Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels in Dąbrowa Górnicza

The Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary of the Angels in Dąbrowa Górnicza is a sanctuary of the Sosnowiec diocese and a distinguished place of worship of the Holy Virgin Mary of the Angels. The cedar wood statue of the Virgin, carved in 1904 by Józef Baltazar Proszowski, is held in special veneration. The building, constructed in the Neo-Gothic style between 1898 and 1912 according to the design of Józef Stefan Pomian-Pomianowski, was the first sanctuary in Poland to receive the title of basilica (probasilica), granted by Pope Leo XIII in 1901. The interior of the basilica features a consistent Neo-Gothic decor, including richly adorned altars, a pulpit, and confessionals. The centerpiece is the high altar with the 170 cm tall statue of the Holy Virgin Mary of the Angels, depicting Mary standing with the Infant Jesus, symbolizing the Queen of the World. Nearby are numerous side altars dedicated to various saints, including an altar of St. Barbara and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Historically, the devotion to the Holy Virgin Mary of the Angels developed in the Zagłębie Dąbrowskie region from the second half of the 19th century, and the parish was established in 1891. Another notable fact is that the image of the Virgin Mary of the Angels was crowned by Primate Wyszyński and the Metropolitan of Kraków, Karol Wojtyła, in 1968. Pilgrimages to the sanctuary take place regularly, attracting diverse groups, including men, youth, women, and specific communities such as the Amazonki (breast cancer survivors) or Sybiracy (Siberian exiles). The basilica is also a venue for important liturgical events, indulgences, and prayers, serving as a spiritual center for the local community. It is also worth noting that Fr. Grzegorz Augustynik, the builder of the church, played a key role in the history of this place. His efforts led to numerous endowments and constructions, including the Porcjunkula Chapel, where he was buried. Over the years, the interior has been renovated, including work by painters, which has helped preserve the originality of the decorations. The Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary of the Angels in Dąbrowa Górnicza is not only admired for its appearance but also constitutes an important element of the cultural and religious identity of the region.