Poland
About Poland:
The nation of Poland has a rich Catholic history, but also one of tremendous persecution. Throughout these periods of strife the people have remained devoutly Catholic. It can arguably said that is is the most Catholic of all European countries, as the others have drifted far from their Christian roots.
Of course, no one can dispute the effect that one Polish priest had on the world: Saint (Pope) John Paul II, the first non‑Italian pope in 455 years. His Pontificate helped launch what was certainly one of the most significant events of the 20th Century, as Poland became the first country in the Eastern Bloc break with the Soviet Union, and its peaceful transition in 1989 became a model for the wider collapse of communist regimes across Europe.
Catholics places of interest in Poland:
There is much for Catholic to see in Poland, including the famous Shrine of Divine Mercy. It was Saint John Paul II who was instrumental in making the Sunday following Easter Divine Mercy Sunday. And a host of other places that will inspire you and help you to appreciate your Catholic faith. OK…we know they are hard to pronounce!
Auschwitz: Cell of Saint Maximilian Kolbe in in the infamous extermination camp.
Bardo Slaski: Sanctuary of the Guardian of the Faith
Czestochowa: Our Lady of Częstochowa (the Black Madonna)
Debowiec: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette
Gdansk-Matemblewo: Sanctuary of Our Lady of God_
Gietrzwald: “The Lourdes of Poland”
Glotowa: Eucharistic Miracle of Glotowa
Gor sw Anny: Saint Anne’s Mountain
Gostyn: Basilica of Swieta Gora (The Church on the Holy Hill)
Kalisz: Shrine of Saint Joseph of Kalisz
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: Often called “the Polish Jerusalem”
Krakow: Shrine of Divine Mercy, Basilica of Saint Florian, St Stanisaw Kostka Church, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Blessed John Paul II Centre, Basilica of the Virgin Mary
Legnica: Eucharistic Miracle in Święty Jacek Church (declared in 2016)
Licheń Stary: Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń
Lezajsk: Basilica of Saint Mary of Lezajsk
Ludzmierz: Our Lady of Ludzmierz
Markowa: Blesseds Józef and Wiktoria Ulma
Murzasichle: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Jaworzyńska, Queen of the Tatra Mountains
Niepokalanow: St. Maximilian Kolbe’s “City of the Immaculata”
Nowogródek: Church of the Transfiguration (relics of the Martyrs of Nowogródek).
Piekary Slaskie: Our Lady of Social Justice and Love
Poznan: Many Catholic Shrines & Churches
Skepe: Shrine of Our Lady of Mazovia Kuyavia (Virgin Mary of the Expectant)
Slupca: Miraculous Crucifix in the Church of Saint Leonard
Sokolka: Eucharistic Miracle in the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
Sulisławice: Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
Swieta Lipka: Shrine of Our Lady of Swieta Lipka
Trzebniza: Cistercian Monastery & tomb of Saint Hedwig
Wadowice: (home town of Pope John Paul II)
Warsaw: Several Shrines including Shrine of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszky, National Temple of Divine Providence
Wroclaw: Historic city with two Cathedrals
Zakopane: Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Traveling to Poland:
By air:
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the largest and busiest airport in Poland, handling nearly half of the country’s air passenger traffic. It serves as the main hub for LOT Polish Airlines, offering flights to around five US cities and numerous destinations across Europe and Asia.
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), also known as Kraków-Balice Airport, it is Poland’s second-busiest airport, serving both tourism and low-cost carriers. It offers direct flights to Chicago and other European destinations, making it a key gateway for international travelers.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN). Situated near the Baltic coast, this airport is a major hub for northern Poland. In 2023, it handled over 5.4 million passengers, reflecting strong recovery in air travel. It serves both domestic and international flights, including seasonal holiday destinations traveling.comtraveling.com.
Wrocław Copernicus Airport (WRO) Located in southwestern Poland, Wrocław Copernicus Airport connects the region to European cities and serves as a hub for low-cost carriers, supporting both business and leisure travel www.mappr.cowww.mappr.co+1.
Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ)Serving western Poland, Poznań-Ławica Airport offers a mix of business and low-cost flights across Europe. It handles around 52 regularly-served nonstop destinations, including Warsaw, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Munich, and London.
By train:
Poland has a modern and affordable train network (PKP) that connects major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw. High-speed Express InterCity (EIP) trains are recommended for long distances, offering comfort and punctuality, and booking in advance can save money. Buses are also available for intercity travel, often reaching destinations not served by trains.