Stories
Adam’s story
Adam came to Great Britain 17 years ago. Most of those years he worked on construction sites, had a place to live and sent the money he earned to his family in Poland. He left his wife and daughter growing up there. Sometimes he lost his job due to various life situations (accident, pandemic) or alcohol mishaps, then he would come to our church for help, because as the church said St. Ignatius is a reliable, permanent help point for people in need. Adam used to say that when you lose your job and later your apartment, you wander aimlessly in the streets and you don’t have the strength to get up, it is very important to find a person who will shake your hand – he will see a human being in you. Every day you say to yourself “from tomorrow I will try to change something” and nothing changes, and sometimes a good word of another person is enough and you see the value of life and everything around you. That is why coming to the Social Apostolate for meals is not only about food, it is also a kind word, smile and support. When Adam is not working and has no contact with others, he knows that he will meet them here – in Stamford Hill, it is a permanent point, quoted: “When I feel worse I can always come and I know you will be here. You give me a certain place and stability, ”he says. Adam could also be found in the church, at the Holy Mass, when he was praying with concentration. He said that he felt a great need to meet God, although it is easier to live without him, because then there are no prohibitions and orders, you can be stuck in addictions.
He can go anywhere for missions, for food, but he has spiritual needs, Holy Masses for the homeless are only here, he can feel at ease and no one judges him.
The last few months, Adam worked and rented a room, before Christmas, his employer did not pay him overdue wages, and Adam once again found himself on the street. His friends offered him an overnight stay for a few days, but he spent the next four weeks sleeping in the street and walking aimlessly. In the morning Adam collapsed in the street, his friends brought him to us, he felt very bad, his condition worsened and he lost consciousness due to pain. We called an ambulance to take him to the hospital. It turned out that there was a urinary retention due to severe cystitis and a widespread infection of the body. The next day, Adam came to us again, no painkillers, with catheter in his hands and with a catheter, he was discharged from the hospital. Once again we called an ambulance which removed the air tubes. After a few days, Adam’s condition began to worsen, without the antibiotics he was infected he grew bigger and he lost weight a lot. We called an ambulance again, which took him to another hospital, where he received appropriate treatment (antibiotics and a drip). We contacted Adam with the manager, from the Thames Reach organization, which deals with homeless matters, he is already under their care, he got accommodation and a social worker. We redirected Adam to the organization “HAGA”, which helps in the fight against addictions, he was qualified for treatment. Every week he talks to our volunteer who is a licensed addiction therapist. Adam gets food, clothes and a kind word from us, thanks every day for the help, patience and understanding of his needs. He feels better and better, is gaining weight, it is a gift from God and we are grateful to God for His favors.
Listened and described by
Gabriela Wertman
Andrzej’s story
Mr. Andrzej came to us on the recommendation of the PEEC Family Center organization cooperating with us, he found their phone number on the Internet, because he needed help in completing the documents. Due to spine disease, problems with walking and a diagnosed microadenoma, which leads to visual impairment, dizziness, he was unable to continue his work, and after paying the bills, he was left with a small amount for food. He struggled with pain every day and took 160 tablets per month. Mr. Andrzej was redirected to the Social Apostolate, and every week he receives a package of food from us. For 16 years he worked as a construction worker in London, his deteriorating health meant that he had to stop work, and his material status significantly decreased. This led to a deterioration of well-being and, as he said, “he was fed up with life, he did not want to get out of bed anymore”, in addition, the doctor diagnosed a tumor in the pituitary gland at a size of 14 mm and the decision was made for an operation due in May. During Easter fast, we asked the prayer group from our church for support in the form of prayers for people in need and the homeless, whose intentions were placed in a special basket. Mr. Andrzej also placed his request there. He was in the process of preparing for tumor surgery and he consulted a doctor, then he found out that the 14mm microadenoma had disappeared and no doctor could explain it rationally. There was one person the prayer group prayed for and asked that no surgery was needed. Mr. Andrzej’s health has also improved, his eyesight has sharpened and his headache has disappeared. Along with the improvement of physical and mental health, the will to live returned, Mr. Andrzej is a frequent guest of the Social Apostolate and helps us in preparing meals. He is convinced that he has received so much thanks to God’s grace and intercessory prayer. “Ask, and it will be given you, seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, whoever seeks finds, and whoever knocks will open it. “
Mt. 7: 7-8
Listened and described by
Gabriela Wertman
Andy's story
Andy – because the hero of this story said so about himself. I don’t remember when he joined our homeless group, but I remember very well that after opening the door I saw two short men, a blonde and a brunette. Blonde introduced himself: “I’m Andy” and that’s how it stayed. They always came together, it was obvious that they were friends and they took great care to share everything equally. If one of them couldn’t come, the other would get him a jar of soup and sandwiches. At the beginning our contact was limited to a simple “good morning”, Andy was shy and introverted, but I could always count on his help in cleaning the kitchen (of course with a friend by my side). After some time, he began to talk about himself, about life on the street, about his family and dreams. When he wanted to talk, he said: “Mrs. Gabi, can you find a moment?” and then I knew what was bothering him. He did not complain about his fate, he always spoke well of others, trying to explain to everyone. When Andy found meals at the Social Apostolate, it was cold, and he and his friend lived on the street. We prepared warm clothes for them and redirected them to aid organizations. A few months passed and nothing was heard of him until one day Andy stood in the doorway, emaciated and worried. It turned out that he was suffering from diabetes and spent several weeks in the hospital. He came to us with a strong resolution that he would take care of himself, that it was time for a change. He and a friend stayed at the hostel and they came over for a hot meal and always stayed to help clean up. When no one was around, Andy told me about his difficult family relations and always emphasized that the Apostolate was his second family. He was grateful that no one judged him or made fun of him, that he could feel safe, and when he had a bad time he knew that he could come to the “two towers” and always get a hot meal. One day he admitted that his birthday was coming, when I asked for the date, it turned out that it was also my date of birth, we both rejoiced. This was our last meeting. Soon his friend came alone for dinner, when I asked where Andy was, he replied that he wasn’t feeling well and stayed at the hostel. Andy died two weeks before our birthdays, defeated by diabetes. Homelessness is not only dirty clothes, addictions and pathology, it is a man with a difficult past buried in misery and loneliness. “Life is nothing but an eternal struggle with oneself, and it does not blossom except at the price of suffering.”
St. Fr.. Pio
Described by Gabriela Wertman
Karen's story
Karen is a 32-year-old woman addicted to alcohol. One of our homeless volunteers brought her to the Social Apostolate. Her passport was stolen and she had no ID, she was homeless, she slept in the street or with casual acquaintances, she had nothing. We helped her get a new passport, donated clothes, cleaning products, food and contacted other aid organizations. Karen started working and our contact loosened. Unfortunately, after some time we found out that Karen was beaten and held against her will by two men who used her for prostitution and who took her passport. Despite strenuous attempts to contact her and searches, she could not be found. We reported the matter to the police. The police found Karen, but she denied the whole case. Several months passed, and Karen appeared near the church on Stamford Hill, battered, beaten, her teeth broken, asleep in the nearby bushes. The only person she trusted had contact with her, handing over food, clothes and words of support from the Apostolate. Karen was transferred to an aid organization, gave birth to a daughter, and remains in touch with us. We gave her clothes for the newborn, cleaning products, baby toys. People like Karen are ashamed of their lives and their condition, but they are also sure that no matter how difficult their situation is, they can come “to the two towers” (the popular name of St. Ignatius Church among the homeless) and get help here, without judging and criticizing. It brings us a lot of joy to watch people change, from introverted people living on the edge of society, trusting no one, turning into people with many difficult stories described by life.
Described by
Gabriela Wertman
Marek’s story
Marek has been coming to us for meals for several years, recently he was very excited – he confessed and took Holy Communion after 30 years. He comes from a Catholic family of professors, he graduated with a degree computer science studies and worked as an extra in the production of Polish TV series. For thirty years he has been struggling with alcohol and amphetamine addiction, he has been living in a basement for four years. His life is ups and downs, he has been through many addictions rehabs, unsuccessfully. “I had it all and lost it all because of my addictions.” – says. When he landed on the street, our church on Stamford Hill became a safe place for him to come, eat a hot meal, and meet people who didn’t judge him. He was worried that he did not have an identity document, so Social Apostolat put him in touch with PEEC Family Center, which, among other things, deals with such matters. Mr. Piotr from this organization came once a week to help the homeless in a difficult situation and Marek was referred to him. After a few weeks, the passport was ready. Mark felt the protection of the Mother of God throughout his life, he took his faith from home, but on the way he lost it somewhere and, as he says, he experienced an ever greater spiritual emptiness as his addictions deepened. Coming to us for meals and classes, he talked about God and took part in evangelization. Marek cycled through the Elephant & Castle station every day, there is a help point for the homeless, run by nuns, one of them gave him a rosary a few years ago. His transformation began three years ago, when Father Jacek invited him to attend an Alpha course in a church in Devonia. Then he felt that God had not left him alone, that he was his friend. He began to listen to the sermons of Father Pawlukiewicz, prayed every day, bought and read the Polish edition of the Bible in a second-hand shop. For three years he was “going” to confession, but each time something was in his way (a closed church, a pandemic). Gradually, a change took place in him, at the end of December last year, he decided to prepare for general confession, give up alcohol and drugs, change everything in his life. From the first day of January, every day, he would ride his bike to the morning masses to the church, he did it with great joy in his heart, the need for confession became his most important goal. After three weeks, he felt that he was ready to do what he had been afraid of for thirty years – to confess and receive the Eucharist. That day he meets a nun, the same one who gave him a rosary a few years earlier, stops for a short conversation and asks for prayer when he goes to confession. In the morning he set off on his way to the church, but this morning was completely different than the previous one, something is jerky on his bike, prevents him from going straight, he finds himself in a dangerous situation several times, and he knows this road perfectly well. Inarticulate sounds of cursing come out of his throat, he hears his scream, it tears all the way down to his throat. When he arrives there, the church is closed, and no one is around. He decides to resign and leave, suddenly, out of nowhere, a man appears who tells him to be patient, to wait, and the church will be opened for sure.
Could this be a coincidence? After a few minutes the door is opened and he makes his most important confession in life, he receives Holy Communion. The prodigal son comes home. The seed of faith that had been sown a few years earlier had produced perfect fruit. When I asked Mark about his feelings after the Eucharist, he replied that he had satisfied his soul’s hunger and the emptiness that was in him. “Now I am taken care of and calm. God is my best friend. Marek still comes to us for dinners, slowly makes his own life, looks for a job, willingly shares his experiences with other people in need, helps to clean up after a meal. Repeating after Father Pawlukiewicz: “God’s grace made this man long for God.”
Amen
Marek – part two.
Marek decided to find priest Jacek in order to personally tell him about his transformation. I talked with Marek, he has just returned from Bristol, where Father Jacek became the pastor of the Polish parish of Our Lady of Ostra Brama. Mark got there before the evening mass and entered the church. Father Jacek recognized him immediately, when he heard Marek’s stories, he was very moved and asked: “What, the fascination with life is back?” Then he celebrated the Holy Mass. for Marek, who shared his experiences with parishioners present in the church. When I talked to Marek about everything that had happened in the past few weeks, he did not hide his emotions. He decided to move to Bristol, got a job offer there and met people who wanted to support him. Marek asked to attach a photo: To the original place where I sleep. This painting shows my entrustment to the Heart of the Immaculate, introduced two years ago, which gave me the introduction. This little picture is everywhere with me where I am sleeping. He was in the last 3 rooms that I have rented and will be in Bristol … ” He sent me a message that I need to share with you. Quote: “It’s not about these meals, it’s about clothes, because there are many missions, just like in Poland and in London. These People need Love and that’s what such a Unique Mission, different, like our Apostolate is a beautiful thing.”
What can I add more?
God is love.
Listened and described by
Gabriela Wertman
Monika’s story
Monika came to London a few years ago with her boyfriend, they wanted to start a new life. They planned that he would take a job and that she would take care of the house and start learning English. Initially, they implemented their plan, but without the support of loved ones and small earnings, they quickly found friends on the street with whom it was easier to spend another day in London. Black thoughts and a sense of loneliness drowned in alcohol, with no prospects for change. Shame and helplessness kept them from returning to Poland. After some time, Monika realized that she was pregnant, unfortunately, she did not receive support from her boyfriend, who, for fear of responsibility, left her. She accepted the help of a friend who, in return for running the house, allowed her to live in one of the rooms. These were not good conditions for a young pregnant girl, the owner liked to drink as well and there were frequent alcohol parties there. Monika asked the midwife for support, she reported the matter to social service, who urged her to give up her parental rights after the baby was born, the midwife also helped in finding a lawyer. Monika started cooperation with social service, started therapy and an English language course. After the birth of her son, she moved to live with a family that watched her custody of the child. Monika got a chance for a new life, she enjoyed every moment and wanted any changes for the better. Thanks to the Polish organization “Poles in Need”, she got to our apostolate for help and support, through the Facebook social network we organized a collection of clothes for the boy and his mother, and we delivered food. Thanks to the regular delivery of food packages, Monika was able to calmly plan a positive future for herself and her child. After some time, she asked us for help in contacting the priest to baptize the child. A close friend of hers came to London, who became a godmother, and a parishioner of our church became godfather (he has no children of his own and he agreed with great joy). We are in constant contact with Monika, who has already been granted the right to raise her son on her own, is still learning English, and is doing a course for bakers. The boy will soon turn 2 years old and start attending a nursery. Monika is very grateful for the help provided and treats us like family. We also enjoy helping.
Listened and described by
Gabriela Wertman
Sylwia’s story
We met Sylwia in a tragic situation for her, she was redirected to London, for a social flat near our church. Mrs Sylwia and her little daughter ran away from her husband, from the house where mental, physical and material violence was prevalent, they took nothing with them except documents. An organization helping women sent them to London, here they were given temporary shelter from their persecutor. Desperate, with no livelihood, she turned for help to a Polish-speaking priest, Father Mateusz, who referred her to the Social Apostolate. Mrs. Sylwia received food from us and we organized a collection of clothes, toys and everyday items for her and the child. She felt safe and cared for, calmer away from the torturer. In exchange for help, she made graphic works for our apostolate, she edited a moving film about the homeless, whom we helped to return to Poland entitled ” Going home ”, she made acknowledgment to our sponsors, from whom we collect food as well as advertising posters and leaflets. Working together for the homeless brought us closer together, and Sylwia began to notice more and more the role of God in her life. Conversations about faith caused her to ask questions (she went through apostasy while married and converted to Islam). Sylwia enrolled her daughter in a Catholic school and they started reading the Bible together, she also plans to baptize her daughter.
We wholeheartedly wish her conversion, many God’s graces and we believe that everything is in God’s hands.
Listened and described by
Gabriela Wertman