The Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Poland
The Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki is situated on the southern outskirts of Krakow adjacent to the local convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy where the image of Merciful Jesus is worshipped and the tomb of St Faustina lies.
Due to the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Lagiewniki each year, it became necessary to construct a larger temple and thus in June 1996 Krakow’s Metropolitan, Cardinal Macharski, established the Foundation of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy.
The small scale model of the expanded Sanctuary was signed by Pope St John Paul II, who also gave his blessing to everyone involved in this huge task. Soon after in June 1997, during a visit to his homeland, he blessed the future cornerstone brought from Golgotha. The construction works, on the design of Professor Witold Ceckiewicz, started on 8th September, 1999, and two weeks later Cardinal Macharski solemnly consecrated the construction site. Building works began to proceed quickly, and on August 17th, 2002, the Cardinal asked the Holy Father to consecrate the temple.
The Basilica of the Divine Mercy has two levels: the upper level which is, the Basilica proper, and the lower level, which houses several chapels. It is capable of receiving around five thousand visitors and its interior decoration is intended to be conducive to concentration and prayer.
On entering the Basilica, the first thing one sees is the titular painting of Merciful Jesus by Jan Chrzaszcz situated above the altar. It is a replica of the famous miraculous painting by A. Hyla situated in the convent chapel. Below is a gold Tabernacle in the shape of a sphere which symbolizes the earth. It is surrounded by Krzysztof Nitsch’s sculpture representing a windswept bush, a metaphor of man struggling with his own weakness and sinfulness, who can only find peace and consolation in the Merciful Jesus.
Situated to the left of the presbytery is a painting of Our Lady of Mercy by Jan Chrzaszcz. It is a copy of the famous image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn from Vilnius, Lithuania. Cardinal Ruini consecrated this painting on the eve of the anniversary of the consecration of the Basilica on 16th August, 2003. Cardinal Ruini also unveiled the memorial plaque with the words of the Pope’s address entrusting mankind to the Divine Mercy and consecrated the plaque commemorating the consecration of the basilica by the Pope. The plaque in the porch of the Basilica contains the corner-stone from Golgotha, inserted in 2002.
Adjoining the upper level of the Basilica is the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration. Here the fire of Mercy is constantly burning.
On 31 March 2005, the Pope wrote: “I am very glad that this Sunday the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament will commence in the Sanctuary. The Lords presence in the Eucharist is the best way to demonstrate the work of mercy performed through the Cross and Resurrection. Let this presence be a source of strength and hope for all the pilgrims.”
Today pilgrims can be seen gathering in the Chapel for the adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament, not only throughout the day, but also at night, praying for God’s mercy for the whole world.
On the other side of the Basilica, is a 76 metre tall tower with a large platform where one can see the stunning views of the surrounding city. Over the entrance to the tower there is a monument to the Pope St John Paul II, by W. Ceckiewicz.
In the lower church there are chapels where masses are said in foreign languages for pilgrims from all over the world. In the centre is a chapel dedicated to St Sr. Faustina, founded by Italians and consecrated in 2005. Here one can see a painting of its patroness with the Diary in her hand, painted by Jan Chrzaszcz. Below the picture is a tabernacle in the form of a blooming bud of a flower, and in front of the altar there is an ornamented reliquary of St Faustina, which allows pilgrims to honour her relics.
Next to the chapel of St Faustina, is the Chapel of ‘The Communion of Saints’, consecrated in 2004 and adorned with a mosaic alluding to various themes typical of the Eastern Church. Another chapel dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle was consecrated on June 24, 2007. Here masses are said in the Eastern rite. A further chapel is dedicated to the Holy Cross, which was set up by the Church of Germany, while the Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows was prepared by the Slovaks.
Let us pray to the Divine Mercy to watch over us and to spread peace throughout the whole world.