For over a century (1765-1892), the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows was the only center of Catholic faith in Riga and Vidzeme. Observing the history of the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, we see that from a small prayer house, it has turned into a significant religious and cultural center, serving not only the spiritual needs of the people but also as an educational center.
Important dates in the history of the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows:
1522-1524 — Protestants seize Catholic churches — Reformation
1660 — The Swedish governor imposes a ban on liturgical gatherings for Catholics in Vidzeme
1660-1710 — Jesuits from Jelgava conduct underground services in private homes in Riga
1721 — Tsar Peter I allows Catholics in Riga to conduct Holy Masses and other services
1722 — Tsar Peter I issues an act of tolerance for Christians in his empire
1721-1761 — Holy Masses are mainly held in the Riga Castle, in the apartment of the Vidzeme Governor-General
1761 — Catholics purchase a wooden building for the needs of a prayer house
1762 — Empress Catherine II issues a decree allowing the construction of a Catholic church in Riga
1763-1765 — Construction of a wooden church on the site of the former wooden chapel
November 6, 1765 — The first Holy Mass with hymns in Polish
1780 — The Archduke of Austria, after receiving consent from Catherine II, provides financial support for the construction of the church
1784-1785 — Construction of a stone church under the patronage of “Virginis Mariae Dolorosae”
July 28, 1785 — Consecration of the church
1859-1860 — Reconstruction of the church in basilica style
1884 — A branch of the parish is opened in Jurmala
1892 — The Church of St. Francis becomes the first branch of the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Riga
1903 — The Church of St. Albert becomes the third branch of the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows
1920 — The Papal Nuncio conducts a service in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
1940-1945 and from 1993 to the present day — Greek Catholics use the side chapel-baptistery for services and religious meetings.
It is important to note that throughout its history, while changing its external and internal appearance, the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows has never changed its original purpose — to unite believing Christians over the centuries.