Prudnik Deanery

The Prudnik Deanery is one of the 36 Roman Catholic deaneries of the Opole Diocese, encompassing 11 parishes, including the parish of St. Catherine in Dytmarów and Lipowa, the parish of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Łąka Prudnicka, and the parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Prudnik. The area of the deanery has a rich history; it initially belonged to the Olomouc Diocese and in 1629 came under the jurisdiction of the Wrocław Diocese. Historical records indicate that in the 18th century, the German language was dominant, and the number of faithful was nearly 20,000. During World War II, the deanery suffered significantly, as many churches were destroyed, including the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Moszczanka. After the war, a decline in the number of faithful was recorded, resulting from demographic changes and resettlements. In the post-war years, the deanery was a place of activity for numerous male and female religious orders, which had a significant impact on religious life. It is worth mentioning clergy originating from this area, such as Johann Schneider, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, and the Blessed Sabina Thienel, an Elizabethan sister and martyr. Architecturally, the Prudnik Deanery offers diverse historical monuments, including historic churches that still serve religious functions and are pilgrimage sites. Interestingly, in Prudnik-Las, there is a Franciscan monastery, and various religious congregations are active in the region, highlighting the richness of the religious and cultural life of this area.