St. Elizabeth's Church in Warsaw

The Image of Our Lady of Longing, also known as Our Lady of Powsin, is located in the main altar of St. Elizabeth's Church in Powsin, where veneration of this image has been present for over 300 years. Painted in oil on canvas and dated to the first half of the 17th century, the image exhibits features of the 17th-century Italian school, and its author remains unknown. Mary is depicted in a prayerful gesture, with her face turned upward. As early as 1675, Bishop Stanisław Święcicki recognized the image as miraculous, and since then, testimonies of devotion and votive offerings attest to its impact on the community of the faithful. Over the centuries, the image has been held in special reverence, particularly during World War II, when its protective power was widely believed in. In 1975, the painting underwent a thorough restoration, and for the first time, it is unveiled only on designated days, being covered by an image of the Holy Trinity at other times. The history of the church in Powsin dates back to the 14th century when, in 1398, Elżbieta Ciołkowa founded a wooden church dedicated to St. Andrew and St. Elizabeth. In 1410, the Bishop of Poznań separated the surrounding villages from the Wilanów parish, establishing a new parish for the residents of Powsin. The church was destroyed twice, and its reconstruction in the 18th century was made possible through the foundation of Elżbieta Sieniawska née Lubomirska. The new structure, designed by architect Józef Fontana, forms the core of the present-day church. In the 19th century, the church was expanded and remodeled to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. Another reconstruction took place in 1921, giving the church its final appearance by extending the naves and constructing a free-standing bell tower. In terms of culture, the church and its image of Mary play a key role in the spiritual and social life of the local community, and its history is rich and filled with moving moments.