In 1950, the Pallottines (Fathers of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate) came to Zakopane-Krzeptówki. The pastoral work, in which they soon engaged, focused on the promotion of the message of Fatima.
On October 11, 1959, His Excellency Archbishop Eugeniusz Baziak consecrated the Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
On October 11, 1961, the then Bishop of Cracow, Father Karol Wojtyła, arrived at Krzeptówki and blessed the statue of Our Lady of Fatima – a precious gift from the Primate of the Millennium, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, who had obtained it from the Bishop of Leiria (Portugal) through diplomatic channels.
From this historic event on, the Pallottine Fathers from Krzeptówki were organizing the so-called “family rosary retreats”, which accompanied the peregrination of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. This innovative retreat work was carried out until 1981, reaching even the most remote corners of Poland. The initiator of this pastoral action was Father Stanisław Czapla S.A.C., the then rector of the Pallottine Community in Krzeptówki.
For religious purposes and to accommodate Fatima services held here, a “Fatima park” was created next to the chapel. This space allowed for the organisation of services, concerts, poetry events, public readings and youth meetings. Since the imposition of the martial law, it became a place of massive demonstrations in support of Zakopane Solidarity, which was born in Krzeptówki. The pastoral and training work of Zakopane Solidarity in Krzeptówki continued until 1991, and was presided by Father Mirosław Drozdek, S.A.C., Solidarity’s chaplain, and Father Franciszek Mąkinia, S.A.C., the then rector of the Pallottine Community in Zakopane-Krzeptówki.
Under the “martial law” (1981-1983) Lech Wałęsa came to Krzeptówki three times seeking rest and refuge, accompanied by his family and companions. During this period, all major patriotic ceremonies for Solidarity members and the inhabitants of Zakopane, as well as tourists arriving in large numbers, took place in Krzeptówki.
In 1976, a Pastoral Center was created at the premises to satisfy the needs of the local faithful and the pilgrims arriving at the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima.
On November 16, 1983, by the decision of the Metropolitan Curia of Cracow, the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was founded. Father Mirosław Drozdek, S.A.C., was appointed the first pastor.
In June 1987, the terrain chosen for the construction of a new church was consecrated: “a votive offering for the miracle of saving the Holy Father’s life on May 13, 1981“. The idea, along with a model of the future church, was presented to the Holy Father on March 7, 1987, during a private audience.
To learn more about the Society of the Catholic Apostolate – the Pallottine Fathers – visit http://www.pallotyni.pl/(website available only in Polish).