Sanctuary of Our Lady of Consolation in Borek Wielkopolski

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Consolation in Borek Wielkopolski, also known as the Sanctuary at Zdzież, is a Roman Catholic parish church whose history dates back to the late 14th century. The first wooden temple was built between 1390 and 1393, and inside it was placed the image of Our Lady of Consolation, which gained popularity due to the legend of the miraculous healing of a blind man named Jan Żołędniak. Over the centuries, the church was repeatedly destroyed—first in a fire in 1423, and later in other incidents, including a flood in 1601 and various invasions—leading to expansions and renovations of the structure. The current brick church was built between 1635 and 1655 under the supervision of Italian architect Albin Fontana, and it was consecrated in 1657. In the 18th century, a transept with chapels was added. The church is characterized by rich Baroque and Rococo furnishings, and its interior is decorated with stuccowork. Among its notable features are an original pulpit shaped like a globe and the image of the Madonna and Child, crowned in 1931 by Cardinal August Hlond. The sanctuary has gained cultural and spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims, especially those seeking miraculous healing. During World War II, the church suffered damage at the hands of the occupiers, but after the war, it was successfully restored for the parishioners. Today, as an important tourist and spiritual site, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Consolation in Borek Wielkopolski stands as a symbol of local history and culture.