The Parish of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cieszacin Wielki

The Parish of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cieszacin Wielki, established on December 8, 1999, belongs to the Archdiocese of Przemyśl and the Deanery of Przeworsk II, and is administered by diocesan priests. Its history dates back to the beginning of the 15th century, when the villages of Cieszacin Wielki and Cieszacin Mały were part of the parish in Zarzecze. After World War II, the local community began efforts to gain independence, which led to the establishment of a rectorate in 1997 and its transformation into a parish two years later. The first liturgies were held on the manor porch, and from 1944 in a temporary chapel in the Village Hall. In 1948, the first wooden church, built in the Zakopane style, was consecrated and served the community until 2007. The new church, designed by architect Edward Makowski, began construction in 1996 with the blessing of the construction site by Archbishop Józef Michalik. The new church was consecrated on December 16, 2007, by Archbishop Józef Michalik. The parish is also culturally significant, hosting numerous events such as Holy Missions and various acts of devotion. In 1973, the locals built a rectory without official permits, and in 1974, a cemetery was established. An interesting fact is that in 1985, a bell weighing 1000 kg, dedicated to Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, was consecrated, making it one of the first of its kind in Poland. In 2023, the parish has 1160 faithful, and its current pastor is Father Tomasz Ruchała.