The Christmas Eve supper began with greetings and wishes from Father Edward Bober. “It is often the case that a person is responsible for their own difficult situation in life,” Father Bober told those gathered.
The priest’s address was repeatedly interrupted by one of the homeless men. His loud remarks—“that’s right,” “I agree,” and “of course it is”—irritated the priest to such an extent that he wanted to ask the man to leave. Fortunately, this did not happen, as, following clear suggestions from the others present, the man echoing the priest quieted down somewhat.
After the ceremonial welcome, everyone exchanged good wishes and shared the Christmas wafer.
The mayor and his deputies were present at the meeting. They, too, shared the Christmas wafer and exchanged good wishes with the homeless residents of Bolesławiec.
After sharing the Christmas wafer, those gathered sat down at the table. Christmas dishes awaited them: pierogi, beetroot soup with mushroom-filled dumplings, cabbage, and herring. There was also something sweet—Christmas baked goods.
Not everyone who came for the Christmas refreshments was homeless in the literal sense of the word. Many were people living alone who, for various reasons, lived very modestly.
The parish, whose priest-in-charge is Father Edward Bober, has organized a Christmas Eve supper for homeless people for many years. On a daily basis, the parish runs a canteen for people who cannot afford food.