SAINT MARY MAGDALENE – PATRON SAINT OF THE TOWN OF RABKA-ZDRÓJ
470 years of history, faith and tradition. One patron saint who has united generations for centuries.
With the approaching 470th anniversary of the founding of St Mary Magdalene Parish in Rabka-Zdrój (1557–2027), an initiative has been launched to designate St Mary Magdalene as the patron saint of the town of Rabka-Zdrój. To this end, a petition addressed to the Rabka-Zdrój Town Council has been prepared, which residents and all those supporting this initiative will be able to sign.
This undertaking is rooted in our town’s centuries-old history, its Christian roots and the deep attachment of successive generations of residents to the patron saint of Rabka’s oldest parish.
A PATRON SAINT PRESENT IN RABKA’S HISTORY FOR NEARLY FIVE CENTURIES
The history of Rabka and that of St Mary Magdalene Parish have been inseparably linked for centuries. Since 1557, when the parish was founded, its patron saint has accompanied the spiritual life of its residents, becoming part of local tradition, culture and identity.
Over nearly 470 years, generations, national borders, political systems and the face of Rabka itself have changed. Over time, the small settlement became a renowned spa resort and town, yet its dedication to St Mary Magdalene survived every historical transformation.
In the shadow of the parish church, the faith of successive generations was born and matured. Here, residents were baptised, married, took part in the most important celebrations and bade farewell to their loved ones. The church was not only a place of prayer, but also a witness to the town’s history, its joys, experiences and difficult times.
Saint Mary Magdalene is therefore not a figure associated with Rabka-Zdrój by chance. For nearly five centuries, she has remained present in its history as the patron saint of the parish around which the religious and social life of its residents has developed over the centuries.
SAINT MARY MAGDALENE – APOSTLE TO THE APOSTLES
Saint Mary Magdalene holds a special place in the history of Christianity. She was among the most faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, remained by His side during His Passion and death, and on Easter morning was the first to encounter the Risen Lord and bring the Apostles the joyful news of His victory over death.
For this reason, the Church bestowed upon her the honorary title of “Apostle to the Apostles”.
Her life bears witness to faithfulness, courage, hope and a love that does not yield even in the face of the greatest adversity. These are timeless values that for centuries have formed the foundation of life for many families and entire communities.
Designating St Mary Magdalene as the town’s patron saint would be a special affirmation of these values, as well as an expression of respect for Rabka-Zdrój’s centuries-old heritage.
1557–2027 | THE PARISH’S 470TH ANNIVERSARY
The year 2027 will go down in our community’s history as a special time. We will then thank God for 470 years of St Mary Magdalene Parish, for the generations of priests and faithful who built its spiritual and material heritage, and for all those who, over the centuries, helped shape our town’s history.
The approaching anniversary offers an excellent opportunity to recall how deeply the history of Rabka-Zdrój is connected with its oldest parish and its patron saint.
The proposal to designate St Mary Magdalene as the town’s patron saint represents a symbolic culmination of this centuries-old bond. It would be a gesture of gratitude to past generations and, at the same time, a sign of passing on their heritage to those who will shape Rabka-Zdrój’s future.
This is not merely about bestowing a title, but about preserving memory, honouring history and emphasising the identity of a place that has been associated with the name of St Mary Magdalene for nearly five centuries.
PETITION TO THE RABKA-ZDRÓJ TOWN COUNCIL
As part of this initiative, a petition has been prepared to designate St Mary Magdalene as the patron saint of the town of Rabka-Zdrój.
The collected signatures will be attached to the document, which will then be submitted to the Rabka-Zdrój Town Council for consideration.
SIGNATURE COLLECTION – 8 NOVEMBER 2026
Signatures will be collected on Sunday, 8 November, at three churches in Rabka-Zdrój:
St Mary Magdalene Church – 8 Orkana Street
St Thérèse of the Child Jesus Church – 9 Parkowa Street
Our Lady of Częstochowa Church – 148A Zaryte Street
Signing the petition will be an expression of support for this initiative. Once the collection has ended, we will announce the number of signatures gathered and the next steps in the process.
OUR HISTORY. OUR HERITAGE. OUR PATRON SAINT.
For nearly five centuries, St Mary Magdalene has been the patron saint of the parish that has accompanied the people of Rabka through the most important moments of their lives. Today, on the threshold of this great anniversary, there is an opportunity for this historic bond to find expression in her patronage over the entire town.
May the memory of our ancestors, their faith, work and attachment to their homeland remain alive, and may the heritage they passed on to us be cherished by future generations.
Saint Mary Magdalene, patron saint of our parish – pray for us!