Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Łódź

The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Łódź is the oldest parish in the city, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages, likely established between 1364 and 1374. Initially, it belonged to the Archdiocese of Gniezno and was part of the endowment of the bishops of Włocławek. Over the centuries, the parish changed its diocesan affiliation, becoming part of the Diocese of Włocławek in 1764 and later the Archdiocese of Warsaw. In 1920, its affiliation with the Diocese of Łódź formalized its status as an important religious center in the region. Historically, before the establishment of its own parish, this area belonged to the Parish of St. Dorothy in Mileszki. Despite fires and disasters, such as the Swedish Deluge, the parish survived thanks to its strategic location, and its financial situation improved with the construction of a new wooden church between 1765 and 1768. Architecturally, the current brick church, built from 1888 to 1897 and designed by Konstanty Wojciechowski, is a three-nave structure with fascinating Gothic details, such as an original triptych and 19th-century stained glass windows. Interestingly, during the construction of the new church, the old wooden church was repurposed as a filial church. The parish is not only a place of worship but also a hub of cultural life; it supports numerous parish groups, such as a choir, academic ministry, and charitable organizations. Additionally, Łódź's diverse society, including Poles, Germans, Russians, and Jews, presented pastoral challenges to the clergy. Today, the parish continues to play a vital role in the life of the local community, bearing witness to the history and changes that have shaped Łódź. Over the centuries, the parish has navigated political and social upheavals, making it not only a place of worship but also a significant landmark in the city's history.