The Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Zwoleń

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Catherine in Zwoleń boasts a rich history dating back to the late 14th century, when the first wooden temple was built through the foundation of Jan Cielątko. The parish was established around 1425. After the church was destroyed in 1559, a new brick structure was built between 1564 and 1595. In 1610, the Kochanowski Chapel, founded by Adam Kochanowski, was added to the church and consecrated by Bishop Walerian Lubieniecki. Two naves and a tower were added in 1927–1929 according to a design by architect Gawlik from Kraków, and the consecration took place on May 20, 1934. In 1979, the church was severely damaged in a fire, leading to its renovation between 1979 and 1983 under the direction of Father Franciszek Gronkowski. The building is oriented and constructed of red brick. An interesting fact is that in 1984, during the 400th anniversary of the death of Jan Kochanowski, a solemn re-burial of the poet took place, presided over by Cardinal Franciszek Macharski. The church is located on the southern loop of the Perły Mazowsza (Pearls of Mazovia) trail and near the R–35n cycling route. The parish includes believers from numerous towns and streets in Zwoleń, and the parish itself belongs to the Zwoleń deanery in the Radom diocese. The parish community is actively involved, forming various groups such as LSO (Liturgical Service), KŻR (Catholic Family Renewal Movement), AK (Armia Krajowa – though likely a different group in this context), RRN (Rosary Renewal Network), ZHR (Scouting Association of the Republic), and Oaza (Oasis Movement), indicating the residents' engagement in the religious and social life of the town.