St. Anne's Parish in Biała Podlaska

The Parish of St. Anne in Biała Podlaska, established in 1525, is one of the oldest centers of Catholic worship in the region. The parish serves approximately 5,354 faithful from various streets of Biała Podlaska and nearby towns. The parish church, built between 1597 and 1602 with funds provided by Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł, is an example of Baroque architecture, featuring a single nave and a distinctive presbytery. The interior is adorned with Baroque altars and 18th-century sculptures, while the Wołłowicz Chapel houses the highly revered image of Our Lady of the Rosary. The parish is also home to the Catholic Youth Association and has two branch chapels located in Janówka and Jaźwiny. The parish cemetery is situated 1 km from the church. The history of the parish is rich, encompassing fires, reconstructions, and reforms undertaken in the 19th century, including a major renovation between 1873 and 1874 under the supervision of architect Maksymilian Pawłowski. It is worth noting that the church also served the Salesian Fathers from 1919 to 1925 before returning to parish administration. An interesting aspect of the parish's heritage is the evolution of the church’s furnishings over the centuries, reflecting developments in sacred art and the local community. The foundation act of the parish, issued by Jerzy Iwanowicz Ilinicz, underscores the spiritual and economic significance of the site. The church’s architecture, including its Baroque details and changing interior elements, attracts tourists and historians alike. Historical figures such as Fr. Hieronim Piekarski and Fr. Krzysztof Wilski-Ciborowicz, whose lives are intertwined with the parish, are emblematic of the region’s rich history. Today, the parish continues its mission by engaging the local community and preserving religious and cultural traditions, making it a significant landmark in Biała Podlaska.