The beginnings of the sanctuary date back to 1628, when the painting of the Virgin Mary with the Child was brought to Kawnice from Lviv. The image was placed in a wooden church recovered from the hands of Protestants. Currently, the painting is placed in a brick temple and is surrounded by numerous votive sheets (the oldest from the 18th century).

When the cult surrounding the painting gained publicity, Pope Pius XVI instituted a three-day indulgence of the Comforter of the Afflicted, which is still held today on Sunday after August 28. In addition to the main church fair, there are five more one-day church fairs during the year in the church in Kawnica.

Since 1981, the Salesian priests have been taking care of the sanctuary.