Considering how many families have found solace here, who would believe this is a temporary structure? This is the Tymczasowa kaplica parafialna pw. Jana Pawła II. It serves as a beacon of faith in Warsaw’s Bemowo district. While the permanent church is in the planning stages this chapel stands as a testament to the community’s devotion.
The story of this parish began on January 10 2014. Warsaw authorities gave land to the Archdiocese of Warsaw. The land was for a new parish near Księcia Bolesława and Obrońców Tobruku streets. Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz established the Saint John Paul II Rectorate on May 24 2014. It was to cover part of the areas of the Mother of God Queen of Angels and Saint Jozafat parishes. Father Sławomir Abramowski became the rector on June 16 2014.
The land was blessed on September 21 2014. The first Mass was held in the new chapel on Holy Thursday April 2 2015. During the diocesan celebration of the first anniversary of Saint John Paul II’s canonization relics of the saint were introduced. Cardinal Nycz consecrated this newly built parish chapel in his honor on April 24 2015.
The Metropolitan of Warsaw established the parish of Saint John Paul II on September 1 2015. It replaced the rectorship. Its seat is at Obrońców Tobruku 48 in Warsaw. The parish was incorporated into the Jelonki Deanery. Father Sławomir Abramowski became the pastor.
The parish is located on the border of Bemowo and Bielany districts. Its boundaries include several streets. These are Michała Elwira Andriollego Rosy Bailly Księcia Bolesława and Obrońców Tobruku streets. Also included are Oławska Edmunda Jana Osmańczyka Zbigniewa Pieniążka and Powązkowska streets. Furthermore Powstańców Śląskich Widawska Mieczysława Wolfkego and gen. Stanisława Maczka streets.
The entire project includes a church the “Saint John Paul II Family Center” and a parish house. The church will be built on an octagon plan. This refers to ancient Christian architecture. The building will be in the “new aesthetic” style of Italian architect Mattia del Prete. The church space and presbytery will be separated by concentrically located images. Each image will be about 9 square meters. They will directly refer to canonical forms of iconic painting. This Mystery Crown refers to the norms of the iconographic canon of the Eastern Church. It forms a bridge connecting Eastern and Western art.
Since Saint John Paul II is the patron saint of families in the Catholic Church the parish will establish a Family Center. Its task is to support family values. It will shape a culture and civilization based on respect for human dignity supported by virtues and principles from Christianity. There are also plans for volunteering workshops for married couples courses for mothers culinary courses an after-school center a psychological clinic and consultations in the field of prevention and treatment of addictions.
The Tymczasowa kaplica parafialna pw. Jana Pawła II is more than just a temporary chapel. It is a vibrant center of faith community and support. It embodies the spirit of Saint John Paul II. It serves the spiritual and communal needs of its parishioners. As you stand here imagine the future church rising. Envision the Family Center bustling with activity. See the enduring legacy of faith taking shape.