Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wojkowice

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in Żychcice, part of Wojkowice. Its history includes a chapel from the early 20th century and a construction interrupted by the war.

From chapel to parish

Żychcice belonged in turn to the parishes in Bytom, in Kamień (today Piekary Śląskie) and in Siemonia. In July 1901 construction began on a chapel for members of the Living Rosary, which held five hundred people. In 1904 it became a branch of the parish in Bobrowniki, and on 4 May 1909 a parish was established in Żychcice, the smallest in the area, with about 800 people.

The present church

Construction of the present church began in 1936, and it was put into use on 15 August 1938, after which the old chapel was pulled down. The outbreak of war interrupted the finishing work, and in 1942 the Germans took two bells. The furnishings were completed after the war: in 1948 an organ by the Truszczyński firm was installed, and the main altar with the figure of Our Lady of the Assumption was designed by Jan Budziła. The consecration took place on 19 June 1960, although it had originally been planned for December 1939. In 1987-1991 the Jowisz mine repaired mining damage to the building. The church holds relics of Blessed Josaphat Kuntsevych and is on the municipal heritage register.

Practical information

• Location: Żychcice, part of the town of Wojkowice.
• Active parish church: check service times with the parish.