Biała Deanery

The Biała Deanery is one of the 36 Roman Catholic deaneries in the Opole Diocese, encompassing 12 parishes, including the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biała, the Parish of the Guardian Angels in Gostomia, and the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Grabina. Historically, the archpresbyterate in Biała was part of the Opole Archdeaconry in the Middle Ages, and in the 19th century, the parishes of the deanery were characterized by the dominance of the Polish language, reflecting the local culture. As the deanery developed, independent pastoral centers, such as Grabina, Kolnowice, and Olbrachcice, were established in subsequent years. After World War II, reorganization took place, resulting in the merger of some parishes. Prominent clergy served in the deanery, including Karl Augustin, Auxiliary Bishop of Wrocław, and Władysław Robota, a national activist. In terms of religious orders, the Camillians operated in Biała, and the Elizabethan Sisters in Grabina. The language spoken by the local population changed over the years; from the 1840s, Polish predominated, and in later years, German elements also appeared. Interestingly, in 1929, there is no data available regarding the language, which may suggest significant social and cultural changes during that period.