The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Florian in Wąchock

The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Florian in Wąchock is a Roman Catholic community associated with a Cistercian monastery, located in the northern part of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. Its history dates back to 1179, when Bishop Gedko founded a Cistercian abbey in the valley of the Kamienna River. In the 13th century, at the behest of Bishop Iwo Odrowąż, the construction of a three-nave basilica and monastery began; to this day, elements of Romanesque architecture have been preserved, such as the armarium, chapter house, fratery, dormitory, and refectory. In 1260, after destruction caused by the Tatar invasion, the monastery was restored thanks to privileges granted by Prince Bolesław V the Chaste, which allowed the Cistercians to regain their former glory. In 1454, Wąchock obtained town rights, and the Cistercians significantly contributed to the development of the local economy through animal husbandry, milling, weaving, and mining. In 1656, the town was ravaged by the troops of George II Rákóczi, leading to the destruction of many valuable monastic resources. The 18th century brought renovations to the interior of the church and new polychrome paintings, while the monastery was governed by commendatory abbots. The 19th century saw the decline of the Cistercian order in Poland due to its dissolution by Tsar Alexander I, and in 1819, the order in Wąchock was disbanded. The Cistercians returned to Wąchock only in 1951, undertaking efforts to restore the historic site. The parish includes localities such as Marcinków, Rataje, Wąchock, Węglów, and Wielka Wieś. It hosts the Neocatechumenate, Caritas, and the Parish Choir. The current parish priest is Fr. Zachariasz Mikrut O.Cist, and the resident abbot is Fr. Eustachy Kocik O.Cist. The parish is not only a place of religious practice but also an important cultural and historical site, with a rich architectural heritage and tradition that attracts both the faithful and tourists.