The development of a network of parishes in the region of Nowy Targ, as well as the dissemination of the cult of saints bloomed in the 14th century. However, on the basis of the remaining sources, we can observe the first foundations of both settlement and first parishes already in the 13th century. This was connected with the activity of the Cistercian Friars, who in 1234 received a privilege of administering the region from the voivode of Cracow Teodor Gryfita. Some of the parish foundations were created at the initiative of Polish kings, who supported the development of church organisations in the Podhale region. When writing about saint worship one cannot ignore the important role of the intercession of Catherine of Alexandria, until these days the saint patron of Nowy Targ and its parish church. The inhabitants of the Podhale region entrusted their everyday concerns and pleas also to saint Adalbert and saint Stanislaus, the patrons of Poland, bishop martyrs and other saints who died for their faith in Jesus Christ. An important element of people’s faith was the worship of the Virgin Mary. Marian festivities rooted in local tradition were celebrated in churches. Marian sanctuary in Ludmierz was visited by numerous pilgrims both from surrounding villages and farther regions.