Poland

Your exploration of Warsaw continues with a visit to the Market Square, heart of the city’s Old Town, offering insights into the vibrant life of Warsaw. The day is marked by a visit to Stanislaw Kostka Church, a sanctuary for spiritual reflection and remembrance of the solidarity movement. The church is also known for its association with Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, a martyr of the communist era. This day allows for a deeper understanding of Poland’s recent history and the Catholic Church’s role in shaping societal values.

Travel to the Niepokalanow Franciscan Monastery, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, offering a profound encounter with the legacy of martyrdom and sanctity. In Swinice Warckie, visit St. Casimir Church, the baptismal place of St. Faustina Kowalska, deepening the connection to Divine Mercy. This day is a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage, focusing on the lives of saints who shaped the Catholic faith through their sacrifice and visions.

Journey to Częstochowa, home to the Jasna Góra Monastery and the revered Black Madonna, Poland’s most significant Marian shrine. The visit to the Chapel of the Black Madonna is a highlight, offering a moment of deep spiritual renewal and reflection on the Mother of God’s role in Polish spirituality and national identity. The day at Jasna Góra is an immersion into the heart of Polish Catholicism, with time for prayer, Mass, and contemplation of Mary’s enduring presence in the life of the faithful.

Depart for Wadowice, the birthplace of St. John Paul II, visiting the Papal Basilica Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The basilica is a testimony to the faith that shaped the life of one of the most influential popes in history. Continue to Krakow, Poland’s spiritual capital, and visit the Divine Mercy Shrine, dedicated to St. Faustina Kowalska, and the image of Divine Mercy, a central devotion in contemporary Catholicism.

Explore Krakow’s rich heritage with visits to Wawel Hill, the Royal Castle, and Wawel Cathedral, sites of royal and religious significance that tell the story of Poland’s history and faith. The Mariacki Church and Market Square in the Old Town are emblematic of Krakow’s charm and spiritual life. The day is filled with the history of saints, kings, and the Polish people, offering insights into the deep roots of Catholicism in Poland.

Venture to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marveling at the underground chapels and artworks carved from salt, an embodiment of the Polish people’s faith and creativity. The visit to Jaszczorowka Chapel and Krupowki Street in Zakopane provides a glimpse into the highland culture and its integration with Catholic faith, highlighting the natural beauty of the region as a backdrop for spiritual reflection.

Return to Krakow for a day focused on the city’s spiritual heritage. Visit St. Mary’s Tower, the tomb of St. Stanislaus, and further explore the Divine Mercy aspects, including St. Faustina’s convent chapel and tomb. The “Have No Fear” Centre, dedicated to John Paul II’s legacy, inspires pilgrims to live out their faith courageously.