“Can you hear the echoes of resilience?” they seem to whisper from the walls of Parafia Świętej Jadwigi w Warszawie-Pelcowiznie. This church stands as a testament to faith and community spirit. It is located at ulica Modlińska 4 in Warsaw. Parafia Świętej Jadwigi is more than just a building. It is a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.
In the early 20th century, the area of Pelcowizna was growing. The residents felt a need for their own place of worship. Princess Maria Ewa Radziwiłłowa and the Grędzicki family donated land. This act of generosity paved the way for the creation of Parafia Świętej Jadwigi.
A wooden church-barak was quickly erected in 1920-1921. It was dedicated to Saint Jadwiga of Silesia. In October 1920, Ks. Zygmunt Łubieński consecrated the church. Just a year later, in October 1921, Cardinal Aleksander Kakowski officially established the parish.
The community of Parafia Świętej Jadwigi thrived. By the 1930s, plans were underway for a new, larger church. These plans met a tragic end during World War II. The blueprints and the parish rectory were destroyed in a fire.
The war took a heavy toll on Parafia Świętej Jadwigi. In September 1944, artillery fire damaged the church. The parish population dwindled from 5,000 to a mere 500. The surviving church equipment was moved to a chapel on Poborzańska Street. For a time, parish life came to a standstill.
But the spirit of Pelcowizna could not be extinguished. Residents formed a “Care Council for the Church of St. Jadwiga”. They dedicated themselves to restoring their beloved church. As factories like FSO and Polfa grew, so did the parish. Worker hotels sprang up. This brought new life to the community.
In 1969, Father Ryszard Grygiełko obtained permission to renovate the existing church. However, the old wooden structure was beyond repair. Father Grygiełko ingeniously began replacing the wooden parts with brick. He did it piece by piece. Despite challenges from the authorities, a new church was consecrated in September 1971. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński dedicated it to Jesus Christ the King of Peace. This happened on the 50th anniversary of the parish.
Inside Parafia Świętej Jadwigi, you’ll find a cross with Christ in the main altar. Below it is an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A depiction of Saint Jadwiga adorns the left side of the presbytery.
Parafia Świętej Jadwigi played a significant role in the Solidarity movement. In September 1981, Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko consecrated the Solidarity banner of FSO Warszawa here. During martial law in December 1981, the church became a support center. It was part of the Primate’s Committee to Help the Imprisoned.
Parafia Świętej Jadwigi stands as a beacon of faith. It represents community and resilience. From its humble beginnings as a wooden barrack to its current form, it has been a sanctuary. It has been a place of hope for generations of Warsaw residents. As you stand here, remember the stories of those who rebuilt their church and their community. Their spirit lives on within these walls.