St. Mary’s Church in Lublin celebrates 100 years on Sept. 14

This year marks the centennial year for the parish of St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin. The first services for the fledgling church were held in private homes. Construction of a church building was completed in 1927. A rectory and cemetery were soon added. That original church building was completely destroyed by fire on December 19, 1956. Parishioners set out to build a new brick church almost immediately. The structure was completed in 1957 and serves the parish today.

The St. Mary's parish in Lublin is a member of the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC). Founded in 1897, the PNCC is a Christian denomination that emerged from disagreements within the Roman Catholic Church. Both the Roman Catholic Church and the PNCC believe in the seven sacraments, believe that the Eucharist is the true body and blood of Christ, and believe in the importance of Apostolic Succession, which is the unbroken line of bishops tracing back to the apostles. The PNCC differs from the Roman Catholic Church in several ways. The PNCC does not recognize the authority of the Pope and rejects Papal infallibility. The PNCC celebrates mass in the language of its congregations and administers communion under both forms (bread and wine). The PNCC allows their priests and bishops to marry.

The parishioners of St. Mary's PNCC would like to invite everyone to come help celebrate our centennial. Festivities will be held at the St. Mary's Church in Lublin on Sunday, September 14.

Polka mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. The mass will be followed by the parish's annual ethnic dinner from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. The meal will include golabki (cabbage rolls), kielbasa (polish sausage), Kapusta (sauerkraut), boiled red potatoes, and all the trimmings. All are welcome.