Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Porąbka Uszewska
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Porąbka Uszewska - not everyone can afford a trip to France, to the real Lourdes. Either they lack funds, or health and obligations prevent them. Therefore, many places (including Poland) are establishing Lourdes-like sanctuaries, built in the image of the original. One of them is located in Porąbka Uszewska.
This small village in the Dębno municipality (Brzesko county) is somewhat off the beaten path, away from the main routes. For this reason, or perhaps because of it, it is a place that is, on one hand, beautiful and worth recommending, and on the other hand, very peaceful, not overrun by crowds, unlike other more popular centers of religious worship. To get here, you need to turn off the DK94 route between Brzesko and Tarnów, near Dębno.
The beginnings of the Sanctuary date back to 1900 when Father Jan Palka, serving in the local parish of St. Andrew, decided to create an imitation of one of the most famous Marian sanctuaries in the world. A large grotto similar to the original at Massabielle rock was built on Godów Hill. Inside this grotto, there is an altar, a pulpit, a bas-relief depicting Bernadette (the girl to whom Mary appeared in Lourdes). There is also a sacristy and a chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. The statue of Our Lady was crafted by the Kraków artist Józef Kulesza.
In the Sanctuary square, near the grotto, rosary chapels were built in the 1990s. Two statues were also erected – one of Our Lady and one of Saint Maximilian Kolbe.
The most people come to Porąbka Uszewska for the feasts, especially on 11 February. Pilgrims who would like to stay longer can take advantage of the nearby accommodation and catering facilities.
Author of the text - Renata Gontarz
Photo author - Zbigniew Gontarz
