[Photo courtesy of Jack Szwergold/GL Flickr Pool]
Devoted reader and contributor Jack Szwergold writes: “This is in front of a church that is right across the street from the sweatshop my mom worked in. My parents never really talked in detail about their workdays, but my dad mentioned a few times how my mom would go to a nearby church to rest during lunch breaks in the sweatshop. We’re a Jewish family, but I think she found comfort in this place not because she was secretly religious—she considered all religion ‘bullshit’—but I’m pretty sure during World War II she spent her fair share of time hiding out in churches. And I’m sure the folks who ran the church heard her talk about her life as a teen on the run from Nazi’s during World War II. R.I.P. mom.” Thank you for those moving words,Mr. Szwergold.
1 response so far ↓
1 Gio // Feb 28, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Thank you Mr. Szwergold for your sharing of that story about my childhood parish, Our Lady Of Peace. During the years your mom worked on Carroll Street I hope that she became familiar with one Father Arthur. When I was a kid in Our Lady Of Peace, Father Arthur’s booming voice and stature were intimidating. As an adult I have come to know that Father Arthur was not only the pastor of our parish but he was a community leader who threw his arms around anyone who sought guidance. He tried hard to counsel those who fell under the influence of the drugs that were all around us, including my brother. He played basketball with the teenagers and cards with the older guys. If he came across your mother in the church, I am sure he engaged her with kind words and acceptance. Just looking at the photo of OLP brings back those memories. I am so happy your mom found the comfort she sought from a place that I hold dear in my heart. Thanks again!