On Friday, August 15, 2025, the parish and friary of Niepokalanów, Poland, conducted various solemn celebrations in honor of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Niepokalanów is a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw).
The highlight of the Solemnity was Mass at 11:30 a.m. celebrated on the outdoor altar behind the basilica. The Most Reverend Adrian GALBAS, Archbishop of Warsaw, presided. Many faithful attended. About fifteen priests concelebrated, including the Pastor of Niepokalanów, Friar Andrzej SĄSIADEK, and the Guardian, Friar Piotr SZCZEPAŃSKI. The General Curia was represented by the Secretary General, Friar Tomasz SZYMCZAK.
During his homily, the archbishop, referring to summer travels and vacations, mentioned that today’s liturgy also speaks about a particular journey: the journey to heaven. Meditating on the mystery of the assumption of Mary, we should direct our thoughts to the goal of our life, which is this ultimate and most important journey.
“Mary assumed into Heaven speaks to us all, saying ‘Where I once was, you are today; where I am today, you will be one day. I was once on earth, now I am in heaven!’” said the archbishop.
At the end of the Mass, the archbishop and the faithful recited the act of entrustment to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Poland. In the afternoon, a final celebration took place with a devotional exercise around the basilica, namely, the recitation of the Franciscan Crown Rosary with meditation on the joys of Our Lady.
In the lead up to a fruitful celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the friars of Niepokalanów conducted the “Novena of Great Entrustment to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” At each stage, during adoration and the recitation of the rosary, various aspects of daily life were entrusted to the protection of Our Lady. Thus, the participants prayed for Poland’s health services and economy, the works of evangelization, culture, education, and other areas of social life.
May this celebration be an opportunity for all of us to renew our journey toward heaven, together with Mary, who guides us with love and care.
Friar Franciszek CZARNOWSKI
