In 1903, the Salvatorians, or Society of the Divine Saviour, established a community in the city, and in 1910, they began erecting a neo-Gothic church but their work was interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War.

Work on the church continued after 1954 and was finally consecrated in 1983. In 1962, the priests brought the miracle-working statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which they moved to a special chapel in 1967. In 1997, the Madonna was crowned with papal crowns and the shrine was elevated to the status of a Marian sanctuary. The church features colourful stained-glass windows and an organ. In 2013, the church was elevated to a Minor Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In 1928, inspired by the vision of the Servant of God, Father Chryzostom Małysiak, construction was begun on the first retreat house in Poland, which still stands and is known today as the Centre for Spiritual Formation, and hosts closed retreats for people of all states. Karol Wojtyła also attended such retreats as a graduate student in 1938.

A novena to Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated every Wednesday. Fatima devotions with an all-night vigil are held on the Saturday after the thirteenth of each month from May to October. The indulgence feast falls on the Sunday after the octave of Corpus Christi, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

A Spiritual Formation Centre with a retreat house is located at the sanctuary.