Flood 2024
Poland recently experienced devastating floods that affected several regions, particularly in the south and southwest of the country. Heavy rainfall on September 14-15, 2024, led to rivers overflowing their banks, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and local communities.
The Jesuits in Kłodzko, Poland, at the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are involved in assisting those affected by the catastrophic flood that struck the city on September 14-15, 2024.
In response to the situation, an assistance center for flood victims has been organized in close cooperation with the City Hall. The parish priest, Fr. Andrzej Migacz, SJ, reports on the current state of affairs:
„The assistance center operates as a collection point for essential items, mainly non-perishable food, water, and hygiene products. Once we have gathered a sufficient amount of donations, we maintain contact with the City Hall, which handles the distribution to those in greatest need. We have organized a team of volunteers through our Caritas to ensure continuous shifts at the assistance center. Our goal is also to reach out directly to families affected by the flood, focusing on long-term support. Currently, we are collecting the most urgent supplies, but we are aware that interest in providing assistance may decline over time. Therefore, we are also planning a fundraising campaign to help with the future reconstruction and repair of damaged homes”.
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Fr. Provincial of the Southern Poland Province of the Society of Jesus, Jarosław Paszyński SJ
Letter to the parishioners and residents of Kłodzko
Dear Parishioners and all the Esteemed Residents of Kłodzko,
I have been deeply moved and concerned as I followed the recent reports of the flood that has affected Lower Silesia, particularly Kłodzko and its surroundings. I can only imagine how difficult this has been for you, and how much fear, anxiety, and pain this situation has caused. At the same time, I am filled with admiration for how quickly and effectively you have mobilized all means of mutual assistance, surrounding each other with care, support, and tangible help during this exceptionally challenging time. I would especially like to thank my fellow brothers, led by Fr. Andrzej Migacz SJ, who have swiftly and effectively engaged in organizing support and aid in close cooperation with local authorities.
As the Provincial of the Southern Poland Province of the Society of Jesus, I assure you of my personal support, as well as the support of many of my fellow brothers. Following the teachings of St. Ignatius, who reminds us that „love should be expressed more in deeds than in words,” we have initiated various actions since the beginning of this week. I have already mentioned the very active and effective work of Fr. Andrzej and my brothers in Kłodzko, who have set up a center for assistance and the distribution of emergency aid. I am grateful to Fr. Grzegorz Kramer SJ, who, through an online collection, has gathered a significant sum that will go directly to you. Fr. Krystian Sowa SJ, along with the media team in Kraków, has launched the website arka.jezuici.pl, which provides information about the situation and collects funds for you. Our online portal DEON.pl and many of my fellow brothers have also joined in, promoting this initiative on their social media profiles. I have also reached out to my fellow brothers in all our institutions to organize support and assistance for you using all available means and methods.
At the same time, we remember to continuously support you in our prayers. As the Society of Jesus, we will accompany you not only in the coming days but also throughout the upcoming process of rebuilding Kłodzko.
With prayers and solidarity,
Fr. Jarosław Paszyński SJ
Letter to Jesuits and Friends in the Mission
Dear Brothers, Dear Friends in Our Mission,
The dramatic situation faced by so many of our sisters and brothers due to the floods calls us to action.
Many have lost their loved ones, their means of livelihood, their sense of security, and their hope. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to be witnesses of His closeness and care for every person. Following the teachings of St. Ignatius, who reminds us that „love should be expressed more in deeds than in words,” we have initiated various actions since the beginning of this week. I am proud of the very active and effective work of Fr. Andrzej Migacz SJ and my brothers in Kłodzko, who have organized a center for assistance and the distribution of emergency aid. I am grateful to Fr. Grzegorz Kramer SJ, who, through an online collection, has gathered a significant sum that will go entirely to Kłodzko. Fr. Krystian Sowa SJ, along with the media team in Kraków, has launched the website arka.jezuici.pl, which provides information about the situation and collects funds for the needy parishioners and residents of Kłodzko. Our online portal DEON.pl and many brothers have also joined in promoting this initiative on their social media profiles.
I urge all of you to get involved in helping those affected by any means and methods at your disposal. If you are organizing any online collections, I recommend using the website arka.jezuici.pl. This way, we can later inform our donors about the distribution of funds and help them claim tax deductions for their donations at the beginning of next year.
Please also remember to pray for those affected.
With prayers,
Jarosław Paszyński SJ
Provincial of PME