Thousands of pilgrims come to the grave of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko (1947 – 1984), priest and martyr. Lost in thought, absorbed in prayer, they make their way along his paths, look at the windows of his flat.
Prayer not infrequently changes their lives. They testify that they have experienced the strengthening of God’s grace, relief in spiritual or physical suffering when coming to this special place. Some of the pilgrims received the sacrament of confession for the first time in a number of years.

There are two exceptional days each year. On the 19th of October, the feast of Blessed Father Jerzy and his death anniversary, and on the 23rd of April, his name day there are enormous crowds of pilgrims visiting the grave.

Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko’s ministry and martyrdom are the leaven of good in an individual, family, social, professional and national dimension. The more time passes from his death, the more evident it becomes that he was no social or political activist, as some like to present him today, but a priest truly faithful to the Holy Gospel. Through his life he showed how to serve God, Homeland and Man. This aspect of his life is the most valuable testimony for us. St. Paul expressed it in the best way by saying ”Overcome evil with good”. This quotation became Father Jerzy’s slogan and key message conveyed through his sermons and activities.

The parish church of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Żoliborz, a northern district of Warsaw, in which Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko served in the last years of his life, intends to preserve this message.

On the 19th of October 2010, during the solemn Holy Mass celebrated on the occasion of the first feast of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, priest and martyr, the Archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz established the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in the parish church of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Warsaw.

Every day people pray in front of Father Jerzy’s grave. They lay flowers and light candles. Some of them give their testimonies about the graces granted through the intercession of Blessed Father Jerzy.

We cordially invite and welcome all Pilgrims coming to St. Stanislaus Kostka’s Church – to the Sanctuary of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko!