We are discussing the project entitled “Protection, accessibility and promotion of the sacred monuments of the Bolesławiec–Leutersdorf cross-border area”, co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Poland–Saxony 2007–2013 Cross-Border Cooperation Operational Programme, with Rev. Prelate Andrzej Jarosiewicz, custodian of the Bolesławiec Marian Basilica.
Istotne.pl Editorial Office: – Another project in the renovation, ongoing for many years, of the Bolesławiec Marian Basilica has reached the halfway point. Please tell us about this project.
Rev. Andrzej Jarosiewicz: – We are changing the lighting system for the historic features inside our church. After so many years of conserving works of art, we now need to illuminate the interior of the Basilica appropriately and show it in all its splendour to tourists and pilgrims. After all, it is the most valuable sacred cultural site in our town and the surrounding area. We obtained EUR 167,500 for this purpose; the value of the EU funding is EUR 142,375. The investment is scheduled for completion on 30 July.
This is a cross-border project. It required us to find a partner on the Saxon side.
Our partner is the Roman Catholic Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Leutersdorf. We were fortunate because this parish is administered by Andrzej Glombitza, a priest of Polish origin. This undertaking begins a period of cooperation between the two parishes. We have much in common. Both Catholics in Poland and Catholics in the former GDR became accustomed to the fact that existence under a totalitarian system forced passivity in terms of participation in the life of the Church. Now, thank God, we have a different reality. None of us, of course, forgets the wounds inflicted on the Church by totalitarianism, but today we are trying to build a new reality: the reality of a Church that lives within the borders of the European Union and that prays in different languages but shares the same faith.
Implementing the project requires activity from us not only in the areas of conservation, renovation and technology, but also on a human level – thanks to it, we have established new contacts. Parishioners from Leutersdorf come to Bolesławiec and take part in Masses. During these celebrations, we try to combine Polish and German in the liturgy so that our Saxon partners can actively participate in the services. It is also worth mentioning that the tender for conservation work in Leuterdorf was won by the Polish company Ars Fortis, conservator Marii Lelek-Pietrzak, which also worked with our Basilica.
And how are the works progressing in the Basilica?
Very smoothly. Everything indicates that the Bolesławiec-based company Elektos, owned by Stanisław Stankiewicz, which won the procedure for selecting the contractor, will fulfil the contract on time.
How will this project be summarised?
A book is being prepared, for which Grzegorz Matoryn [znany bolesławiecki fotografik – przyp. red.] is preparing the photographs. The publication will contain information about the history of both churches. It will also discuss how the two parishes came to work together on this task. Two commemorative plaques will also be created – one will be installed in Bolesławiec and the other in Leutersdorf.
Are you already thinking about further conservation work, Reverend Custodian?
Of course. This year we still face one more task – renovating the roof of the Caritas building. The City Council has declared financial assistance, and Radosław Mołoń, Deputy Marshal of Lower Silesia, has also done so. What is more, with the assistance of Bolesławiec County Head Cezary Przybylski, we are trying to obtain funding from Polska Miedź S.A. Foundation. This building is a historic property serving the common good. It houses a community centre for street children, family counselling services and a centre supporting victims of domestic violence. It is an important site for us.
However, the most difficult task still ahead of us is preparing the renovation of the Basilica’s façade. It is difficult because this renovation must be preceded by rebuilding the church’s drainage system, ruined by wartime operations and the passage of time. We know perfectly well that the cost of this investment will exceed the cost of all the tasks we have completed so far. A rough estimate is PLN 3–4 million. But first we must prepare a moisture map of the church. Only then will we consider how to carry out the façade renovation: in several stages or all at once. This renovation will conclude the 10-year period of restoring the beauty of the most valuable sacred cultural site in Bolesławiec and the surrounding area.
The project entitled “Protection, accessibility and promotion of the sacred monuments of the Bolesławiec–Leutersdorf cross-border area” is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Poland–Saxony 2007–2013 Cross-Border Cooperation Operational Programme.
(commissioned information)