a crucial role. He arrived in 1988. He dedicated years to building the parish and its facilities. He largely built the parish hall and church himself.
The design came from Professor Andrzej Buchner. Dr inż Andrzej Żurawski was the engineer. Kazimierz Górski oversaw the construction. The first Christmas Eve Mass in the new church was in 1995. Bishop Stanisław Kędziora celebrated it. Soon after in 1996 Bishop Kazimierz Romaniuk consecrated the church and laid the foundation stone.
Over the years the church grew in beauty and significance. Bishop Romaniuk consecrated a copy of the image of Our Lady of Consolation in 1999. He consecrated the sanctuary and altar in 2000. Further enhancements followed. A copy of the image “Jesus I trust in You” was blessed in 2004. Relics of Saint Faustina Kowalska were placed in the newly renovated Chapel of Divine Mercy in 2009. Relics of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko and Saint Maximilian Kolbe were added later.
The Parafia Świętego Marka Ewangelisty now stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit. It is a vibrant center of religious life in Targówek. It continues to grow and serve its parishioners. The church serves as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. It continues to be a place of solace and worship for generations to come. Look at the beautiful building before you. Reflect on its rich history and the unwavering faith that brought it into being. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is the heart of a community.