Tourists rarely make it to this church although it’s in the immediate vicinity of the Main Market Square by the Sławkowska Street and is really worth seeing.
Everything began in the 13th century when 12 Canon Regulars of the Penance (Kanonicy Regularni od Pokuty) came to Poland by the invitation of prince Bolesław the Shameful. The ruler founded hermitages for them and St. Mark’s church (at the beginning it was made of wood) – that’s why the regulars of Kraków were commonly known as ‘marks’. During the Gothic era a stone church was built here that went through numerous modifications and redesigns throughout the ages – most of them were forced by fires periodically damaging the temple. A famous wooden cross was preserved to this day from the medieval times of the church’s origin. Legend has it that Christ from this cross spoke to blessed Michał Giedroyć when he was praying in front of the crucifix. Currently the cross is a part of a beautiful late-Renaissance main altar piece. Right next to the altar there’s a niche with blessed Michał’s tombstone from the 17th century.
There’s a unique heart-shaped pulpit inside the church. The heart with a cross was the insignia of marks, the church’s long-time hosts and caretakers. Opposite the pulpit there’s an impressive statue of Michael the Archangel, likely authored by Baltazar Fontana. St. Zofia’s brotherhood has been an active in the parish for centuries, so it’s no wonder that her depictions can be found inside the church.
Blessed Michał Giedroyć, who will soon join the canon of saints, was one of many holy men in the 15th century Kraków. Because of that abundance of pious personae that time was later dubbed Kraków’s Happy Age. Giedroyć himself was a very humble man of Lithuanian descent – despite his education he didn’t become a priest but rather a monk. He especially revered the Passion of Christ. He was lame and remained a simple sacristan for his entire life.
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Jadwiga, the Queen of Handmaidens to Christ Present (Zgromadzenie Sióstr Świętej Jadwigi Królowej Służebnic Chrystusa Obecnego) is also connected to the church. They are descendants and heirs of the marks, who didn’t survive in their original form. The order was established in 1990. From the very beginning the sisters have been very active in the catechumenate – they help adults to prepare for certain sacraments.