General Information

The Roman Catholic church of the Holy Virgin Mary of Lourdes was founded by the Lazarists, and built in 1892–1894 in the style of Gothic Revival. In 1932, in the interwar Poland, a polyphonic choir was established there by the congregation. The Mariański Choir has attracted international acclaim for a number of years.

History: Highlights

The corner-stone for the construction of the church was laid on June 25, 1892, although the first congregation of the mission existed in the nearby Stradom district already in the second half of the 17th century. The red-brick church, designed by architect Stefan Żołdani in the style of Gothic Revival, was completed in two years, under the direction of Cardinal Albin Dunajewski.

History: Explained

The congregation was augmented by the missionary house built in 1861 with the seminary founded in 1878. The parish was founded on January 1, 1923. Two more parishes were established further apart in Communist Poland. The Church was upgraded and repainted several times, with added side-altars, and an expanded presbytery.

Mariański Choir: Highlights

The church is the home of Mariański Choir, founded in 1932 by Józef Orszulik and specialising in the music of Renaissance, Baroque, but also the Middle Ages, as well as contemporary choral works. The choir gives regular concerts, including at the church. It performs at ceremonial functions and participates in festivals across Europe and North America.

Mariański Choir: Explained

The mixed voice choir performs the music of J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, J. Haydn, G.F. Handel, as well as Polish composers: F. Nowowiejski, A. Koszewski, J. Świder, W. Kilar, J. Łuciuk, H.M. Górecki and others. The profits from the sale of CDs are used to support charity actions by the congregation. The choir has made over 35 foreign trips: to Italy (with performance at Castel Gandolfo), Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Unites States, Hungary, and Lithuania. The group released several records, notably collections of traditional songs popular with the audience during Christmas.