On September 30, 2020, three sisters of the Polish Province: Sr. M. Elżbieta Lidzbarska, Sr. M. Elżbieta Malicka and Sr. M. Paulina Szałek accompanied by Sr. M. Iwona Nadziejko, the Provincial Superior and Sr. M. Ludwika Jastrzębska, the Mission Procurator, went to Spišská Nowa Wieś in Slovakia to take up the ministry of the sacristan and organist at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and the work as a community nurse.
After arriving in Spiska Nowa Wieś, together with the custodian of the Sanctuary, Fr. Peter Klubert, the Sisters went to the sanctuary, where they entrusted themselves and the new task to God’s Mercy. Then the Sisters were invited to the house of the Pallottine Fathers, where, after a warm welcome, all had a common supper, sharing the joy of the new beginning, full of hope and trust in God’s Providence.
October 1, actually the first day of their stay in Slovakia, left indelible memories in the Sisters. They began with a prayer in the community of the Pallottine Fathers. Then the Sisters and Priests went to the Spiš Chapter, where Rev. Bishop Jan Kubos of the Spiš Diocese was waiting. During the conversation, he showed the Sisters great kindness and interest in our apostolic plans. Provincial Sr. Iwona Nadziejko thanked the Bishop for accepting us to work in the Diocese, which was confirmed by signing the contract.
After returning to Spiska Nowa Wieś, Mass was celebrated at 11.00 in the Pallottine Fathers’ chapel in the intention of the Pallottine Sisters who came to work in Slovakia. The Eucharist was also attended by the Mayor of the Smiżany Commune, Mirosława Sitowa, and the people who rented us the house. After the Mass, the participants went to a festive dinner during which the Provincial addressed words of gratitude to the Pallottine priests and all the guests for the invitation, the help and kindness we experienced while installing our sisters on Slovak soil. As a thank you, our benefactors received amber rosaries and hand-made gingerbreads of different designs.
The next point of the day was a meeting with the Mayor in the so-called Kostel belonging to the Commune Office. Mrs. Mayor together with the councilors officially welcomed the Sisters in the town of Smiżany. She expressed her joy and great hope for good cooperation, after which the Sisters were asked to write into the memorial book of Smiżany. The official part ended with thanks, gifts exchange and singing the “Barka” (each in their own language). The next day, saying goodbye to the Provincial, the Sisters shared their joy that they could take up the apostolate in Slovakia and that they felt that their place, prepared by the Lord, was here for this time.
