St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Huszlew

The Parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Huszlew, belonging to the Łosice Deanery in the Diocese of Siedlce, serves the faithful from over a dozen surrounding localities. The parish's history dates back to 1666, when the Podlasie voivode Wojciech Emeryk Mleczko built the first church. Although the building was relocated to a more suitable site in 1689, the next church was not consecrated until 1734. Fires and wartime activities in the 19th century led to its destruction, forcing the parish to construct a new church, completed in 1867. The current temple was built in the Neo-Gothic style on a rectangular plan, with an interior height of 15.8 meters. Its unique features include stained-glass windows depicting Our Lady of Sorrows and St. John, created in 1899. The church interior is adorned with a Neo-Gothic main altar and a pulpit, both renovated in 1896, as well as processional banners, confessionals, and a Stations of the Cross from 1923. It is worth noting that the church became a destination for local pilgrimages due to the image of St. Anthony of Padua, renowned for its miraculous reputation. In 1905, following the edict of religious tolerance, many former Eastern Catholics returned to the parish, significantly increasing the number of faithful. Interestingly, during World War I, the church lost its bells and organ, and it was later consecrated by the Bishop of Podlasie in 1932. The church grounds are surrounded by walls, which also feature a three-bay bell tower-gate from 1860. The parish also maintains a 1.6-hectare cemetery, established in 1844, containing tombs of local landowners and priests. A notable feature of the cemetery is an ornate brick chapel, which, according to legend, was intended as the tomb of the last owners of Huszlew. Thus, the parish in Huszlew is a place of rich history, unique architecture, and cultural significance.