Month: August 2021

Oktober 1, 2022

We survived another war night. Recently there were the so-called referenda and more annexations. We don’t have friaries in those territories. There are people who are being subjected to mental and physical terrorism. The uncertainty and war in our minds is returning. What will happen next? Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us… God, give us peace.

The Word… God comes to help in His Word. The answer to another war in the head is the Word from the liturgy, Job’s words: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.” You can end this war… You are God, not me… Hence my prayer, my request “Let your merciful face shine upon your servant.” Ps 119

“Happy the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it”. God be blessed in what I hear and what I see!  God is love!

We live in the war, we do not live by war.

Warsaw, Poland:
Another day of Catholic Publishing Fair. Family meeting: Capuchin “Clara Studio” from Ukraine and Capuchin “Serafin” Publishing House from Poland and, above all, the meeting of Capuchin brothers and Mrs. Larissa from Vinnytsia. (photo)

Lviv/Briukhovychi:
Another meeting of leaders of the Consultation Center under the leadership of Br. Jerzy and Mrs. Iryna from Dnipro. (photo)

Staryi Ostropil, near Starokostiantyniv:
When I was a pastor in Staryi Ostropil, among other places, there were about 4 people left in this parish. I thought about closing the parish. Then Br. Casimir came forward with a proposal to place the headquarters of the Franciscan School of Evangelization there.  And today? Brother Leonid celebrated Mass on the patronal feast. The parish and the School of Evangelization are alive. Praise be to God! Who has ears and eyes…

Dnipro:
As you know, after several weeks, Dnipro was attacked again yesterday. Fortunately, our “mini monastery” was not affected, but it was very close to it. There was an attack on a bus park, a farmer’s market and other facilities… Out of 200 buses, 14 survived, and I attached some photos. (photo)
As a brother recently said, “you can live peacefully in war”, maybe… for him…

May God protect us!

September 30, 2022

We survived another night. In Dnipro, where our Capuchin brothers live, there are increasingly frequent rocket raids. Brothers, may God protect you.

In the Zaporizhzhia Region, those who wanted to help others died under bombs. A column of humanitarian aid cars was shelled by bombs. There are many casualties. God, grant them heaven and us peace while still here on earth. Amen!

The Word… Another encouragement from God. Maybe I’m used to similar encouragements, requests: “Do not harden your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord.” I am who I am in God’s eyes. On the one hand, there’s a truth about me in Job’s word: “I am small, what shall I answer you! I will put my hand over my mouth,” on the other hand the words of Psalm 139: “Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.” This is also true of me. I am miraculous and wonderfully created while still in the womb of my mother Florentine, may she rest in peace. Thanks be to God for everything. God is love !

We live in a war, we do not live by war.

Br. Marek (Belgorod, Russia) has a birthday today. Marek, live for the glory of God. Best wishes. 100 years!!!

Warsaw, Poland:
Capuchin “Clara Studio” from Vinnytsia and Paulists from Lviv at Catholic Publishing Fair. Meeting at the Royal Castle with Bishop Vitaliy of Kyiv. (photo)

Kyiv:
Work is underway on the renovation of stairs and parking lot in front of our church.  Let’s pray for our benefactors from Germany.

Krakow, Poland:
At the monastery, the post-novice brothers renewed their religious vows for another year. Among the brothers is one brother from Ukraine, br. Mykola. May God give all the brothers the gift of conversion and perseverance, until death. (photo)

Photo of children sleeping in a hallway, between two walls. The safest place in the apartment, during a rocket raid. The drama of war. (Photo)

Dnipro:
There was an attack on Dnipro last night. Residential neighborhoods were attacked, where one child and two adults were killed. There are wounded and unidentified victims. In addition, a market was attacked… near the main train station. The bus station was hit as well.

Krasyliv:
Missionaries are at work! All forces thrown into the fray in the fight for heat and diversification of energy sources! (photo)

May God protect us.