There is one day, only once a year, when all the children and employees of the Bolesławiec Children’s Home, under the patronage of Saint Joseph, gather for a shared supper. The supper is always held a few days earlier so that everyone can be together, because during the holidays some children leave for their family homes or the homes of host families.
This year’s Christmas Eve supper was held on December 18. The home was filled with carols, the glow of the lights on the Christmas trees reflected in the windows, festively dressed children ran through the corridors, and the aromas of Christmas Eve dishes wafted from the kitchen. The Bible, the Christmas wafer, a candle. For most of the children, it was their first Christmas Eve celebration of this kind. They therefore awaited it with curiosity and uncertainty, their hearts beating faster, wondering what it would be like…
The festive meal began with the sign of the cross, followed by a communal singing of the well-known carol “God Is Born.” One of the educators read a passage from the Gospel about the birth of Jesus. Everyone prayed for their loved ones and friends, for children who lacked bread, and for the sick, lonely and abandoned.
With nostalgia in their hearts, they remembered deceased loved ones, their beloved educator Mrs. Natalka, and the deceased children Adrian and Staś.
The Sister Director offered everyone her wishes, referring to the words of Pope Francis, who said: “The birth of Jesus shows that God once and for all took the side of humanity in order to save us and lift us out of our difficulties.” She wished everyone strength and courage to always take God’s side in the person of another human being who needs us.
The children handed out Christmas wafers and exchanged good wishes as they broke them together. These were unique moments, sincere and moving to tears. After the greetings, everyone sat down together at a table covered with a white tablecloth and enjoyed delicious Christmas Eve dishes. They sang carols and waited for their presents.
The moment of receiving presents is also a time for gratitude. How wonderful that there are people who shared their hearts with the children of the Children’s Home and gave them various gifts. May God reward them. The children were euphoric. It was heartwarming to watch those moments of happiness and see the joy in the children’s eyes. For the sisters and educators, it was the most beautiful present under the Christmas tree: the happiness of their beloved children, for whom they would like to lift a corner of heaven. Childhood should be like this: full of love, a sense of security, stability and joy. At such a moment, one always wonders whether this is possible.
An institution such as a children’s home is not a place for children. Every child’s place is with a family, in a normal home. But because some adults fail and cannot be parents, their children end up in an institution.
– With all my heart, I thank Saint Joseph, who quietly and wonderfully watches over the home – says the Sister Director. – I also thank all my colleagues for the beautiful work we carried out together in 2013. I think this is unique on a national scale. I would like to see a Children’s Home in Poland where 100% of the children have found a home. More than thirty children staying at the Bolesławiec Children’s Home in 2013 found foster or adoptive families. Several of them returned home thanks to cooperation with their parents, while several became independent. There is much to thank God and people for. I thank my beloved colleagues at the Children’s Home with all my heart—what would I do without you? – wonders Sister Agnieszka Wieczorek gratefully.
Through our portal, the Sister Director also extends her heartfelt thanks to the employees of the Bolesławiec Family Court and its Chairwoman, Grażyna Słotwińska, for their tremendous help, kindness and understanding that although we make very difficult decisions, the child’s welfare is the most important thing.
– A huge thank-you to everyone together and to each person individually. May God bless you all. For the New Year, I wish that God guide you and that your efforts for the good of children, even if only sometimes, also be appreciated by people – wishes the Sister Director of the Bolesławiec Children’s Home.
The editorial staff of the newspaper and portal Istotne Informacje extend their warmest thanks to the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth and the employees of the Bolesławiec Children’s Home for their great hearts and extraordinary work carried out with love for the good of orphaned children. Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas, we express our gratitude for the exceptionally difficult service you provide with strength, perseverance and love.
(information: Children’s Home/ii)