St. Louis Parish in Blizyn

The Parish of Saint Louis in Bliżyn, belonging to the Skarżysko Deanery of the Radom Diocese, boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century. In 1815, the manorial chapel dedicated to St. Rosalia and St. Sophia burned down, and a new chapel, funded by Ludwika née Rostworowska Potkańska, was built between 1818 and 1820. It served as the parish church until 1887. The Bliżyn filial parish was established on August 23, 1888, by Bishop Antoni Ksawery Sotkiewicz and gained the rights of an independent parish after World War I. Construction of the present church of St. Louis began in 1817 but was halted due to fears of dividing the Odrowąż parish. It was only between 1896 and 1900, thanks to the efforts of Father Julian Piątek and the support of the local community and Count Ludwik Broel-Plater, that the building was completed according to the design of architects Antoni Hutten-Czapski and Aleksander Knabe. Consecrated in 1900, the church is oriented, features Gothic-style elements, is built of stone ashlars, and has three naves. The parish territory includes numerous localities, such as Bliżyn, Brzeście, Bugaj, and others, underscoring its importance in the local community. The parish not only fulfills religious functions but also plays a significant role in the cultural life of the region. An interesting fact is that the construction of the church was halted in the 19th century due to concerns among local parish priests, highlighting tensions within the community at that time. With its rich architectural and cultural history, the modern parish remains a vital part of the local heritage.