History of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa, Church

“For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?  ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done.”  - The Gospel according to St. Matthew (NRSV).

The Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa National Catholic Church was established on March 20, 1920.  After a time of holding services in local Episcopal Churches, the congregation of Blessed Virgin Mary was able to purchase their own church home on Clinton Avenue in downtown Albany.  In 1921, Prime Bishop Francis Hodur came to Albany and blessed the cornerstone of the Church. It was a joyous day for the faithful of the National Catholic Church. 

Blessed Virgin Mary parish began with a register of 800 faithful members who strived to serve the Lord in the Albany area.  Over time the face of Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa has changed, but the mission of the church has not.  The parish built their new church in Latham, NY, in 1999.  Most importantly, the parish community of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa has become a Catholic Church for all followers of Christ.  Although the parish was founded primarily by Polish-American Catholics, BVMC now has members of Irish, German, Italian and many other nationalities.  Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa is truly living its mission as a National Catholic Church for all people of all nations!

God grant us many years!