I am sad to report that on November 4, 2020, sometime after dusk, the Polish Flag always proudly waving along with the American Flag in front of the rectory for many years, has been desecrated and the flagpole was broken. We are not sure if it was an act of vandalism or discrimination.
St. Valentine’s Polish Parish has been peacefully serving for over 100 years for Polish people and a huge international community in our neighborhood, in Bridesburg section of Philadelphia and beyond. This act of vandalism is concerning to us, especially now, during the pandemic, as we cooperate with the Philadelphia Share Food Program to feed 200+ Polish, Latino and American families every week. Our Church Hall is also used for the neighborhood as voting poll place, and our church building serves for believers seeking faith, hope and love.
We are highly concerned and disappointed because of this incident. Earlier, in July, fireworks were set off inside the church through an open window. Nobody was injured but it was a high fire risk.
Are we looking for justice? There is no need for law enforcement to be involved but we would like to appeal to our local authorities and local communities for peace. St. Valentine’s is going to be faithful to our mission statement and as the church we are going to tirelessly serve the people regardless of their beliefs, race or political differences. “We are not enemies, but friends.†(Abraham Lincoln, 1861)
We are asking our Polish American organizations, institutions and businesses, as well as people of good-will to help us to fund and install a security camera system around our church for the safety of our neighborhood, especially Polish citizens looking for help in our church, so that we can continue the charitable programs we provide to our community. May God bless America! May God bless Poland! May God bless all of us!
Rev. Mariusz Mularczyk and St. Valentine’s PNCC Parish Committee