A Marian sanctuary in Gietrzwald – often called the “Polish Lourdes” – could soon draw global attention, as Pope Leo XIV has been invited to visit the site where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared about 160 times.
As the church enters May, the Marian month, preparations are underway for the 150th anniversary of the 1877 apparitions. Polish bishops and President Karol Nawrocki have extended the papal invitation, raising hopes of a major pilgrimage moment.
The apparitions, experienced by two young girls, are among the most intense in church history – and Poland’s only Vatican-recognised Marian apparition site. Unlike Lourdes or Fatima, they included extended conversations with Mary.
“That’s a unique aspect,” filmmaker Jan Sobierajski said. The message from Mary centred on prayer and conversion: “Pray the rosary every day,” Sister Anna Wojciechowska said, adding Mary’s assurance: “Do not be afraid, for I will always be with you.”
The story of Gietrzwald is inseparable from the two young visionaries at its centre: Barbara Samulowska and Justyna Szafrynska. Both were children – Samulowska was just 12 years old – when they reported seeing the Virgin Mary.
In March, the church recognised the heroic virtues of Sister Barbara, granting her the title venerable and advancing her sainthood cause.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://catholicweekly.com.au/virgin-mary-poland-apparition/&media=https://catholicweekly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260504T1011-MARIAN-APPARITION-UNKNOWN-SITE-1819302-e1777938856461.jpg&description=A Marian sanctuary in Gietrzwald – often called the "Polish Lourdes" – could soon draw global attention, as Pope Leo XIV has been invited to visit the site where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared about 160 times.){kind=link}