Collegiate Church of St. Anthony in Sokółka (Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle)

The Collegiate Church of St. Anthony in Sokółka (so-KOOL-ka), also known as the Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle, is a neoclassical church with two towers and a gate-style bell tower. Pilgrims have come here from all over Poland since 2008. It stands in the center of Sokółka in the Podlasie region near the Belarus border, and it is both a historic monument and a working place of worship, so please visit respectfully. If you are looking for things to do in Sokółka, this is the main sight.

Where it is and how to get here

Sokółka is in northeastern Poland, in Podlaskie. Białystok is the nearest large city. A car is the easiest option, though buses and trains from Białystok may run; check timetables. We could not find official parking information. The currency is the Polish zloty (PLN).

History

The church was built between 1840 and 1848 in the classicist style, from brick, on the initiative of Dean Józef Kryszczun. Bishop Wacław Żyliński of Vilnius consecrated it on June 9, 1850. In 1901-1904 Dean Anzelm Noniewicz enlarged it with two aisles, side chapels, a sacristy behind the main altar and auxiliary rooms. It is on the register of monuments under no. A-7 (1999).

It has been the seat of the Sokółka Collegiate Chapter since April 9, 2009, and a shrine since March 25, 2017.

The 2008 Eucharistic event

On October 12, 2008, a host fell to the floor during Communion. It was placed in a vessel with water and locked in the sacristy safe. A reddish stain later appeared on it, and on October 30 the host was placed on a corporal. Tests carried out by pathologists from the Medical University of Białystok were disputed by other experts, and a diocesan commission examined the case separately. The Church has not officially declared the event a miracle, and clergy have urged restraint in personal judgments and encouraged prayer. Since October 2, 2011 the Eucharist has been displayed in a reliquary. According to one source, visitors can see it in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary.

What to see

• The twin-tower facade and the bell tower that doubles as a gate.
• The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary with the reliquary.
• The grounds around the church, with paths and greenery leading to the entrance.
• The enlarged interior with side aisles added in the early 20th century.

How long to plan and who it suits

Allow 45-60 minutes. Pilgrim visits are often longer and tied to a Mass. One source says the site receives about a thousand organized groups a year, so it can be busy. It suits pilgrims, architecture fans and anyone traveling the Tatar Trail, as Bohoniki and Kruszyniany are nearby. Stairs lead to the entrance, so wheelchair users should ask the parish about access.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

We could not find current opening hours or Mass times from an official source. Entry to the church is free. Ask the parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Sokółka or check the Archdiocese of Białystok. Keep quiet, dress modestly and do not photograph during services. Signs and services are mostly in Polish.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, as a quiet stop with a notable church and a story that draws pilgrims from across Poland, and as part of a day exploring northeastern Poland. Visit with respect and keep your expectations aligned with the Church's position on the 2008 event.

Nearby

The mizar and mosque in Bohoniki, the mosque and mizar in Kruszyniany and other stops on the Tatar Trail.