Parish of Our Lady of the Scapular and St. Adalbert in Lipka

The Parish of Our Lady of the Scapular and St. Adalbert in Lipka, the largest parish of the Old Catholic Mariavite Church in Poland, was established on February 8, 1906, when it declared its independence from the Roman Catholic parish in Niesułków. Initially, it used the church in Niesułków, but soon it was forced to build its own temple. Between 1907 and 1909, construction began on a new wooden church, which was consecrated by Bishop Jan Maria Michał Kowalski. In the meantime, the parish developed educational activities, establishing a school, nurseries, and vocational courses. After World War I, further institutions were created, such as a nursing home for the elderly and its own fire brigade. In 1948, the parish underwent reorganization, and some of the faithful formed separate parishes of the Catholic Mariavite Church. After significant destruction during and after World War II, the new church was rebuilt, and in the 1980s, renovation works were carried out, including the replacement of the organ. The parish in Lipka also became a center of social and cultural life, uniting believers from various towns, such as Brzeziny, Łódź, and Skierniewice. The celebration of the parish's centenary in 2006 testifies to its long history, and the current pastor, Paweł Maria Michał Wąsowski, continues the tradition and parish activities, including the organization of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The parish not only serves religious functions but also engages in socio-cultural activities, participating in the life of the local community. An interesting fact is that Mariavite parishioners were forced to move parish buildings manually as a result of a court ruling, and also that the local orchestra was reactivated in 1946 and remains active to this day.