On September 15, 2026, the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows at the Conventual Franciscan Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Radomsko, Poland, celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding.
Those attending the celebration included the Most Reverend Wacław DEPO, Archbishop of Częstochowa, Poland, and Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow). Also present was Friar Zdzisław GOGOLA, who, thirty-five years ago, as Minister Provincial, took part in founding the Shrine, together with Friars Andrzej ZBROJA and Włodzimierz STAROSTECKI, who are originally from Radomsko. Several diocesan priests and numerous devotees of Our Lady also took part in the celebration.
Before Mass, the faithful gathered in the church square for the blessing of a new bell, which replaced one confiscated by the Austro-Hungarian authorities more than 150 years ago. The faithful were told that, from now on, the bell’s voice would mark the passage of time in their lives, invite them to encounter God, and accompany them in moments of joy and mourning. A commemorative plaque marking the founding of the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows was also blessed.
In the decree issued thirty-five years ago, the Most Reverend Stanisław NOWAK, then Bishop of Częstochowa, wrote that, in making the decision to found the Shrine, he had taken into account “the longstanding devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows at the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which has intensified in recent years thanks to pilgrimages by sick people from the city and to various pastoral initiatives undertaken by the custodians of this church—the Conventual Franciscan Friars— including the preparation of what is commonly called the Via Matris of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
The Shrine’s current custodian, Friar Dariusz SOWA, addressed those present and spoke about the unity of the community and its fruitful collaboration. The Minister Provincial, in turn, highlighted the spiritual significance of this place: “This is our shared celebration. At the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows, we learn to believe, to love, and to endure the greatest and most difficult trials of our lives.” He also thanked the friars who have contributed to the history of this place: those who founded the Shrine as well as those who serve there today. He then encouraged the friars to follow Mary’s example, proclaiming the goodness of God, and bearing witness through their own lives to the great works He has accomplished. Finally, he entrusted all those present to the protection of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The jubilee celebration concluded at 9:00 p.m. with the community singing the Jasna Góra Appeal [a traditional evening devotion to Mary].
Friar Jan Maria SZEWEK
