Dominican Friary in Katowice

The Dominican Friary in Katowice is a convent of the Order of Preachers at Sokolska 12, in the Śródmieście district. It has operated since 2012 at the parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord and carries out pastoral work there. It is not an enclosed monastery, and its seat is the parish church.

From an Old Catholic church to a convent

In July 1938 the church on Sokolska Street was taken over by the Catholic community from the Old Catholics. By a decree of Bishop Stanisław Adamski of 27 January 1940 the curacy of the Transfiguration of the Lord was established, and in 1975-1978 the building was rebuilt to a design by Tadeusz Łobos.

The parish was handed over to the Dominicans on 26 August 2012 by Archbishop Wiktor Skworc. A religious house was established the same day, and the convent was founded in September 2013, when the community already had six brothers. Efforts to bring the Dominicans to Katowice go back, however, to 1946-1947, when entrusting them with pastoral work in the city centre was considered, but suitable accommodation was lacking at the time.

What the Dominicans do on site

Besides the parish, the friary runs academic ministry, ministry for graduates and families, the community Fraternia of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Dominican School of Theology.

Nearby

About 600 metres from the friary stands the Stanisław Wyspiański Silesian Theatre.

A little over a kilometre away lies the Cathedral of Christ the King.

Practical information

• Address: Sokolska 12, Katowice-Śródmieście.
• The Church of the Transfiguration is an active parish church, so it is best to plan a visit to the interior outside service times. Mass times are given by the parish.
• The friary is not a museum, and the monastic parts are not open to visitors.