SZEBNIE - Church of St. Martin
The charming church that we are presenting here was erected in 1605, however, this is not the first church in this parish. The history of evangelisation started in this place three centuries earlier. The first Christian church in Szebnie was built in 1326, but it did not last until our time, just like its four successors. They were destroyed by fire.
CHURCH
IN SZEBNIE
The first mention of this village comes from the 12th century. The documents prepared by Gilo of Toucy, a papal legate, indicate that Szebnie was a part of the Benedictine monastery in Tyniec. The papal clerk was staying at that time in Cracow and worked with the consent of King Bolesław the Wry-mouthed.
The charming church that we are presenting here was erected in 1605, however, this is not the first church in this parish. The history of evangelisation started in this place three centuries earlier. The first Christian church in Szebnie was built in 1326, but it did not last until our time, just like its four successors. They were destroyed by fire.
These territories saw many armed conflicts that ravaged the region. The village itself was destroyed in the 17th century by consecutive invasions of the Tatars, the Swedes and the Hungarians. In consequence, the church from 1605 was damaged but it had more luck than the previous structures.
The structure was renewed in 1759 and its thorough renovation 35 years later was funded by wealthy owners of the Szebnie village. At that time, a brass chandelier, that we can admire today, was installed in the church. Also, the church was fitted with the painting of St. Teresa, whereas the second bell was purchased in 1820. The parish was consecrated in 1855 by Franciszek Wierzchlejski, the bishop of Przemyśl himself.
The brick bell tower located next to the church was built at the end of the 19th century, as the old one was about to collapse. At the same time, the whole church underwent a major renovation, which affected the shape of its entire structure. The nave was elongated, extensions were added on the sides as well as a presbytery.
New polychromies inside were executed by Jan Wodyński in 1943. Two years later the church was again severely affected by the operations on the World War II front. Then again, thanks to the involvement of priests and the faithful, this sacred place of worship was saved. The roof and the altars were repaired and, in 1957, a new polychromy was executed by Stanisław Szmuc. The last refurbishment of the church was carried out in the years 2012-2013.
When visiting the church, it is worth paying attention to beautiful stained-glass windows depicting important figures from the history of the Church. Among them, you can find Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, St. Faustina, St. Francis, St. Klara, St. Thomas, St. Peter, St. Paul or St. Bartholomew. Finally, there is also a stained-glass window dedicated to St. John Paul II.
Sources:
SZEBNIE | Church of St. Martin
COFUNDED BY THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE
ORIGINATING FROM CULTURE PROMOTION FUND