The history of this parish dates back to 1952. From the beginning Karol Wojtyła assisted the local parish priest with ministerial services and actively supported the Nowa Huta residents’ fight for their own church. The communist authorities did not want a church to be built in the model socialist town of Nowa Huta. In 1960 the authorities ordered the removal of the cross placed on the construction site at the Teatralne Housing Estate. The worshippers stood up in its defence, which led to riots. Eventually, the years of struggle resulted in success and Cardinal Wojtyła himself could consecrate the Church of the Lord’s Ark in 1977. The church amazes with its architecture, as well as numerous valuable items – gifts from Catholics from all over Europe. It also functions as Our Lady of Fatima Sanctuary. The statue of John Paul II is located on the stairs leading to the main entrance.