Vices and Virtues in the Mariacki church in Katowice
in the center of Katowice, is the neogothic church of the immaculate conception of Mary, better known as the Mariacki church. inside is a series of stained glass symbolising the virtues and vices. the Artist who planned the windows is Adam Bunsch (1896-1969), a polish painter and graphic designer and realised by S.G Żeleński from Kraków in 1939.
There are 2 times 8 windows. on both sides of the nave. with the vices at the ‘darker’ north side, and the ‘virtues’ at the lighter south side. each of the vices and virtues form a pair on both sides. Mostly with flowers and a bible text but also with animals. i will show them in pairs going from the front to the back. many of the windows have a bible quote, which is in Polish, and is in common translation of the time (Jakub Wujek), so it may differ from the modern translation in English (NCB). unfortunately some of the windows are partially hidden behind confessionals, so it is hard to have it completely visibe, but more than enough remains.
Diligence versus Sloth
The first pair is diligence and sloth, diligence shows bees hard working, and sloth tortoises, that walk slowly, the texts read: “A wy pilności wszelakiej przykładając 2 Piotr 1. 5” – [In view of all this, ] you should make every effort to supplement [your faith with virtue] from 2 Peter 1. 5
the second text reads: “Idź do mrówki, o leniwcze, przyp 6:6” – Contemplate the ant, you sluggard; [observe its ways and gain wisdom] (proverbs 6,6a)
Meekness versus Anger
the next pair is meekness and anger. Meekness is represented by doves, a symbol of peace, with the text: “Błogosławieni pokój czyniący, (Mat 5:9a) – Blessed are the peacemakers. (matthew 5,9)”
On the other side is anger, represented by turkeys and the text: “Nie bądź ku zagniewaniu prędki (kohelet 7:10a)” – Do not become easily angered. (Eccl 7,9)
Temperance versus gluttony
the third pair is temperance and gluttony, temperance has waterlilies with the text “W miernym człowieku sen zdrowy ecclt 31,24” – Moderate eating ensures sound sleep; (sirach 31,20).
The other side has a spider in its web with the text “aby kiedy nie były obciążone serca wasze obżarstwem i opilstwem Lk 21,34” -lest your hearts be weighed down by carousing and drunkenness Luke 21,34b
Kindness versus envy
Next is kindness and envy. both are showing flowers. Kindness has the text added “Abyście się społecznie miłowali Jan 13,34″
– love one another. John 13,34
the text on the other side is “Złośliwe jest oko zazdrościwego 14.10” – The eyes of a greedy man are not content with his share; (Sirach 14,9)
Chastity versus lust
Next is the pair chastity versus lust, Castity shows lilies, a flower also ofthen seen on images of Mary and Joseph, as it is a symbol of chastity. with the text “O jako piękny jest czysty rodzaj Madr 4,1” – Far better than this is childlessness accompanied by virtue – Wisdom 4,1a.
on the other side is a goat, with the text: “Bóg nie wyzwał ku nieczystości 1 tess 4,7” – For God has called us [to holiness] not to impurity. 1 Tessalonians 4,7
Generosity versus greed
Next is Generosity and greed. Generosity is is shown through a tree with plenty of fruit with the text “Ochotnego dawcę Bóg miłuje 2 Kor 9,7” – for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Kor 9,7
on the other side is 2 dogs, one looking to the other, with a greedfull look as he has a bone. the text reads: “Nienasycone oko chciwego Eccltic 14,10” – Wicked is the eye of the miser – Sir 14,9
Humility versus pride
The last represented pair is humility and pride. Humility is shown by flowers, pride with peacocks.
the text is two halves of the same bible quote from the letter of Saint James, chapter 4.6: “Bóg pysznym się sprzeciwia Jak 4,6” – “God resists the proud (Pride) and “Pokornym łaskę dawa Jak 4,6” – but he gives grace to the humble.” (Humility)
The last two windows are not dedidacted to one vice or virtue but to the general idea. again the text comes from one bible quote, this time from leviticus 11,44. the first par is on the virtue side, the other on the vice side: “Bądźcie świętymi, bom ja święty jest. Lewit .11:44” – be holy for I am holy. And on the other side: “Nie plugawcie dusz waszych żadnym płazem, który się rucha po ziemi Levit11:44″ – You will not defile yourselves with any of the creeping things that crawl upon the earth.
A beautifull series of windows, but also with a deliberate plan and message. so when in Katowice definately worth checking out.
All pictures (copyrighted) taken by me on 6 December 2025.
Sources/more info
for more info or sources please check the following links
- Adam bunsch: wikipedia page (PL), artists page (PL)
- the workshop that made the stained glass: wikipedia page (PL)