St Barbara's Church in Katowice

St Barbara's Church stands in Giszowiec, a district of Katowice, on Młodzieżowa Street. It is a late 20th-century church, consecrated on 23 October 1994. It was built largely by community effort, for the growing estate.

Why a new church was built

The expansion of Giszowiec in the 1960s and 1970s increased the number of worshippers in the parish of St Stanislaus Kostka. In 1983 the Bishop of Katowice, Herbert Bednorz, agreed to the creation of a new parish. The foundation stone was blessed on 20 June 1983 by Pope John Paul II during his apostolic journey, in Katowice-Muchowiec. Father Izydor Harazin became the builder.

Construction

Work began only in July 1985, because the authorities were slow in approving the plans. The church was designed by the engineer Zygmunt Fagas, the structural engineer was Franciszek Klimek, and after his death in 1987 Józef Choma. A considerable part of the work was done as voluntary labour by the residents of Giszowiec, supported by, among others, Spanish young people from Opus Dei and the “Staszic” mine. The day chapel was blessed in 1989, and the consecration was performed by Bishop Gerard Bernacki.

Interior

The interior, including the stained glass and polychromy, was designed by the engineer Wiktor Ostrzołek. In the chancel is a stained-glass window with St Barbara, in the north wall the Resurrection, and in the gallery the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The Chapel of Divine Mercy adjoins the church.

Nearby

Closest is Nikiszowiec, about 2.5 km from here, and further away the Katowice Forest Park.

Practical information

• Address: Młodzieżowa Street, Katowice-Giszowiec.
• Arrange the times of services and the possibility of visiting with the parish.