We would like to share with you few facts from the history of Our Lady of Jasna Gora parish in Clinton, Massachusetts. As it is true of each family, there is a story behind who we are. The story of our parish began some ninety years ago, when Polish immigrants of Clinton area decided to built their first church - and even earlier than that. As the patroness of their parish, they chose Mary under the title of our Lady of Jasna Gora who was, and still is, revered in their homeland as “Queen of Poland.” In Czestochowa, Poland, there is a sanctuary located on the “Bright Hill” (Jasna Gora) where pilgrims come each year to pray before the icon of “Black Madonna” (Czarna Madonna). This particular icon has been the central and focal point of devotional and faith life of Polish and non-Polish members of Our Lady of Jasna Gora parish, and indeed entire Polonia in United Stares and other countries, for many years.

THIS IS HOW OUR STORY BEGINS: (adapted from the article “History of Our Lady of Jasna Gora Parish published in the “75th Anniversary Booklet.” )

As we look in retrospect over the last ninety years of the existence of our parish, which have passed so rapidly, a microscopic vision of each of the moments instrumental in building up Our Lady of Jasna Gora Parish, appears to freshen our minds and rekindle our spirit with gratitude.

That sense of gratitude to those who have made our parish all that it stands for today and all that it means to us is towering over the town of Clinton, over the time of our existence.

… Before the Church was built

Over ninety years have elapsed since Polish people, as did immigrants from all over the world, arrived in Clinton to earn a living. The first to arrive came from the Russian border, their native land. There were factories here that manufactured fabric and weavers were needed and hired, therefore, more people kept arriving as word was circulated to relatives and friends in Poland. Because they did not speak the English language they endured many hardships. Therefore, they were anxious to organize a Polish parish as soon as possible, so that they could praise God and hear to Word of God in their own native Polish tongue. It would be difficult to try to put in writing exactly all our pioneers had to deal with before the founding of their parish. Our older parishioners might remember what their parents and grandparents had to go through in order to accomplish what we see today, before it had its beginning. There were many obstacles to overcome; numerous trips to be made; a lot of pleading took place before permission was granted from the diocesan authorities. There were uprisings, misunderstandings among the parishioners. But Our Lady of Jasna Gora watched over our parish these many years, and under the guidance of our hard working pastors and their assistants, today our parish is admired not only by our Polish people but also other nationalities, and all who attend services here. We would like to mention some of the important events in the history of our parish.

1908

Previous to January 1, 1908, the Polish people belonged to St. John’s parish whose pastor at that time was Fr. O’Keefe. A committee composed of the leading Polish men asked Fr. O’Keefe to favor them with a Polish priest to hear confessions and give sermons in their native language. When the bishop visited Clinton, Fr. O’Keefe call the committee and arrangements were made for Fr. Cyran to be assigned as curate in St. John’s Parish to care for the Polish people. Shortly after he came to Clinton, and during his stay the census of the Polish people was about 80 families and about 800 people. He was a very active and devout young priest; very interested in Polish people, he was zealous and faithful pioneer who indirectly laid the foundations of our parish. He organized the Poles to work together in harmony for the good of the community.

1909

With the division of St. John’s parish in 1909 and establishment of Holy Rosary Parish, the Polish people were annexed to the newly founded community since most of them lived on Green Street this was a logical move. Rev. Krzywda was appointed to succeed Fr. Cyran. He was of considerable assistance to Fr. Fitzgerald and aided in keeping up the interest among the Poles for the future development of their own parish. After few months of noble work Fr. Fitzgerald was forced to leave due to ill health. His successor was Fr. Andrew Krzywda who had worked among the Polish people for three months.

1912

Rev. John J. Jakaitis arrived to serve the Polish people, His interest aroused the people, who sought to establish themselves as a separate parish at a very early date. It was under his leadership that the land on Franklin Street was purchased.

1913

On June 26th, 1913 the parish was officially established and Bp. Beaven appointed Rev. Theodore Suk as first pastor. The corporation act was signed by the church authorities with Fr. Suk and two trustees. The polish people yearned to build a church on the newly acquired land but because of misunderstandings and mistaken information a second purchase of land was acquired on Water Street. This misunderstanding lasted for quite a while. Finally it was decided for the benefit of the people, that they would build on Franklin Street.

1915

Fr. Suk left the parish after serving for two years. In his place Fr. Blum was assigned. It was under his guidance and leadership that a simple wooden church was built on Franklin Street by the contractor Andrew J. Robinson.

1917

After some misunderstandings Fr. Blum left. For the time being the parish was turned over to Fr. Krzywda of Three Rivers, who tried unselfishly to make the trip to Clinton on Sundays so that he could offer Mass for the people (on occasion other priests would come to help). After a rather short period of time, Fr. Anthony Polawski arrived. He immediately gained great favor with the parishioners here, and under his direction the present-day rectory was built on Franklin Street, being completed in June 1918. He purchased property back to Pleasant Street, and realizing the need for a parish school and the demand of the people in favor of such, commenced the erection of the $100.000 building which stands in the rear of the rectory and former church.

1925

Fr. Polawski’s accomplishments were many. He devoted so much time and energy to the parish that, as a result, his health was impaired and he obtained a leave of absence from the Bishop to return to his native country, Poland, to recuperate. Too much cannot be said of the sacrifices and endeavors he made during his nine years as a pastor.

1926

On April 27, 1926 Father Polawski departed from the parish and Father John Oszajca replaced him. The arrival of the new pastor was a landmark in the history of the parish, for it marked the rapid development and recognition of St. Mary’s Parish. At once he became the organizer and the founder of many church societies and ministries.

1927

Just when things seemed to turn for the better, a terrible catastrophe occurred with the burning of the church on September 8, 1927. In about twenty minutes the entire wooden structure was gutted. For a while services were held in St. John’s Auditorium. And on December 25, 1927 the first Mass was celebrated by Fr. Oszajca in the new St. Mary’s Chapel, built on the site of the old church. It would seem that this was an act of God not to build a glamorous church for along came the depression and the parish certainly would have been threatened with bankruptcy.

1929

In July Fr. John Oszajca was sent to Adams, Mass. And the Rev. Stanley Zdebel replaced him. His six years as pastor leave a glorious memory of accomplishments amid such a trying period.

1935

Fr. Oszajca returned as pastor of the parish on July 27, 1935. His second term presented countless innovations in view of the silver jubilee: the exterior of the church was improved by the erection of a belfry to house the church bell; the interior walls were rebuilt; the altars, statues, windows and church vessels were renovated; and oil painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa, a true copy from the Miraculous Shrine in Poland, was imported; the school was repaired; the parish grounds improved. The portrait can be seen over the main altar of the new church.

1940

Soon after the Silver Jubilee of the parish, World War II broke out and many young men were drafted or joined the Armed Forces to defend the honor of our country. Several of the young men gave up their lives or were wounded on the battlefields.

1947

Parishioners were called upon and committees were organized in anticipation of building a new church in the near future. The various committees worked very hard in planning dances, bazaars and raffles to raise funds to start a building fund. Picnics were held at the Siok grounds off Water street and the Furmaniuk property in Sterling. Bazaars were held on the parish grounds next to the church. Also, offering were taken up at christenings and weddings to help build up the fund.

1948

From donations received, American Bonds were purchased so that we could benefit from the interest.

1950

A committee consisting of two delegates from existing church society and organization was formed to work toward building a new church.

1952

Because of poor health, Fr Oszajca was forced to leave the parish to recuperate and get more rest. Fr. Alexander Struczko re[;aced Fr. Oszajca as administrator of the parish. During his energetic administration the rectory was restored and the school building repaired.

1955

At this time Fr. Alexander Struczko was appointed pastor in West Warren, Mass. He was replaced by Fr. Joseph Niedzwiecki. In the meantime, Fr. Oszajca resigned and Fr. Niedzwiecki took over the duties of pastor. Through the efforts of the building committee and Fr. Niedzwiecki, the parish changed its status in the diocese. The original parish corporation was liquidated and a new diocesan corporation was formed to speed the day so that we could build a new church in honor of the Blessed Mother. This all took place in the beginning of the year 1959.

1959

On October 30, 1959 Fr. Niedzwiecki left the parish and was replaced by Fr. Peter Samorajski. Due to Fr. Samorajski’s endeavor and the help of the parishioners, the ground was prepared for the new church.

1961

April 15 became a most glorious day - the parishioners had waited almost thirty-one years to build a new church.

1962

The new church was completed and officially blessed on December 16, 1962 by his Excellency Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan and the assistance of many Polish clergy from the Worcester and Springfield dioceses. This was a time of triumph and great satisfaction; a joyous time not only for the Clinton community but for the entire diocese. Through the endeavors of Fr. Samorajski, and his assistant at that time, Fr. Joseph Szwach, and many of our parishioners, the old church was restored to a lovely parish hall where many of our youth can be entertained on their own parish grounds. The parishioners and parish organizations now had a place to meet to discuss the matters of the past, present and future.

1963

In May Fr. Peter Samorajski left for Poland in order to celebrate a mass of Thanksgiving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa on Jasna Gora thanking Her for the guidance She extended in building the new church and for the care and protection she gave to us.

In November a home and land were purchased from the Carbone family on Burditt Hill. This property was bought in order that some day a convent could be provided for the Felician Sisters since they were still living on the second floor of the parish school.

1973

Fr. Peter Samorajski has now served as pastor of Our Lady of Jasna Gora parish for twenty four years. It was under his leadership that the new church was built. On March 9, 1973 the parish, as well as the community, was shocked by the untimely death of our pastor. Fr. Rayner Zimeski, a Franciscan priest, was assigned as temporary administrator of the parish. On June 6, 1973 Fr. Joseph Szwach was named pastor of Our Lady of Jasna Gora parish. Fr. Szwach worked diligently and earnestly so that the debt on the church could be liquidated.

1978

That year a new roof was put on the church because the old roof was leaking and doing damage to the interior. With the twenty year guarantee on the new roof the cost was $18,000.

1980

Our beloved pastor Fr. Joseph Szwach celebrated his silver anniversary of priesthood. His Excellency Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan concelebrated Mass with Fr. Szwach which was largely attended by clergy, family, parishioners and friends. A reception followed at the parish hall.

1982

Another important event took place this year with the burning of the mortgage. His Excellency Bishop Bernard Flanagan was principle celebrant at a concelebrated Mass assisted by many of the clergy who formerly served in the parish. A dinner followed in the parish social center which was largely attended by parishioners, priests and dignitaries. Indeed, it was a very joyous occasion.

1985-1987

During these two years the interior of the church was redecorated. The walls were painted a pale blue. A new carillon was purchased and installed. The old Hammond organ gave out so it was time to replace it with a new Saville organ with the cost of approximately $20,000. In that period of time a new sound system was installed in the church. Now the word of God could be clearly understood.

1988

On August 28, 1988, Our Lady of Jasna Gora Parish celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary) of its founding. The interior of the church was painted and carpeting was installed. New windows were installed in the school, social center and the rectory. The rectory was also vinyl sided. All parish properties were now in excellent condition.

… to be continued.

The Church

The Our Lady of Jasna Gora church resembles churches of the Middle Ages in its form of architecture. In fact there are two styles of architecture combined in the structure on the exterior. The main body of the church is of the Attic Style and the end walls are of the Spanish Style. It is not very often that two styles of architecture are incorporated into one building.

The New England climate was a determining factor in the design of the end walls. Attic style of architecture requires that the ends walls tower at least fifteen feet above the roof of the church. Because of severe northeastern storms which are common in winter, it was decided to lower the walls on the end of the building to conform more with the Spanish style of architecture. Because of this, the wind resistance on the walls would not be so great. This was one of the main point which was considered by the architects of the church, Henneberg & Henneberg of 806 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

This firm is to be complimented on the execution of the design of a medieval church which was usually built on a high hill above the town and the plantations which belonged to the feudal lord. In case of attack, the people of the village sought protections in the church. In fact the small side windows were used by the crossbow men to ward off attackers. Thus the church of this type was used bother for worship, and as a pace of defense. Many of these type of churches were built by Teutonic Knights when they built their monasteries after the Crusades.

The two side chapels which are set off in dark concrete on the side of the church are a reminder of the Polish custom which was in effect during the middle ages, whereby chapels to different saints were built on to the body of the main church regardless of the appearance of the church afterwards. One of the chapels is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the other is dedicated to Our Lady of Jasna Gora, Queen of Poland.

The interior of the church is a simple construction of cement blocks originally painted white. The colors of the Cathedral Glass widows are diffused onto the walls of the Church when the sun is shining, producing an effect of many brilliant colors along the walls. The mortar joints between the blocks have been left rough as well as the ceilings under the balconies, under the choir loft, and in the sacristy. When churches of this type were built in the middle ages, the surfaces were left in the rough state without too much attention being given to the matter of smooth finish, these surfaces were whitewashed almost immediately when the cement forms wee taken down. The woodwork and the pews in the church are made of dark walnut to give the appearance of age. The ceiling of the church is very interesting, It consists of four hundred twenty three purlins, or small beams, which are shackled together with bolts. Each purlin is counteracting the force of the one nearest to it on both ends. On top of this structure are nine thousand square feet of Sequoia tree boards from the State of Oregon. Antique lacquer which was used to paint this ceiling, gives it an aged appearance.

The roof of the church on top of the ceiling is of barrel type construction, that is to say half-round. This construction has proved very beneficial in our climate, because the snow is blown off the roof almost immediately by the wind, and there is no accumulation. Many of the walls within the church are constructed of antique brick which is manufactured by heating bricks over an open fire to a certain degree, and than ice-cold water is poured over them to cause them to twist and turn, and take on an antique appearance. One many also see within this church an interesting altar railing composed of cement lintel blocks topped with mahogany planks. It is believed that his railing is the only one of its type in this section of New England.

The altars of the church are very simple in their design, but made up of costly marble imported from Italy. It many be interesting to note that the main altar weights in the vicinity of four tons. In the top of the main altar, which is called the reredos, a tryptych design which is found around the door of the church is repeated. In olden days, the tryptych signified the Holy Trinity, Three Persons in One God. On this reredos is found a picture of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Jasna Gora. This particular picture was painted in Poland by a renowned Polish painter by the name of Galakowski. It was brought to our parish for the observance of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the parish by Fr. Oszajca. Because of the parishioners devotion and esteem of this picture it was decided to place it above the alter of the new church. There it will remain for years to come to foster the devotion of the members of Our Lady of Jasna Gora Parish to the Blessed Mother.

Many visitors have come to view the church on their way through Clinton because they are attracted by its unique construction and they are very interested in some of the features which have been described herein. We the parishioners of Our Lady of Jasna Gora thank God for the graces He has bestowed upon us, that we were able to build this magnificent church which will be a landmark in Clinton for many years to come.

The Front Door Design of the Church

At one point or another you might have wondered what the symbols above the front door of the church mean. Here is the answer.

First about the doors. The front door of the church are made of aluminum. The doors of this type of church were usually made of metal so that it was hard to break them down. Usually two soldiers would stand in the canopy above the door and drive away any intruders with spears. The tryptych design around the doors is made of colored bricks. It terminates in three equal points at the top, and was used to denote that there are three Persons in One God. The many colors of brick around the door tell the story of the many pleasant and dark moments of a person’s life as he or she journeys through this life. The light colors remind us of the moments of glory and happiness, the dark ones point out the moments of strife and tribulations, all mixed together. Charitable moments of person’s life are shown by the orange bricks, and the moments of sacrifice by the red.

The top of the tryptych design contains dix major scenes and symbols which are found in the catacombs.
The cross on top of the round circle, signifying Christ the Ruler of the World.

The cross on top of steps signifies that in your progress through life, remember that each and every one of us is walking in the shadow of the suffering and the glory of the cross.

The cross on top of an elevation on a background of orange signifies that Christ fills the world with his love.
Just right above the door, in the bottom row of blocks, the first three Christian virtues of faith, hope, and charity are depicted, represented by the cross (faith) and anchor (hope) on an orange background (charity).

The middle bottom block represents a sign which was made by Catholics greeting each other in the dark days of Church persecution, when the Church was underground in the catacombs.

The last of the symbols represents the virituti militari cross, which soldiers of the Roman army were privileged to have inscribed on their shields when they showed exceptional valor in battle. This cross was adopted as symbol used in the Catholic Church.

Above the whole design around the door is found the Grecian Cross with four equal arms. This particular cross was chosen to be put in the prominent place on the front of the church to remind those who are entering and leaving that, in the eyes of God, everyone is equal; there are no rich, no poor, Christ died on the cross for the salvation of all of us.