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The Buffalo Mass Mob will be returning to St. Casimir Church on Sunday. October 18th for 10:00 AM Mass. --------------
The parish was established in 1890 to serve the growing Polish immigrant population settling east of Buffalo's traditional Polonia district. Local Polish Catholics organized the parish with the approval of the Diocese, and Rev. Rajmund Wieder helped found the congregation.
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As the neighborhood expanded, the parish became a focal point for Polish-American life in Kaisertown. A brick church-school building eventually replaced the original wooden church, helping stabilize and develop the surrounding community.
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The most significant chapter in St. Casimir's history began under longtime pastor Rev. Anthony Majewski, whose 40-year pastorate started in 1915. Inspired by churches he had seen in Europe and the Mediterranean world, he envisioned a grand new building unlike Buffalo's many Gothic and Baroque churches.
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Working with architect Chester Oakley and Buffalo architect Joseph Fronczak, Majewski developed a remarkable Byzantine-style church inspired in part by the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul. Construction began in the mid-1920s, and the church was dedicated on May 5, 1929.
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St. Casimir is widely regarded as one of Buffalo's architectural treasures. Its great central dome, elaborate terra-cotta exterior, murals, stained glass, and Byzantine design distinguish it from other churches in the city. The building was designated a Buffalo Historic Landmark in 1977.
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One of the church's most notable moments occurred in August 1976, when Cardinal Karol Wojtyła of Kraków, who would later become Pope John Paul II, celebrated Mass at St. Casimir during a visit to Buffalo. This remains a major point of pride for the parish.
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In 2011, Bishop Edward Kmiec established the independent Church of St. Casimir, recognizing its unique character, history, and stewardship. Today the parish continues to serve worshippers while preserving one of Buffalo's finest examples of Polish-American religious and architectural heritage.
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Our hope with Mass Mob 59 is to help put a spotlight on this Buffalo treasure. Join us!
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Event venue
St. Casimir Church in Buffalo, N.Y., 160 Cable St,Buffalo, New York, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.