By decision of the Holy See, our church in Kalwaria Pacławska, Poland, has been elevated to the dignity of a minor basilica. Located near Przemyśl, the church features the Shrine of the Passion of Christ and the Mother of God.

The decree was solemnly proclaimed on August 13, 2020, during the feast of the “Great Indulgence of Kalwaria” by the Most Reverend Adam Szal, Metropolitan of Przemyśl. Also present were other bishops of Przemyśl, Friar Marian GOŁĄB, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), a large number of religious, diocesan clergy and a multitude of pilgrims.
The honorary title of minor basilica is conferred by the Pope on churches noted for their historical, liturgical, and pastoral value as well as their importance as pilgrimage sites. Known as the “Jerusalem of the East”, by some, or “Jasna Góra Podkarpacia” [Luminous Mount of Subcarpathia] by others, Kalwaria Pacławska has been waiting for this moment for almost four centuries.
The Minister Provincial of Cracow mentioned that this is the second distinction that Kalwaria Pacławska has received from the Holy See. “In the 19th century, the Vatican Chapter issued the Act of Coronation, approved by Pope Leo XIII and on August 15, 1882, the famous icon of Our Lady of Kalwaria was crowned with papal crowns,” he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, Archbishop Salvatore PENNACCHIO, sent a special letter for the elevation ceremony. “Today we witness an extraordinary historical moment, the solemn announcement of the Holy Father’s decision, which, in recognition of the secular tradition and the current importance of the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Kalwaria Pacławska, raises it to the dignity of a Minor Basilica. It is an indisputable acknowledgement for the crowds of pilgrims who for centuries have prayed in this church and walked the “Ways of Calvary”, as well as for the Conventuals who take pastoral care of this holy place,” he wrote.
At the end of the Mass, the Custodian of the Shrine, Friar Krzysztof HURA, spoke and thanked the Superiors of the Archdiocese and the Province, as well as the clergy, the consecrated persons and of all the faithful. “August 13, 2020, opens a new page in the history of the Shrine of Kalwaria Pacławska. The elevation of this shrine to the dignity of a minor basilica is a tribute from the Holy See to the millions of pilgrims who, for more than 350 years, have walked the ‘Ways of Calvary’ and have contemplated the miraculous face of the Madonna who patiently listens to them,” he stressed.
After the Mass, a symphony orchestra, choir and soloists gave a debut performance of a new oratorio called “Open the Door to Christ”. The oratorio was composed by Andrzej GŁOWIENKA, a composer of sacred melodies and the first Polish tenor to ever sing at the Scala in Milan. He also lectures at the Pontifical Ambrosian Institute of Sacred Music in Milan.
Finally, let us remember that Kalwaria Pacławska is not only a pilgrimage destination, but also a place of rest, with a luxuriant park, a nature reserve and a nature trail with educational and historical elements.

Friar Jan M. SZEWEK