Social Work of Father Ferdynand Machay among Polish Immigrants in France (1922-1924)

Abstract

In the varied mass of Polish immigrants in France after 1918 three distinct groups could be differenciated: 1) farm-hands, 2) miners, 3) factory workers. They were cared for by Polish priests sent by the Polish Catholic Mission in Paris. Father Ferdynand Machay was one of the Mission’s most oiistanding workers in the period 1922-1924. As a priest and a social worker he helped Polish immigrants to solve many an economic problem. He concentrated particularly on agricultural labourers as the most destitute, often. interceding with either the Polish consular office or French authorities on the behalf of the immigrants. In the weekly A Pole in France (Polak we Francji) Father Machay published articles in the nature of legal advice. He dealth with social problems in his sermons, too. His activities contributed to the negotiation of a new immigration convention of 1924.

Apart from providing relief, Father Machay attempted to set up vocational organizations of Polish immigrants, including Queen Jadwiga’s Society for Polish girls, and St. Isidore’s Society for farmers. He was also well known for his cultural activities. He launched and edited the weekly A Pole in France, dealing among others with social problems of Polish workers in France. Father Machay was also active in the Cultural Society which established libraries, initiated tours of lectures and propagated Polish culture. His work among Polish immigrants was generally appreciated both in France and Poland.