Łagiewniki Revisited - Sanktuarium Bożego Miłoserdzie and Centrum Jana Pawła II in Cracow, Poland in 2014

This summer I revisited one of my favorite places - Łagiewniki's churches. I believe I already wrote about this place last summer, but there is surely some new information in this blog entry.

Take the tram #8 in the the direction of Borek Fałęcki (south of central Cracow) and get off at the stop "Sanktuarium Bożego Miłoserdzie" to reach a famous modern Catholic church in Łagiewniki. Cross over to the other side of the street and walk about 1/4 mile up the hill. You can see the church tower from the tram stop. The church follows the teachings of Sister (Saint) Faustyna, a nun who had a vision of Christ with rays of light coming out of his heart. Her message based on the vision was one of mercy and compassion towards all. The image, often referred to as "the sacred heart of Jesus", is shown in this painting of Sister Faustyna's vision. Nuns who follow sister Faustyna's teachings live and worship on the grounds of the sanktuarium.

"Jesus, I trust you."

Pope John Paul II was a fan of Sister Faustyna and supported her way of thinking. He dedicated the church (Sanktuarium) on August 17, 2002 while he was pope.

The outside of the sanktuarium consists of a main building (płace of worship) and a separate tower.

Photography is not allowed inside the church, thus no photos here. The main altar has a tree sculpture and a metal globe, containing religious vessels. The stained glass windows have modern designs in shades of blues and yellows. It has a spacious feeling inside.

You can ascend the tower by stairs or elevator (for a small monetary donation). The 360 degree view of Cracow from up top is amazing. From the tower on one side you can see Wawel castle. Here it is zoomed in (in the background).

On another side from the tower you can see the brand new (one year old) John Paul II Center, consisting of a park, church and museum so far. More construction is underway. This center is opposite the sanktuarium. Here is a picture of it zoomed in from the tower.

Here is a view from ground level of the John Paul II Center.

In the lower level of the church in the John Paul II Center is a chapel "in the round". Paintings that include Pope John Paul II encircle the back of this chapel.

Around the outer corridor of this chapel are many smaller chapels. The most ornate one (and my favorite) looks like it was taken out of the Wieliczka salt mine with its salt carvings and salt chandeliers. Here is a salt carving of "unbelieving Thomas" on the side wall.

The most unusual chapel has a sculpture of a book (the Holy bible?) open to a page where there is a drop of Pope John Paul II's blood encased in a glass circle.

The upstairs church in this building (street level) contains amazing mosaics in the front altar, side walls and small chapels surrounding the main sanctuary. Here is a view of the front and sides of the sanctuary. All if those images are mosaics.

The day we visited this sanctuary, a young Polish man was being ordained as a deacon and was soon to be sent off to serve in a church in Denver, CO. The archbishop of Denver was present and presided over the ordination mass.

Here is an example of a mosaic in a side chapel with Peter denying Christ.

Near the Sanktuarium (modern church with tower) is a small chapel dedicated to sister Faustyna. Her remains are there. No photography is allowed inside, but here is a photo of the outside. Note the international flags along the side wall. They accompany a painting with the words " Jesus I trust you"  in many languages.

A trip to Łagiewniki is always a breath of fresh air. It is a quiet place to walk and reflect. The grounds are huge, so you can get in a nice walk there. Be sure to check out the cemetery of sisters who have died there plus the 12 stations of the cross path.