(b. 1566 - d. 1632)

The Basilica of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Czerwińsk on The Vistula.

The history of Czerwińsk has been closely tied to the local monastery of the Canons Regular, established in the 12th century. The first document mentioning Czerwińsk is a bull issued by Pope Adrian IV concerning the monastery, dating back to 1155. Through grants and donations from the Mazovian princes, the order became one of the largest feudal landowners in Mazovia. Located along the Vistula River, the town was an important point on the trade route connecting Pomerania with Mazovia. It also served as a key defensive stronghold during raids by the Prussians, Yotvingians, and Lithuanians. Czerwińsk gained municipal rights in two stages, as the settlement was divided into two parts: the bishop's eastern section (where the bishops of Płock maintained a manor) and the monastic western section. In 1373, the portion of Czerwińsk belonging to the bishops of Płock was granted municipal rights.

In July 1410, near Czerwińsk, the Polish army under King Władysław Jagiełło crossed the Vistula River via a pontoon bridge built by Master Jarosław to join forces with the Lithuanian troops and march against the Teutonic Order. In 1419, the monastery hosted negotiations with envoys of King Eric of Pomerania. In July 1422, Jagiełło issued here the so-called Czerwińsk Privilege for the nobility, guaranteeing the inviolability of hereditary property without a court verdict. In the 15th century, Czerwińsk was the site of Mazovian diets as well as a diocesan synod. In 1475, the so-called Czerwińsk Codex of the Mazovian princes was created.

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Connection with the House of Vasa.
In the 16th century, during the reign of Sigismund III Vasa, the Vasa family had a close connection with this place. The Vasas, originating from the Swedish dynasty, were kings of Poland and played a significant role in the country's history during this period. Sigismund III Vasa, who was both the King of Poland and Sweden, commissioned the reconstruction of the church. This initiative was tied to his religious convictions and his desire to associate himself with Polish history and Catholic tradition. Additionally, Sigismund III Vasa took steps to endow the church, enabling it to become one of the main centers of worship in the region. His efforts to support the development and enrichment of the church were notable. The Vasa family was also known for their patronage of the arts, which was reflected in the artworks housed within the church. Thanks to the influence of the Vasas, the church gained special significance, and its history became closely intertwined with this Polish dynasty, which had a profound impact on Poland’s destiny during that era.

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From the Church Plaque (Pertains to the Vasa Dynasty):

1593 – King Sigismund III Vasa arrives in Czerwińsk and ceremonially appoints Cardinal Andrzej Batory, the       

              nephew of King   Stephen Báthory, as commendatory abbot.

1647 – King Władysław IV prays before the image of Our Lady of Czerwińsk for the restoration of his health. The    

              king leaves a votive offering with the inscription: "The Most Serene King of Poland, near death, regained his

              health through offering himself to this image. He made this votive offering in gratitude."

1648 – Bishop of Płock, Karol Ferdynand Vasa, declares the image of Our Lady of Czerwińsk miraculous. King John

              II Casimir arrives with his wife after his election to entrust himself and the fate of the Homeland to Mary’s

              care.

1649 – Another visit by King John II Casimir to Czerwińsk before his campaign against Bohdan Khmelnytsky.

1651 – Yet another visit by King John II Casimir following the victory at Berestechko, during which he presents

              captured banners as a votive  offering of thanksgiving.