Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Wodzisław Śląski

The Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa stands in the Wilchwy district of Wodzisław Śląski. It is tied to a mining story: the church preserves keepsakes from the 1 Maja mine.

Construction and extension

Construction began in March 1967, and the blessing took place on 8 December 1968. In 1982-1984 the church was enlarged with side aisles, a chancel, catechetical rooms and an entrance with a tower. The consecration was carried out on 12 October 1985 by the Bishop of Katowice, Damian Zimoń. From September 1998, because of mining damage, renovation work went on in the church.

Keepsakes from the mine

Inside stands a figure of St Barbara with a cross and a painting, which once hung in the lamp room of the 1 Maja mine. There is also a monument from the “Solidarity” trade union dedicated to all the miners who died tragically in this mine. A figure of St Joseph from 1887, the work of F. Kokes of Racibórz, has also survived.

Practical information

• Location: Wilchwy district, Wodzisław Śląski.
• This is a working parish church; service times are given by the parish.
• It is about 3 km from here to the town centre with its Market Square (Rynek) and the Dietrichstein Palace.