I am appealing to all people of goodwill to make August 15th the Day of National Solidarity with Slovenia – wrote the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Stanislaw Gądecki, in an Appeal for Aid to Slovenia.

The President of the Episcopate requested prayers on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary for those affected by the floods, “asking for hope, strength and material resources, necessary to fight the effects of the floods.”

“Please, pray for the victims during all Masses that day and organize a fundraiser in front of the churches, which – through Caritas Polska – will be handed over to those in need,” the President of the Polish Episcopate appealed.

Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

The full text of the Appeal follows:

The Appeal
of the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
for Aid for Slovenia

Slovenia has been struggling with one of the worst floods of recent decades for several days. Two-thirds of the country came under water, and losses are estimated at hundreds of millions of euros.

Following the first reports of the effects of the disaster, the Church in Poland – through Caritas Poland – hurried to help those affected. However, further requests for support are reaching us.

Given the extent of the damage and responding to requests for help, I am appealing to all people of goodwill to make August 15 a Day of National Solidarity with Slovenia. On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we wish to pray for those affected by the floods, asking for hope, strength, and material resources necessary to fight the effects of the floods.

Please pray for victims during all Masses that day and organize a fundraiser in front of the churches, which – through Caritas Polska – will be transferred to those in need.

I assure all Donors of my gratitude, giving my pastoral blessing.

+ Stanislaw Gądecki
Metropolitan Archbishop of Poznań
President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

Warsaw, August 11, 2023

Translated by Sr. Amata Nowaszewska / Office for Foreign Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference