Obchody Millennium Chrztu Polski w 1966 r. w Bydgoszczy

Abstract

The principal celebrations of the 1000th anniversary of Christianity in Poland took place in the Archdiocese of Gniezno and several major towns located in the area including Bydgoszcz. Situated within the archdiocese, the city ranked among the largest ones then at that time was larger than Gniezno itself. Following the spectacular millennium celebration in Gniezno, festivals were held in all parishes of the archdiocese. Bydgoszcz stood out for its size and number of parishes within the city; therefore, it was distinguished with the participation of almost all members of the contemporary episcopate headed by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, Primate of Poland, himself. Furthermore, the celebration events included the crowning of a painting of the Madonna entitled the Holy Virgin of Beautiful Love, located in the main altarpiece, which was the object of worship of numerous faithful residents of Bydgoszcz. The Gothic church itself stands in the city centre just a few steps away from the Old Market Square. Since the Diocese of Bydgoszcz was established, the church has housed the cathedral of the Bishop of Bydgoszcz.