The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, also known as the 'American Czestochowa', is one of the most important religious sites of the Polish diaspora in the United States. Situated in picturesque Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Shrine is not only a religious symbol, but also a cultural and social centre for Poles living in the USA. Managed by the Pauline Order, it has attracted pilgrims from all over the world for years.

History of its origin

The history of the Sanctuary dates back to 1953, when Father Michał Zembrzuski, a Polish monk of the Pauline Order settled in the United States, decided to establish a place of worship in honour of Our Lady of Czestochowa. His inspiration was the desire to create a spiritual home for the Polish community, which began to emigrate to the USA in large numbers after the Second World War. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of Polish immigrants, in 1955 it was possible to purchase a site of over 40 hectares on which to build the Sanctuary. The project for the church was conceived in 1964, with implementation taking place in 1965-67.

The first Sanctuary church was consecrated in 1966, during the celebration of the millennium of the Baptism of Poland, which gave it special historical significance. The sanctuary quickly became a place of pilgrimage, attracting not only Poles living in the USA, but also believers from Canada, Latin America and Europe.

Architecture and symbolism

The Sanctuary's main church is an expression of contemporary sacred architecture, but the interior is dominated by elements reminiscent of Polish tradition. A replica of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, a symbol of the spiritual patronage of the Polish community, is located in the central area.

The church has a spacious interior with tall stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, Polish saints and important events from Polish history, such as the Battle of Grunwald and the Miracle on the Vistula. In addition, the Sanctuary has many chapels dedicated to various saints and martyrs, including the chapel of St John Paul II, which emphasises its importance to Poles abroad.

It is a three-nave, two-level sanctuary built on a trapezoidal plan, preceded by a system of ramps and stairs. The nave section has a steel structure, while the chancel has a reinforced concrete structure. The façades are dismembered with panels of precast reinforced concrete, alternating with stained glass walls. Next to the façade is a free-standing reinforced concrete tower. The total length of the church is 66 metres and the height is 21 metres.

An important element of the church is the Dome of the Holy Trinity, considered the 'jewel in the crown' of the basilica, as it was the last element to close the building - to the extent that it conformed to the original architectural and iconographic plans. The ring of the dome is surrounded by the Nicene Creed.

A significant object is the bas-relief 'Universal Call to Holiness' recognised as one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world - it is approximately 240 square metres in size and weighs more than 37 tonnes. The inspiration for the bas-relief comes from the dogmatic constitution 'Lumen Gentium' (1964).

Significance for the Polish American community

The Doylestown Shrine plays an important role in the religious and social life of Poles in the USA. Every year, thousands of the faithful come here for major celebrations such as the indulgence of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the celebration of the National Independence Day and the Polish Army Day. The sanctuary also functions as a cultural centre, hosting concerts, exhibitions and seminars on Polish history and culture.

A special event is the annual Men's Pilgrimage, which gathers thousands of participants, as well as the Family Pilgrimage, which is an opportunity for spiritual strengthening and integration of the Polish community. The Shrine is also home to numerous Polish organisations that support educational, charitable and cultural activities.

In 2015, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Sanctuary, a festive celebration was organised which was attended not only by representatives of the Catholic Church, but also by politicians, diplomats and representatives of the Polish community from all over the world. The Sanctuary became a symbol of the unity of Poles dispersed across the globe and of their spiritual bond with their homeland.

The present and the future of the Sanctuary

Today, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown is constantly evolving. In 2016, a new chapel was consecrated, dedicated to the memory of the Poles who died in the Smolensk disaster in 2010. The Sanctuary also features Stations of the Cross, a memorial park and a cemetery where many prominent representatives of the Polish community are buried.