Greenpoint, Brooklyn | 2026
St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Parish in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2026, honoring generations of parishioners whose faith, generosity, and dedication made the parish a cornerstone of Polish American life.
Founded in 1896 through the efforts of Father Leon Wysiecki and a growing Polish immigrant community, the parish provided a spiritual home for families who worked to preserve their Catholic faith and Polish traditions in a new country. Its landmark Gothic-style church was dedicated in November 1904. Over the decades, the parish has served as a center of worship, education, cultural identity, and community solidarity.
The anniversary year included a visit to the church by Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland, accompanied by Agnieszka Jędrzak, a representative of the President’s office responsible for matters concerning Polonia. A separate jubilee banquet brought together hundreds of parishioners, invited dignitaries, and community guests in celebration of the parish’s remarkable history.
The Polish American Congress, New York Downstate Division, supported the anniversary celebrations and actively participated in the observances. The Division also extended its formal congratulations to the parish, recognizing its 130 years of devoted service to the Polish American community and its important role in maintaining the bonds between Poland and Americans of Polish descent.
The parish’s history includes a memorable visit on September 29, 1969, by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, the future Pope John Paul II, and its participation in celebrations marking the millennium of Poland’s Christianity in 1966. The 2026 jubilee also recalled the 300th anniversary of the canonization of its patron, St. Stanislaus Kostka.
As the parish enters its next chapter, the Polish American Congress, New York Downstate Division, congratulates its clergy and parishioners and expresses its appreciation for their continued stewardship of faith, heritage, and community in Greenpoint and beyond.
