In service for a century. 100th anniversary of the Volunteer Fire Department in Świebodna [PHOTOS]

On Sunday, June 8, a beautiful jubilee took place in Świebodna – the centenary of the local OSP unit. The celebrations began with a field mass at the MBP sanctuary in Jodłówka, celebrated for the firefighters from Świebodna and their families. It was led by Bishop Edward Białogłowski. During the mass, he also blessed new robes for the image of Our Lady of Consolation – the patron saint of the sanctuary, in connection with the coronation jubilee falling this year. Further celebrations moved to the square in front of the Firefighters' House in Świebodna.

An important point of this jubilee was the presentation of awards. The unit was distinguished with the highest firefighting award – the Golden Badge of the Volunteer Fire Department Association of the Republic of Poland awarded by the Main Board of the Volunteer Fire Department Association of the Republic of Poland. The same award was given to comrade Józef Dragan for his many years of work for the development of volunteer firefighting. Another high award given by the association was the Firefighter's Star of Podkarpacie, which was received by comrade Zbigniew Barszczak. In addition to the above, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for Merit to Firefighting, the Exemplary Firefighter badge and badges for years of service were also presented. An extremely important point for the firefighters was also the consecration of the chapel with the figure of St. Florian and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, funded by the Jarosław District Officer Kamil Dziukiewicz, and made in tribute to the founding firefighters and subsequent generations of firefighters working for the Volunteer Fire Department. At the end of the ceremonial roll call, heavy rain fell, which "sacrificed" everyone present. The next part of the celebration, the planned family picnic, was limited due to the heavy rainfall, but both the dance and the refreshments for everyone took place thanks to the fact that the firefighters had prepared the area well for such eventualities by making appropriate roofs.

The guests included priests from the Jodłówka parish – Fr. Jerzy Jakubiec, Fr. Sebastian Lasota, Tadeusz Chrzan with his wife, Dariusz Tracz, Senior Brigadier Dariusz Homa, Wacław Szkoła, Mariusz Trojak, Stanisław Górski, Senior Brigadier Marek Ochenduszka, Monika Romaniec, Dawid Mazur, Agnieszka, Renata Mikłasz, Robert Grządziel, Senior Warrant Officer Wojciech Mikłasz, Marian Romanik, Zygmunt Jasiłek, Magdalena Długosz. Katarzyna Kos, standard-bearers and delegations of the Volunteer Fire Department units from the commune, the Pruchnik Volunteer Fire Department Orchestra conducted by bandmaster Hubert Hadro, representatives of the local government and association, sponsors and numerous residents.

ed. MR

Our Lady in a new dress

The celebration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Consolation in Jodłówka had a special character this year for yet another reason. It was the culmination of the spiritual vigil and preparations, and at the same time a time of thanksgiving for the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the miraculous image of Our Lady.

photo: Zdzisław Pliszak

The faithful gathered in large numbers at the feet of the Mother of Consolation to renew their hearts and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The parish community began preparations the day before the celebration. On Saturday evening, as part of the Vigil of the Holy Spirit, a Holy Mass was held with a renewed liturgy of the word, followed by the Rosary of Reparation led by the Children of Mary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the entire parish and for the benefactors of the new dress.

photo: Zdzisław Pliszak

The central point of Sunday's celebration was the Eucharist led by Bishop Edward Białogłowski. In his homily, the bishop pointed to the significance of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and the parish community: "The year 2025 is a jubilee time, not only for the entire Church, but also for Jodłówka. The Holy Spirit renews, strengthens, and guides. It is He who awakens courage and unity," said the preacher, also emphasizing that "the world does not need a new Gospel - it is the world that must return to the Gospel."

photo: Zdzisław Pliszak

He also recalled the history of the sanctuary dating back to the 17th century and the moment of the coronation of the miraculous image by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła in 1975, and clearly emphasized that "In new clothes, the Mother of Consolation shows us the face of love and care. The dress is a sign of faith, an expression of sacrifice, and above all - a prayerful gift of all who have experienced her presence and consolation" . The bishop continued, saying: "May the contemplation of the image of the Mother and Queen in new clothes fill us with joy and gratitude. It is a sign of our piety and love for Mary" .

photo: Zdzisław Pliszak

After the homily, a solemn blessing of the new dress, prepared for the image of Mary and Baby Jesus, took place. "It is not only a work of art, but a sign of gratitude and trust in Mary - the Mother who comforts, supports and guides" - emphasized Fr. Jerzy Jakubiec, parish priest and custodian of the Sanctuary. The new dress - openwork, subtle and full of symbolism - was designed by Mariusz Drapikowski, an artist known as the "tailor of the Mother of God". Its creation was inspired by the idea of priests working in the parish, who - as they themselves admit - almost simultaneously felt an inner inspiration to celebrate the golden jubilee of the coronation with a new dress of Mary. "I remember how during breakfast the parish priest said that he had such an idea in his heart. I replied that the same thought had occurred to me two days earlier. We treat it as spiritual inspiration" - recalls Fr. Sebastian Lasota, vicar.