THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 44, NO. 7 | SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
CNS PHOTO/UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE VIA REUTERS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sings the national anthem during a flag-raising ceremony in Izium on Sept. 14 after Ukrainian forces liberated the town. Zelenskyy greeted soldiers and thanked them for their efforts in retaking the area.
SAFE HARBOR
Leaven readers help Polish priest house and feed Ukrainian refugees By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
good word, every penny you have given,” he said. “The most important thing I ask for is your prayer. “Do not forget us.”
O
LATHE — Helena Anderson first heard Father Jan Golembiewski’s story some six months ago. It was so remarkable that she made sure to visit the Polish priest at his parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Otwock, Poland, during her annual visit to her native country this summer. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the priest opened his rectory to refugees, and he continues to house 12 women and children. Anderson heard his story and shared it with her pastor Father Michael Hermes of St. Paul Parish in Olathe. Father Hermes quickly asked parishioners for help — and ultimately extended the invitation to more Catholics in an article that appeared in The Leaven on April 8. The response was overwhelming.
A warm welcome
COURTESY PHOTO
Helena Anderson, front right, and her daughters stand amid a group of parish volunteers and Father Jan Golembiewski at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Otwock, Poland. Anderson visited the church this summer. Father Golembiewski received $35,040 in donations, which has helped him cover the additional costs of having the refugees stay with him.
His message now is one of gratitude. “I am immensely grateful for every help you have given, every
Upon their arrival at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Anderson, her mother and daughters were greeted by parish volunteers, several of whom have been hosting refugees in their own homes. “Everybody was super-nice and super-friendly,” she said. “Those [refugees] are in really good hands.” Father Golembiewski gave a tour of the church, where they prayed together before sharing a meal. “It was an appreciation dinner not only for me because I came,” said Anderson, “but also for all the volunteers that helped with everything going on there.” Anderson met a few refugees, watched children playing outside >> See “RECTORY” on page 5