The pearl among Lubuska's sanctuaries is undoubtedly the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Patient Listening in Rokitno. This Baroque temple, built between 1746 and 1762 according to the design of prominent architect Karl Martin Frantz, impresses not only with its monumental body, but above all with its extraordinary interior. In 2001 the church received the honorable title of Basilica Minor, conferred by Pope John Paul II, which further emphasized its rank in Poland's religious landscape.

The heart of the sanctuary is the miraculous image of Our Lady of Patient Listening, which was created in the early 16th century. The work, painted by unknown artists from the Netherlands, depicts Mary in an unusual way - with her ear exposed, symbolizing her willingness to listen to the prayers of the faithful. This unique iconography makes the image unique in the world. The image is famous for its numerous miracles and healings, and was crowned with papal crowns in 1989 in recognition of its special significance.

The interior of the basilica impresses with its rich Baroque architecture and Rococo decorations. The walls are decorated with 18th-century polychromes that tell biblical stories and depict scenes from the life of Mary. Every detail of the temple was carefully thought out and crafted by the best craftsmen of the time, making it a true work of sacred art.

The history of the Rokitno parish dates back as far as the 12th century, making it one of the oldest centers of worship in the region. For centuries the place has gathered the faithful, who came here with requests and thanksgiving. Today the sanctuary bustles with life all year round - daily services, retreats and meetings of prayer groups are held here. Particularly active is the Holy Spirit Renewal Group, with 50 members, which regularly organizes prayers and vigils.

For pilgrims and tourists, the shrine offers guided tours. Groups can explore the complex daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the tour lasts about 1.5 hours. There is a modern Pilgrim's House on the grounds of the shrine, which provides accommodation and food for visitors. This allows pilgrims to spend more time here, fully experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

The Rokitno Shrine is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with longer hours during the pilgrimage season, which lasts from May to October. During this time the place is visited by thousands of believers from all over Poland, as well as from abroad. Marian feasts and indulgences, which gather crowds of pilgrims, are especially solemnly celebrated here.

The second remarkable place on the spiritual map of the Lubuskie region is the Sanctuary of Our Lady Escape of Sinners in Wielen Zaobrzanski. This picturesquely located shrine, surrounded by verdant forests, hides a fascinating history and a miraculous image of Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims seeking forgiveness and hope.

The history of the sanctuary dates back to the 17th century, when in 1665 the local parish priest, Father Jacob Schwedowicz, brought to Wielen a copy of the grace-famous image of Our Lady of Górka Klasztorna. According to local accounts, the image soon became famous for miracles, and news of unusual healings and graces spread throughout the area. Particularly moving is the legend of the blind boy who regained his sight after praying before the image of Mary. This event sparked pilgrimages to Wielen, which continue uninterrupted to this day.

The temple itself, built in the Baroque style, impresses with its harmonious architecture and rich interior design. The main altarpiece, which houses the miraculous image, is a true work of woodcarving art. Mary is depicted on it as a caring mother, who tenderly leans over sinners, offering them shelter and intercession. The title 'Refuge of Sinners' perfectly reflects the character of the place - the shrine has for centuries attracted people struggling with difficulties, seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

Surrounding the sanctuary is a picturesque complex that includes a historic church, a pilgrimage square and a Stations of the Cross leading through the surrounding forest. Particularly charming are the rosary shrines, arranged among the trees, which create an atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation. In the silence of the forest, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, pilgrims can find inner peace and spiritual solace.

The sanctuary in Wielen Zaobrzanski is also famous for its unusual tradition of indulgences, which take place several times a year. The largest celebrations take place on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31) and the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8). Thousands of the faithful flock to the shrine on these days, and the festivities are accompanied by processions with the miraculous image, concerts of sacred music and communal prayers.

An interesting fact connected with the shrine is that for many years it was cared for by the Capuchin fathers, who arrived in Wielen in 1748. It was thanks to their efforts that the cult of Our Lady Escape of Sinners developed and survived difficult times, including the period of partitions and World War II. Today the sanctuary is an important point on the pilgrimage map not only of the Lubuskie province, but of all of western Poland.

Infrastructure has been prepared for visitors to the sanctuary, which allows for a comfortable stay. The complex includes a pilgrim's house, offering accommodation and meals, as well as a devotional store where souvenirs related to the place can be purchased. The sanctuary is handicapped-accessible, making it possible for every pilgrim to experience its unique atmosphere.

A third, but equally fascinating place on the spiritual map of the Lubuskie region, is the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Świebodzin. Unlike the centuries-old shrines in Rokitno and Wielen Zaobrzanski, the Świebodzin shrine is relatively young, but has already managed to write itself into the consciousness of Poles as an important center of Divine Mercy worship.

The shrine is located on Osiedle Luzycki in Świebodzin and is known primarily for its monumental statue of Christ the King, which towers over the area. The statue, unveiled in 2010, is 36 meters high (including the crown and the mound on which it stands), making it one of the tallest representations of Christ in the world. Inspired by the famous statue from Rio de Janeiro, the Świebodzin statue depicts Jesus with outstretched arms, symbolically embracing and blessing all the faithful.

The history of the shrine is inextricably linked with the figure of Father Sylvester Zawadzki, who initiated the construction of both the church and the monumental statue. His vision of creating a place that would proclaim the message of Divine Mercy was met with enthusiasm by the residents of Świebodzin and the surrounding area. The construction of the complex was a true work of faith and determination - it came about mainly through the donations and work of the faithful, who wanted to create a place of special worship of Divine Mercy.

The temple itself, although modern in form, refers to traditional sacred architecture. Its interior is spacious and bright, and the centerpiece is the image of the Merciful Jesus, painted according to the vision of St. Sister Faustina Kowalska. The characteristic rays - white and red - symbolizing the blood and water that flowed from Christ's pierced side, and the signature 'Jesus, I trust in you' remind us of the essence of the Divine Mercy cult.

Surrounding the shrine is a vast area with Stations of the Cross and places for prayer and contemplation. Particularly moving is Golgotha - a hill with three crosses that reminds us of Christ's passion and death. It is a place often visited by pilgrims who ponder in silence the mystery of God's mercy revealed in the sacrifice of the cross.

The Sanctuary in Świebodzin is not only a place of prayer, but also a center that actively promotes the cult of Divine Mercy. Divine Mercy services are regularly held here, especially every Friday and on Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter). On these days, the sanctuary gathers the faithful from the entire diocese of Zielona Góra and Gorzów, as well as pilgrims from other regions of Poland.

An interesting fact about the shrine is that the statue of Christ the King has become a recognizable symbol not only in a religious context, but also in a tourist context. Many travelers stop in Swiebodzin specifically to see the monumental statue, which is visible from a distance, including from the A2 highway passing nearby. Thanks to this, the shrine also has an evangelizing function - it attracts people who might not have come here solely for religious purposes.

Comparing the three described sanctuaries, one can see their dissimilarity and complementarity. The Rokitno shrine, with its centuries-old history and miraculous image of Our Lady of Patient Listening, offers an experience deeply rooted in tradition. Wieleń Zaobrzański, with its forest location and atmosphere conducive to tranquility, is an ideal place for those seeking spiritual solace. Swiebodzin, on the other hand, with its modern form and monumental statue of Christ, is a symbol of faith for the 21st century. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and charisma, allowing pilgrims to choose the shrine that best suits their spiritual needs.