Church of St Paschal in Racibórz-Płonia

The Church of St Paschal is a Roman Catholic parish church in the Płonia district of Racibórz, belonging to the Racibórz deanery of the Diocese of Opole. Its origins are linked to the Franciscans, who settled here in 1920.

How the church in Płonia came about

In 1920 the Franciscan Father Ksawery Zgolnik bought an unprofitable inn with a large dance hall on ulica Sudecka. It was adapted for monastic purposes, and a makeshift church was set up in the hall. The pulpit was donated by the Racibórz town council, the main altar was given by the Franciscans from their basilica in Panewniki, and two steel bells, named Francis and Anthony, were brought from Thuringia.

On the first day of Whitsun, 23 May 1920, the church was blessed by Dean Pfleger, who entrusted the Franciscans with pastoral care of the residents of Mała and Wielka Płonia. Next to the church the Franciscans soon built a monastery. The parish of St Paschal Baylon was established on 1 January 1932 by Cardinal Adolf Bertram.

Practical information

• Location: the Płonia district of Racibórz, near ulica Sudecka.
• An active parish church; check service times before your visit.
• Closest, about one and a half kilometres away, is Racibórz Castle.