The Parish of the Most Holy Sacrament in Łowicz

The Parish of the Most Holy Sacrament in Łowicz is a Mariavite parish of the Silesian-Łódź Diocese, known for its rich history and traditions. The parish church, located at 3 Henryk Sienkiewicz Avenue, is the largest Mariavite temple in the world and the tallest church in Łowicz. Constructed between 1904 and 1910, the building is characterized by its Neo-Gothic style and was designed on the plan of a Latin cross, with a clearly distinct main nave. Its furnishings include a modest altar with the Crucified Jesus and a statue of the Virgin Mary in front of the church, which commemorates the episcopal consecration in 1910. The history of the parish is closely tied to the activities of Father Stanisław Siedlecki, who initiated various social, educational, and pastoral initiatives, including establishing shelters for children and developing religious life within the community. The largest number of faithful was recorded before World War I, when 4,000 people joined the Union of Mariavites. After the schism in 1935, which resulted from internal tensions within the Mariavite Church, the number of parishioners significantly decreased, and some parish institutions were dissolved. During the interwar period, the parish faced difficult circumstances, and Father Siedlecki confronted numerous accusations and persecutions. Despite these challenges, the parish survived and continues to hold regular services to this day, strengthening the community and its traditions. The parish also maintains local Mariavite cemeteries in Łowicz, Arkadia, and Zduny. It is worth noting that in 2002, the church was entered into the register of historical monuments, highlighting its cultural and historical significance for the region. Currently, under the leadership of Bishop Michał Maria Ludwik Jabłoński, the parish continues its religious activities and works to integrate the local community.