The Marian Sanctuary in Różanystok is a Marian shrine operated by the Salesians in the village of Różanystok, located in a church modeled after the Jesuit church in Grodno.
Architecture The church has a three-nave layout and is built on the plan of a Latin cross. The presbytery faces south. The entire structure is Baroque in style, while the interior decoration and altars feature Rococo ornamental motifs.
History The sanctuary's history begins with a painting made in Grodno in 1652 by Jan Szretter, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. The painting was acquired by landowner Szczęsny Tyszkiewicz of the Leliwa coat of arms and his wife Eufrozyna. It was placed in their bedroom, where the household would gather for prayer.
On November 21, 1658, during the Feast of the Presentation of Mary, extraordinary phenomena began: an oil lamp lighting by itself, dry wreaths blooming, and an unusual rose scent. Angelic singing and music were reportedly heard.
Due to the growing number of pilgrims, the image was transferred to a wooden church around 1660/1661. On November 21, 1662, during the Presentation feast, priest Wojsznarowicz consecrated the painting under the orders of Vilnius bishop Jerzy Białłozor. That year, a special commission was appointed to verify the miracles associated with the image, recognizing over 30 as genuine.
In 1663, the image was entrusted to the Dominicans from Sejny. Around that time, the village was renamed to Różanystok.
Timeline 1667 – Fr. Gabriel Jurkowski publishes a book on the miraculous painting 18th c. – The cult of the image spreads further through Dominican missions in Lithuania, Ruthenia, and the Crown 1759 – Construction of the new brick church begins 1785 – The new church is consecrated by Vilnius auxiliary bishop Tomasz Ignacy Zienkowicz 1794 – The monastery is completed; painter Antoni Gruszecki contributes artwork 1795 – Różanystok becomes part of the Prussian Partition 1807 – Incorporated into the Russian Partition after the Treaty of Tilsit 1811 – Archbishop Stanisław Bohusz Siestrzeńcewicz creates a parish, entrusted to the Dominicans 1846 – The Dominican monastery is suppressed by decree of Tsar Nicholas I 1861 – Patriotic-religious manifestation by locals 1866 – The church is closed by order of Tsar Alexander II and converted into an Orthodox church where Herman Tymiński served as a priest 1901 – Orthodox nuns from Grodno settle in the former monastery; they build the winter church of St. Sergius of Radonezh 1915 – The nuns flee to Russia with the miraculous icon; the site becomes a military barracks 1918 – The church is returned to Catholic clergy 1918 – Parish restored by Bishop Jerzy Matulewicz; Fr. Witold Sarosiek becomes the new pastor 1919 – Salesians arrive and start educational work 1922 – Salesian Sisters arrive from Italy 1923 – Apostolic Nuncio Lorenzo Lauri and his secretary (future Pope Paul VI) visit the sanctuary 1925 – Installation of 32-register pipe organ by Wacław Biernacki 1929 – A new painting of the Virgin is installed and blessed by Pope Pius XI 1929 – Visit by Cardinal August Hlond, Polish primate and Salesian, to lead the first investitures of Salesian Sisters in Poland 1939 – WWII interrupts activities; some buildings destroyed 1945 – The high school resumes operations 1949 – Establishment of a minor seminary for local dioceses 1954 – Communist authorities close the school and monastery; Salesians remain for pastoral duties only 1958/59 – Celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Marian cult 1959 – New vestments for the icon blessed by Archbishop Antoni Baraniak 1978 – Preparations for the coronation of the icon 1981 – Coronation ceremony led by Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, with Bishop Edward Kisiel and 250,000 faithful attending 1987 – The church is designated a Minor basilica 2000 – The sanctuary is designated a Jubilee indulgence site 2000 – Inauguration of the Salesian Youth House and Dormitory 2004 – Papal gifts presented to the Salesian community in the Apostolic Palace 2021 – New vestments for the icon of Our Lady of Różanostok
References
Bibliography
External links Official website of the Marian Sanctuary in Różanystok