St. Joseph's Parish in Toruń

The Parish of St. Joseph in Toruń, established on November 29, 1950, is one of the most significant Roman Catholic communities in the Diocese of Toruń. Its origins date back to the arrival of the Redemptorists in Stawki in 1921. The religious order established a monastic house and a juvenate there, and in 1924, they acquired approximately 5 hectares of land in Bielany, where they began constructing a temporary monastery. In 1927, a provisional chapel was consecrated, and services were held there as the construction of the church had been halted due to a lack of funds. The parish became the first in Poland to be administered by the Redemptorists, with Father Kazimierz Hołda serving as its first parish priest. Due to the growing number of faithful, a decision was made in 1957 to build a new church. Construction began in 1958 on the site of the destroyed chapel. The cornerstone was blessed by Bishop Kazimierz Kowalski in June 1959, and the church itself was put into use on December 25, 1963, with its consecration taking place six months earlier. Built in a modernist style, the church is an important landmark on Toruń's cultural map, engaging in pastoral, educational, and social activities. The parish not only nurtures religious traditions but also organizes various cultural events. An interesting aspect of the parish's history is that its establishment coincided with a period of dynamic socio-political changes in Poland, making it a unique example of the development of a Catholic community during challenging times. The parish area encompasses numerous streets, which form an integral part of this local community.