The first shrine in Poland – A monument to the martyrdom of Poles in the East
The sanctuary, which is found in the Bedzin parish of the Visitation of the Blessed Virin Mary, was consecrated in 2000 by the bishop of the Diocese of Sosnowiec. Since the founding of the parish in the district of Syberka (the name probably derived from the meeting place of people sent to Siberia in the 19th century), a two storey church was planned to commemorate Golgotha of the East. Its construction was finally started, after much effort, in 1989. The designer of the temple and its interior was Richard Kumor and most of the decorative work was carried out by Romuald Korus.
At the entrance to the temple, built into the foundations, is a cross with the image of Our Lady of Katyn and inscribed with the locations of massacre sites. Parisoners pray before this cross during major religious and public holidays.
Inside is a giant 11m high cross with a 3m high image of Christ which leans into the congregation. On the arms of the cross are two large bas-reliefs, one is the reproduction of the drawing „Visions of Hard Labour” by Artur Grottger, the other represents the patron saints of the Diocese of Sosnowiec – Father Albert and Raphael Kalinowski.
Sanctuary of the Polish Golgotha of the East – Bedzin (woj. Slaskie) www.sanktuarium.bedzin.pl