Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican
The joy of the custodian of the sanctuary in Gietrzwałd stems from the decision announced on March 23, 2026, by Leo XIV to promulgate the decree on the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Stanisława Barbara Samulowska.
From now on, the visionary from Gietrzwałd, to whom the Mother of God appeared, is entitled to the title of Venerable Servant of God.
Another step on the path to sainthood
“This decree is another step on the path to raising our visionary to the altars,” rejoices Fr. Soboń. “From hearts filled with faith, we cry out today: Thanks be to God! We thank Him for this visible sign that the path of humility and service chosen by Barbara is a path leading to holiness,” adds the sanctuary’s custodian.
Prayers for beatification
Fr. Przemysław Soboń simultaneously invites the faithful to visit the sanctuary in Gietrzwałd as often as possible and to pray for the beatification of the Servant of God Stanisława Barbara Samulowska.
“May this joyful news strengthen our faith and encourage us to frequently visit Gietrzwałd, a place where heaven met earth. Let us pray that we may witness her solemn beatification as soon as possible,” says the custodian.
Currently, a miracle approved by the Church through the intercession of the Servant of God is needed.
The only recognized Marian apparitions in Poland
The apparitions of the Mother of God in Gietrzwałd – the only ones in Poland approved by the Church – took place from June to September 1877. The Mother of God appeared to two girls – thirteen-year-old Justyna Szafryńska and Barbara Samulowska, who was a year younger. The Mother of God commanded, among other things, the recitation of the rosary.
Both girls later joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Pope invited to celebrations in Poland
The President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda SAC, invited Pope Leo XIV to participate in the 150th anniversary celebrations of the apparitions next year, during his visit to the Vatican last year.
