In 1670, a painting of the Holy Family began to weep in a church in Kalisz—one of Poland's oldest cities, mentioned by the ancient geographer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The miraculous tears drew pilgrims, and the Sanctuary of St. Joseph that grew around the weeping image became one of the earliest and most important shrines dedicated to the foster father of Jesus in the entire Catholic world.
Today, Kalisz's Sanctuary of St. Joseph serves as Poland's national center of devotion to St. Joseph. The miraculous painting of the Holy Family—showing Joseph, Mary, and the Christ Child—hangs above the high altar, drawing pilgrims who seek the intercession of the patron of workers, fathers, families, and the dying. Pope Pius XI designated this shrine a "National Sanctuary" in 1938, and successive popes have enriched it with privileges.
For pilgrims seeking St. Joseph's intercession, Kalisz offers the rare opportunity to venerate at a shrine that predates the great Josephite devotional movement of the 19th century—a place where the foster father of Jesus has been honored continuously for over three and a half centuries.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Kalisz claims to be Poland's oldest city, its name recorded by the Greek geographer Ptolemy around 150 AD. The region was Christianized in the 10th century when Poland entered the Catholic faith under Duke Mieszko I.
The miraculous painting of the Holy Family was brought to Kalisz's Collegiate Church (now the co-cathedral) in the early 17th century. In 1670, witnesses reported that the painting wept—tears flowing from the eyes of Joseph, Mary, and the Christ Child. Bishop Adrian Gródski investigated and confirmed the miracle, sparking a devotional movement that made Kalisz a center of Holy Family piety.
The shrine's importance grew over centuries. The Jesuits assumed care of the devotion and built the present Baroque church. In 1796, during the partitions of Poland, the faithful carried the painting in procession seeking protection for their homeland. Pope Pius XI elevated the shrine to "National Sanctuary" status in 1938, and Pope Pius XII added a plenary indulgence in 1948.
Pope St. John Paul II, who had a deep devotion to St. Joseph, visited Kalisz on June 4, 1997, celebrating Mass at the shrine and entrusting Polish families to St. Joseph's protection.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Kalisz
Sanctuary of St. Joseph (Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph)
Poland's National Shrine of St. Joseph
The Baroque sanctuary houses the miraculous painting of the Holy Family above the high altar. The interior features rich decorations accumulated over centuries, including votive offerings from grateful pilgrims. The Josephite spirituality center provides resources for families and workers seeking the saint's patronage.
Collegiate Basilica of the Assumption
Kalisz's historic collegiate church
The Gothic-Baroque collegiate basilica, adjacent to the St. Joseph shrine, houses the tombs of local nobles and serves as a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Kalisz.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Solemnity of St. Joseph — March 19
The principal feast draws the largest pilgrimage of the year, with workers and fathers particularly numerous.
Feast of St. Joseph the Worker — May 1
Special observance honoring St. Joseph as patron of workers.
Feast of the Holy Family — Sunday after Christmas
Celebration of the Holy Family whose painting is venerated at the shrine.
Nine Wednesdays Devotion
A traditional novena of nine consecutive Wednesdays devoted to St. Joseph.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotel Calisia ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel in central Kalisz. Reserve this hotel
Hotel Europejski ⭐⭐⭐ — Traditional hotel near the shrine. Reserve this hotel
Dom Pielgrzyma (pilgrim accommodation) — Contact the sanctuary for pilgrim housing options.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Łódź Władysław Reymont Airport (LCJ) is 100 km northeast. Poznań Ławica Airport (POZ) is 100 km northwest.
By Train: Kalisz has a railway station with connections to Poznań, Wrocław, Łódź, and Warsaw.
By Car: From Warsaw, take the A2 motorway west to Łódź, then Route 12 southwest (approximately 280 km). From Poznań, take Route 25 south (approximately 100 km).
🔗 Useful Links
Sanctuary of St. Joseph Kalisz — Official site with pilgrimage programs and devotional resources.
Diocese of Kalisz — Diocesan information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Częstochowa (100 km southeast) — Jasna Góra monastery with the Black Madonna.
Gostyń (85 km west) — Baroque sanctuary on Holy Mountain with miraculous Marian image.
Licheń Stary (95 km north) — Poland's largest church, Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Go to Joseph." — Genesis 41:55
