ŚWIDNICA. On April 29–30, 2025, Fr. Janusz Majda, Director of Caritas Poland, visited the Diocese of Świdnica to meet personally with victims of the devastating floods that struck in September 2024. This visit, part of the „Flood 2024 – Diocese of Świdnica” relief program, served both as a review of ongoing aid efforts and a demonstration of the Church’s spiritual and material solidarity with those affected.
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Solidarity During the Week of Mercy
„The last Sunday of April is Divine Mercy Sunday, which also marks Caritas Day,” Fr. Majda noted during a briefing.”During this time, we aim to be even closer to those in need, offering not just material but also spiritual support. In the Week of Mercy, we return to places particularly afflicted by suffering to bear witness to hope and to affirm the power of solidarity.”
The visit commenced in Świdnica with a communal prayer at the cathedral, coinciding with the pilgrimage of the „Queen of Peace” monstrance from Medjugorje—a spiritual symbol of hope for all affected by the disaster. The monstrance visits parishes severely impacted by the flood, conveying the message: „You are not alone.”
„Gazing upon the Blessed Sacrament in this unique monstrance, we prayed for inner peace for those who lost their homes, livelihoods, and sometimes loved ones. It is a sign that Christ does not abandon us in times of trial,” emphasized Bishop Marek Mendyk of Świdnica.
Engaging with Those in Need and Witnessing Acts of Mercy
Fr. Majda, accompanied by Fr. Radosław Kisiel, Director of Caritas of the Diocese of Świdnica, visited several Caritas-operated facilities that embody merciful love daily: the diocesan Caritas office, the Volunteer Center, a soup kitchen serving over a thousand meals daily, and the Non-Public Catholic Primary School named after Prelate Dionizy Baran—one of only two such schools in Poland, run by Caritas and entirely free for students.
The directors also visited the „Poranek” Care Home in Świdnica, housing Ukrainian refugees, and the Single Mothers’ Home in Pieszyce, both managed by diocesan Caritas.
During the visit, they toured new food warehouses constructed with support from the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARMiR) to enhance aid distribution under EU programs. In Bardo, they visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady, Guardian of the Faith, and the St. Angela Retreat House, which hosts respite stays for flood victims.
Millions in Losses and Damaged Heritage Sites
In Kłodzko, Fr. Majda visited the church and monastery of the Franciscan Fathers, where flood-induced damages are estimated in the tens of millions of PLN. On the second day, he visited parishes in Ścinawka Średnia and Ścinawka Dolna, where historic churches and rectories suffered significant damage. He also met with the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Ołdrzychowice Kłodzkie, where the sisters nearly lost their retreat house.
For spiritual reinforcement, Fr. Majda visited the Sanctuary in Wambierzyce. The visit concluded with a meeting with Bishop Mendyk in Lądek-Zdrój, where Caritas opened the Flood Victims Assistance Center in February 2025. As reported by the Diocesan Information Agency (dai24.pl), by April 2025, the center in Lądek-Zdrój had assisted over a thousand individuals.
Tangible Aid and Impactful Figures
„We see that our assistance is effective, yet the need remains immense,” Fr. Majda stated during the briefing. „Not all victims have managed to rebuild their homes. The needs are still vast. What we’ve achieved is thanks to the generosity of people across Poland. It’s heartbreaking that we can’t help everyone as we’d like.”
Caritas’ efforts began immediately after the September flood. „In the initial days, water, food, and cleaning supplies were distributed through parishes and priests. Caritas of the Diocese of Świdnica dispatched 170 humanitarian aid transports to the Kłodzko Valley,” Fr. Kisiel told wAkcji24.pl in January.
Ongoing and Necessary Support
In response to the flood tragedy, Caritas Poland, the Diocese of Świdnica, and Caritas of the Diocese of Świdnica launched a joint long-term assistance program. Under the „Flood 2024 – Diocese of Świdnica” initiative, over 12 million PLN has been provided in direct financial support, along with several thousand household appliances.
„I thank everyone who joined the relief efforts from the very beginning: parishes, volunteers, Caritas staff, communities, as well as the Territorial Defence Forces and Volunteer Fire Brigades,” Bishop Mendyk said in Lądek-Zdrój. „I also want to thank Caritas Poland for understanding the needs of the Świdnica Church, which is also a flood victim. We have many destroyed churches and parish community facilities. Thanks to your support, they can once again serve the faithful, such as the parish buildings in Lądek-Zdrój, where we’ve established the Flood Victims Assistance Center.”
„Caritas is one of the few organizations that provides continuous help—not only in crises but every day,” Fr. Majda added. „But none of this would be possible without the involvement of parish priests who didn’t close their doors when the flood came but opened them wide to offer help.”
Greater Good Emerging from Tragedy
„I am deeply grateful for the immense work done by Caritas of the Diocese of Świdnica,” Fr. Majda, Director of Caritas Poland, added. „Through our joint efforts, we’ve provided not only financial resources but also essential equipment that helped families return to normalcy.”
„The needs are still enormous,” emphasized Fr. Kisiel, Director of Caritas of the Diocese of Świdnica. „Many entrepreneurs lost their workplaces, tools, and goods. These are family tragedies with nothing to return to. That’s why long-term assistance and unwavering solidarity are so crucial.
Fr. Majda’s visit to the Diocese of Świdnica was not only a gesture of solidarity but also a sign that the Church does not abandon its faithful. That mercy has a name, a face, and actions. And Caritas—as the Church’s instrument—is present where tears flow, where hearts break, where help is needed to rise from the ruins.
„From this tragedy, more good can emerge,” Fr. Majda said. „Because there truly is more good. And we want to support that good every day—through presence, prayer, and concrete assistance.”
Source: DAI, wAkcji24.pl / Photo: wAkcji24.pl / May 2, 2025