The water flooded everything – homes, workshops, and even places that had previously seemed safe. “We removed mud and sludge, supported residents, offered practical help. We were simply with these people so that they would not feel alone in what had happened to them.”

The Jesuits in Kłodzko, at the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, have been actively supporting the victims since the first moments of the catastrophic flood that hit the city on September 14-15, 2024. In addition to collecting basic necessities, such as clothing, food, water, hygiene products and household chemicals, a financial campaign was also carried out. Over PLN 2.2 million was transferred to the parish account, of which almost PLN 700,000 was collected thanks to the campaign Rescue Ark. In Solidarity with the Victims , organized by the Office of Development of the Province of Southern Poland of the Society of Jesus together with the editorial staff of the portal jezuici.pl.  

 The Parish Priest

On a frosty autumn morning, when Poland welcomed its first snowfall this winter, I reach Kłodzko. Although I am here for the first time, I recognize the streets and squares through the train window – the view of the city reminds me of the images that spread across the country two months ago, showing the destruction of the largest flood in 27 years. Now everything looks different – ​​the city is slowly recovering from the cataclysm, renovation works are underway.

On the platform, I am greeted by a Jesuit priest, Fr. Andrzej Migacz SJ, pastor of a parish with 8,000 faithful. This is our first live meeting. Previously, we had been in touch by phone, coordinating aid within the Rescue Ark . As of December 9, 683 donors had joined the initiative, and the amount raised was PLN 662,653. "It was thanks to the Rescue Ark that we managed to gather the largest part of the financial support," reports Fr. Migacz SJ.

Although the parish church was not damaged in the flood, as it is located on a hill, the road to it leads through areas where not long ago the water reached the roofs.

– The help was possible thanks to the work of over 40 volunteers, including members of the University of the Third Age. They were responsible for receiving and distributing donations, sorting, and organizing financial aid. In the first weeks, volunteers from all over Poland were also accepted, providing them with accommodation and meals. In total, 130 overnight stays were provided, and this support attracted people of different denominations, which emphasized the ecumenical dimension of the help, – says Fr. Andrzej SJ.

The collected funds were used to purchase clothes, dehumidifiers, power banks and cleaning products. A financial support system was also introduced – up to PLN 2,500 for the purchase of household appliances, furniture, fuel and construction materials.

– We wanted the victims to choose the things they needed themselves. This would be more in line with their individual needs, although it would have been easier for us to order 20 identical refrigerators – explains the parish priest.

The aid covered residents not only of the parish, but of the entire Kłodzko Valley. Beneficiaries were verified based on certificates from local governments, and the parish covered the costs of purchases based on invoices. To date, support has already reached over 530 families. However, some residents still cannot return to their homes. The scale of the losses also includes workplaces, such as flooded shops and workshops. This caused financial difficulties for both owners and employees.

The parish plans to continue its assistance during the winter, extending support to parish residents to cover their energy bills. This program provides a 200 PLN monthly payment for five months, which is intended to relieve the financial burden on those affected.

– All activities were possible thanks to the generosity of donors and the involvement of volunteers. Support programs were documented in detail. We wanted to ensure transparency and effectiveness of activities, – sums up Fr. Migacz SJ.

After the conversation, Father efficiently organizes several meetings for the duration of my short, 24-hour stay and warns me that due to his numerous duties as a parish priest, he will not return home until 9:00 p.m.

Justine

At one in the afternoon, the wide, airy corridors of the 17th-century monastic house are filled with children's laughter, which contrasts sharply with the archaic, austere surroundings. Forty children from the local Community School, which suffered in the flood, are taking part in after-school activities here. Dropping their backpacks on the benches along the walls, they gather in a room specially adapted to their needs.

Justyna Raj, a teacher from the Social School Complex in Kłodzko, describes the situation that occurred after the flooding of the common room:

– The water flooded it completely, destroying all the toys and materials. Currently, children from grades 1-3 use the rooms provided by the Jesuit Fathers, where they are provided with art materials, games, books and other attractions. The children's initial anxiety quickly subsided, and thanks to the support of the priests, they feel comfortable here. Renovation work is underway at the school, but the common room will not be renovated until after the holidays, because it was located on the ground floor and was flooded for a longer period. The school renovation is scheduled for the beginning of next year, but the humidity means that it will not be possible until after the holidays at the earliest.

 Mieczyslaw

"Mr. Mietek - a solid company" - with such a recommendation from the parish priest, I feel more than prepared for the meeting with Mr. Mieczysław Kowalcz, a former teacher and currently retired. A tall, slim man with keen intelligence, impeccable Polish and clear diction, he immediately makes a good impression. Throughout the entire operation of the aid point, he was de facto Father Andrzej's right hand. His clear, logical mind harmoniously combines with a warm smile and subtle sensitivity to other people.

– This is another flood that I have experienced and experienced, – begins Mr. Mieczysław. – It all started on Friday, September 13, and the culmination took place on Sunday, September 15. There was a concert in Kłodzko at the time, but before and right after it started, it was raining so heavily that we, among our friends, sensed that something was wrong.

– After the concert we went to the river. The rain was pouring down incessantly and the river was starting to rise. On Saturday the water level was still rising. On Sunday the situation became really worrying. My experience from the flood of 1997 allowed me to assess the threat better. At around eleven o'clock the water in Kłodzko reached such a level that we knew we were dealing with a flood... But this time the water behaved differently – in a strange and unpredictable way. I am no expert, but it flowed from unexpected directions, turned, created eddies, changed direction, hit places that were not at risk at all in 1997.

– Together with the parish priest, we were delivering power banks to the nuns because the electricity had been turned off. – Mr. Mieczysław continues his story, – That was when we said to ourselves: “We will organize a help point immediately.”

The aid point's activities quickly brought tangible results. "I think we managed to help save several small businesses," she says proudly. "I'm thinking here of, among others, the greengrocer's shop by St. John's Bridge on the side of Piasek Island, run by a lady who didn't know how to thank anyone. Help also reached two RTV and AGD stores on Malczewskiego Street, which also suffered in the flood. When the owners of these stores learned that they could receive support, they said: "Send people to us so that we can order them goods, so that someone can support us in practice." They left their leaflets, and some of the flood victims who had the opportunity to buy equipment for up to PLN 2,500 actually took advantage of their offer.

Sister

“How should I introduce my sister?” I ask.

– Sister Damian – and everyone will know it's me.

The sister I’m meeting is the only Damiana in the Congregation. The Sisters of St. Dominic have a rule that in the Congregation, at least within the same country, the names of sisters cannot be repeated. Before I turn on the recorder, we sit down at the kitchen table with a cup of hot tea and a plate of colorful cookies.

– We rolled up our sleeves and went to help – recalls Sister Damiana. – We removed mud and sludge, supported the residents, offered practical help. We simply stayed with these people so that they would not feel alone in what had happened to them.

– Father Parish Priest approached every situation with an open heart – he adds. – He considered individual needs and acted on their behalf. For example, it was decided to award a one-year scholarship to a student whose parents had lost their jobs as a result of the flood. Father Andrzej did not want him to have to interrupt his studies…

 Teresa

Mrs. Teresa's house is located near the chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola, right on the banks of the Neisse. Our visit with Fr. Mirosław Jajek SJ from the Jesuit community in Kłodzko finds her feeding chickens. With some embarrassment, she refuses to shake hands, holding a handful of poultry feed in her hands. We laugh at this funny situation and start talking.

Mrs. Teresa was born in 1946, when her parents were returning from exile in Siberia. Her mother was Polish, her father Ukrainian. She hums a few Ukrainian songs that she remembers from her childhood, thanks to her father. After a while, with a little sadness, she mentions that she dreams of buying another goat. Father Mirek asks with interest if she plans to enlarge the farm.

Mrs. Teresa invites us into the house where she lived with her family for 30 years. The plaster on the walls survived only under the ceiling – where the water did not reach. The walls reveal red brick ribs. I touch one of the bricks – it is still damp.

Mrs. Teresa shows off her “goat” – a wood-burning stove that she hopes to use to dry out the interior before the winter frosts arrive.

Farewell

The parish expresses gratitude to donors in various ways, emphasizing both the spiritual and symbolic dimension of thanks. Donors receive cards and booklets dedicated to the founder of the church, Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice. Prayers are regularly held for them, as well as for those affected. The expressions of gratitude were crowned by a solemn Holy Mass, which was celebrated on December 1 in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The prayers were offered through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the city and the Kłodzko region.

The need for assistance will continue for a long time, as rebuilding from the destruction of homes and workplaces is a long-term process. The parish is focusing its efforts on helping those most in need, while acknowledging that many problems will still emerge. The challenge remains long-term support and the willingness to respond to new needs that may arise as reconstruction progresses.