St. Charles Borromeo Church in Staniszcze Wielkie

The Church of St. Charles Borromeo in Staniszcze Wielkie, Opole Voivodeship, is a Neo-Gothic wooden temple built on the foundations of an earlier chapel, whose history dates back to the 18th century. Initially, the residents used a filial church in Szczedrzyk until 1867, when a local parish was established. The first chapel, funded by Count Norbert Colonna, could not accommodate a larger group of the faithful, leading to decisions to expand and transform it, which took place until 1877, including the construction of a larger Neo-Gothic church after a fire in 1881. The new brick church began construction in 1882. Thanks to the involvement of parish priest Juliusz Nowak, the support of the local community, as well as emigrants from the USA and Prince Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, the church was consecrated in 1884. The interior features a Neo-Gothic main altar with a painting of St. Charles Borromeo by Ferdinand Winter, numerous sculptures, stained glass windows, and Stations of the Cross. The interior also houses relics of St. Charles Borromeo, St. John Paul II, and other saints. An interesting fact is the discovery of items from the construction period, which were placed in the tower's dome and are intended for conservation. The church is illuminated, highlighting its status as a monument, and it was entered into the register of historical monuments in 2010. In recent years, numerous renovations have taken place, and in 2014, the church celebrated the 130th anniversary of its consecration. The church serves not only religious functions but is also an important cultural and historical element of the region.