Month: August 2021

February 28, 2023

Yesterday, brothers, people were often plagued by alarms, anxiety. Let us pray for God’s just peace, not the kind the world gives us (proposes), but the kind God gives us.

The Word… Psalm 34 is the Word that God, out of love for me, for us, gives for this time of war, which unfortunately is in our Ukraine and also in our heads, and thus among us. “I sought help from the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all fear.”
“Behold, a poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him from all oppression.”
“The Lord is close to the impenitent in heart, He saves the fallen in spirit.”
Therefore, let us pray: ” Our Father who art in heaven…”

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

Brotherly heaven. Prayer for Ukraine.

Amsterdam, Netherlands:
A fired ambulance from Ukraine is set up in Dam Square. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Eucharist with children and charismatic words of Brother Alexander. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Invitations for the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. (photo)

Wroclaw, Poland:
Grisha L. from Dnipro has been feeding the ranks of altar boys in the Capuchin parish in Wroclaw for years now. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Br. Roman Pop):
There was an earthquake in Transcarpathia at night.

JESUS LIVES!

February 27, 2023

Yesterday Sunday morning quiet. Something new. Last night there were alarms in Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy regions, later and Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi. What will happen next? We’ll find out tomorrow.
Bahmut shelled 24 hours a day. Kharkiv…
That night was reminiscent of those first war nights. Anxiety, explosions, but we are already one year more experienced.
11 kamikaze drones were downed by Ukrainian anti-missile systems. There are injuries and fatalities in Khmelnytskyi region.
Nikopol, Dnipro region, destroyed residential houses. (photo)
This morning, Ukraine all red. Alert.

The Word… “Behold now the longed-for time, behold now the day of salvation.” What is the longed-for time, the time of salvation? It is every day in which you see and hear God giving you the Holy Spirit, which gives you light in the darkness, life in war. Among other things, Lent is a wonderful time of salvation. Don’t be afraid to open your Bible and read and hear. Today… Now…

We live in a war, we don’t live by war.

Wroclaw, Poland:
Nice, pleasant meetings with our friends from Dnipro, Kyiv, Vinnytsia. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Another session of the School of Mary. Brother Sasha Mogilny ministering to the School. God bless. (photo)

Kyiv:
In the House of Fr. Pio began the therapeutic project “Art therapy.” (photo)

News from the brothers:

Starokostiantyniv (Br. Sergey Gubitsky):
Peace and good. Information about brother Stanislaw: He is currently in Poland. He had a retreat at school. He has bronchitis and on next Monday he is scheduled to be admitted to the hospital in Krakow. Please pray for him.

Jesus lives!

February 26, 2023

Almost all of yesterday, a day full of alarms, anxiety, war standard. Sunday morning calm.

The Word… Let this Word become a light and inspiration to listen to the Word of God. “For as through one man’s disobedience all became sinners, so through the obedience of the One all will become righteous.” By listening, by obeying, we become happy children of God.

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

Assisi, Italy (from Br. Marek Miszczynski):

Sergei and Blazej, I send greetings from the brothers (Matteo and Carlo) and lay associates (Paolo and Michele) of Assisi. Yesterday, from morning until evening, there was prayer for peace in the Basilica of St. Francis and in the Portiuncula (and throughout the city in general), in various forms (Masses, liturgical celebrations, marches and probably privately as well). And in the evening there was a concert “We are all brothers. Music for Peace,” which attracted more than 1,000 people and after which offerings were collected for our Kiev project “Mothers at St. Pio’s House.” A gesture of solidarity with Ukraine, a cry for peace in the world, an act of material aid. Everyone does what they can and what they can to help the victims of war and express the universal desire for peace in the world. And the rest in the hands of God: “have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Greetings and see you soon!
Marek

https://www.frateindovino.eu/il-mensile/primo-piano/fratelli-tutti-musica-per-la-pace

Boryspil:
Verbist Sisters. Sr. Tetiana.
https://tv-trwam.pl/epg/audycja/prg.121032

Kherson:
A kindergarten was burned down by Russian rocket fire last night near Kherson. (photo)

Ukraine:
Despite the war, yesterday was a celebration of Ukrainian women. We wish all the best to our ladies in Ukraine. (photo)

Lviv:
“May God protect and bless you.” (photo)

Ukraine:
Cemetery, 24.02.2022, second photo, 24.02.2023—a year has passed. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
Stations of the Cross and prayer for Ukraine on the 1st anniversary of the war in Krasyliv church. (photo)
Preparations for the fair which we plan to hold before Christmas to raise funds for ZSU. (photo)|
And in Krasyliv the School of Mary since yesterday, grades, 4.5.6.
Quite a few people from different parts of Ukraine came. Led by Br. Peter with his assistant Br. Andrew, deaconesses, missionaries…, and conferences are also preached by Br. Leonid.
Praise the Lord for the family atmosphere! (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 25, 2023

Yes, it’s been one year and one day—of war, but also of life. We live and believe that those who died at the hands of the enemy, also live… their eternal life.

The war normal: alarms, uncertainty, fear and war in the mind, but also gratitude to God and to people, our Benefactors, angels, the great and the small. Let us pray for all our Brothers and Benefactors.

The Word… “Follow Me.” A word that is simple and understandable, but difficult to accept in life. The fact that I am alive… I am who I am for today is the fulfillment of the Word… “Follow Me.”
Let us not sin with ingratitude. Thank God for the vocation in which each of us has a share. God loves me… me a sinner, therefore once again “Follow me…”

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

Br. Sergey Kippa, Custos of the Custody of Ukraine:

On the anniversary of Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine, I want to thank God for all the gifts, graces and strength with which the Lord has strengthened us during this difficult time and without which we would not have survived!
For every brother who, according to his abilities and talents, was involved in serving the Church and the people of Ukraine!
Special thanks to the brothers from Poland, who did not get scared and stayed with us!!!
For our wonderful parishioners, pastors, with whom we learned to be “a community of disciples of Jesus”, serving those whom the Lord sent us!
Here’s to the many wonderful, generous people, volunteers who have passed through our monasteries, rushing to help in “hot spots”.
For the thousands of open hearts of our benefactors, thanks to whom we can bring help to those in need!
And most of all, we thank and pray for those who are giving and have given their lives for Ukraine, for the nation, for their neighbor!!!
The war is not over yet.
But today it is necessary to blow the “trumpet”—a word of thanks to God and people!
God, give us peace!!! Your peace!

В річницю повномаштабного вторгнення Росії в Україну прагну подякувати Богові за всі ті дари, благодаті, сили, якими Господь укріплював нас в цей важкий час і без яких би ми не встояли!
За кожного брата, який згідно зі своїми можливостями і талантами включався в служіння Церкві і народу України!
Особлива подяка братам з Польщі, які не злякалися і залишилися з нами!!!
За наших прекрасних парафіян, служителів, з якими ми вчилися бути “спільнотою учнів Ісуса”, служачи тим, кого Господь посилав нам!
За безліч чудових великодушних людей, волонтерів, які пройшли через наші монастирі, спішучи на допомогу в “гарячі точки”.
За тисячі відкритих сердець наших добродіїв, завдяки яким ми можемо нести допомогу потребуючим!
А перед усім дякуємо і молимося за тих, хто віддає і вже віддав своє житття за Україну, за народ, за ближнього!!!
Війна ще не закінчена.
Але сьогодні потрібно, щоб залунала “сурма” – слово подяки Богу і людям!
Боже, обдаруй нас миром!!! Твоїм миром!

Croatia. Letter from Brother Jure Sarcevic:

We encourage our people to pray and we ourselves think and pray every day that this bestial aggression against such a wonderful country as Ukraine will end. Today in our homeland, the anniversary of the aggression against Ukraine is celebrated in various ways and solidarity is expressed with the suffering Ukrainian people. Prayers to God for peace in Ukraine and fraternal greetings to you
all of you.

Warsaw, Poland/Kyiv:
This is more than politics and diplomacy… (photo)

Tel Aviv, Israel:
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv. Yesterday. (photo)

The World:
Free World… (photo)

Kharkiv:
Last night, our neighbors wanted to remind us of ourselves: all seven rockets they launched at Kharkiv fell and exploded over Belgorod. Thank God!

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Information regarding humanitarian aid from Croatia transferred to Dnipro.
Comforters were donated to the victims of a bomb attack in Dnipro, as well as to hospitals in Slavyansk and Kharkiv. Some canned goods to Kharkiv.
Assistance to the military—coffee, soup in packages.
It was not possible to take photos during the relief efforts, so we provide the information in written form.
Thank you!

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
We consecrated the cross and the Stations of the Cross. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Brothers, please pray for Adam W. In Lent we are accompanied by the readings from the Book of Exodus—and so the plagues of Egypt appear in his life—yesterday his “posvidka” (residence permit) was lost, and today he received information that his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Please remember his family in prayer!

Jesus lives!

February 24, 2023

And so it has been a year since another massive Russian attack on Ukraine. We remember 2014, the annexation of Crimea and part of the land of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

It was a quiet morning yesterday. In the Kharkiv region, a Russian rocket hit a city government office building. People under the rubble of the collapsed building.
At noon, around 12:00 alarms in Kyiv. Alarms also in the east. And so it has been 365 days, and the end of the war is not in sight.
At night shelling in Dnipro region.
God, give us a just peace!

The Word… The prophet Isaiah, as befits a prophet, reproaches us with mistakes in living the fast that is just beginning. You fast badly, you pray badly… But the last word in today’s reading is optimistic and is Good News. “Here I am!” says God, “Here I am!”

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

Ukraine (from the office of the President of Ukraine):

Dozens, hundreds of thousands of photos that leave deep scars in your heart and soul. They remind us of the path we have gone down from February to February. It must be in our DNA.
We have not broken down, we have overcome many ordeals and we will prevail. We will hold to account all those who brought this evil, this war to our land. All the terror, all the killings, all the torture, all the looting.
Russia has chosen the path of the murderer. The path of the terrorist. The path of the torturer. The path of the looter. This is the state choice of Russia, and there will be state responsibility for the terror committed.

Photo:
Evgeniy Maloletka, Aris Messinis, CNN Video, Andrii Marienko, Rodrigo Abd, Ronaldo Schemidtafp for Getty Images, Alex Kent.

Wroclaw. Poland:
A nice, friendly meeting with the family of Andrii and Ola, our former parishioners from Dnipro. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Pray for Konstantin from Kharkiv without a leg. A soldier who constantly drinks and had suicide attempts. Thank you.

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
https://youtu.be/BMvtOhWqSBY

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
https://youtu.be/SuEh2aldUwg

Jesus lives!

February 23, 2023

Kharkiv experienced more rocket fire. More alerts in the south and east of Ukraine during the night.The Ukrainian army is reviving on the front. Let us pray for our defenders…
God, give us peace!

The Word… Every Word, especially now during Lent has its own special importance.
“Look! I lay before you today life and happiness, death and misery.” You have a choice. God does not take away your freedom. Jesus will repeat and give you the opportunity to choose, if you want to…
“If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, let him take up his cross every day and follow Me.” To follow Jesus, not before Jesus. Obey God, not yourself.
“Choose therefore to live, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, listening to His voice, clinging to Him.”
“Happy the man who trusts in the Lord.”

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

Kharkiv:
Bishop Pavel Goncharuk has asked priests to celebrate the Eucharist with appropriate intentions on February 24, the anniversary of Russia’s next attack on Ukraine.

Krasyliv:
Another batch of frontal candles made with their own hands by the Capuchin Sisters and parishioners went to their proper place. May they enlighten and warm our heroes.(photo)

Lviv:
Another invitation to the Prayer of Worship and Prayer Vigil. Capuchin friars invite you.

Rome/Vatican City:
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, three days before the anniversary of another attack on Ukraine, Pope Francis received Father Vyacheslav Grynevych, a Pallottine priest and director of Caritas-Spes Ukraine, in a private audience. The Holy Father was presented with a cross made from shards of broken windows. (photo)
https://credo.pro/2023/02/340240

Wroclaw, Poland:
Church of the Capuchins, St. Augustine. Parish mission and Lent have begun. Let’s pray for each other. (photo)

Krasyliv/Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka:
Another defender, soldier, hero of the Ukrainian army was bid farewell, escorted to the cemetery. Andrey Lysakovki age 27, husband, father. May he rest in eternal peace.
Residents of Krasyliv and Slobidka, on their knees, with Ukrainian flags bid farewell to their countryman and hero. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Air alerts in Dnipro during the year, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine lasted 1375 times. Adding up, this alarm would last 44 days in a row. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 22, 2023

Yesterday, around lunchtime, information arrived about shelling of the Kherson area. Witnesses write about killed and wounded among civilians. The witnesses proved to be credible. Innocent people are still being killed.
A quiet night. At around 8:00 am, an alarm sounded across Ukraine.

The Word… The beginning of Lent, a time when God gives us His Spirit so that we return to Him, to the source of love: “Repent to the Lord your God! For He is compassionate, merciful, not inclined to anger, and rich in grace, and has mercy on the afflicted.”
Look at your life, your misery and turn to God and cry out and cry out Spirit of repentance, Spirit of prayer, Spirit of almsgiving come and convert me, in I will convert to you.
“In the name of Christ we ask: be reconciled to God!”

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

Warsaw, Poland:
Speeches by the President of Poland, and the President from the United States. God give them the strength so that words are followed by actions. (photo)
Glory to Ukraine/Слава Україні.

England:
25th round of the English league. All teams, players to support Ukraine will perform in blue and yellow ribbons on the shoulder. Thank you. (photo)

Kherson:
While the dictator, terrorist, Putin was speaking, innocent people were killed in Kherson, Ukraine. Note the drastic photos. (photo)

Wroclaw, Poland:
Church of two traditions, until 1948, Protestant church, St. John the Baptist and since 1948, Catholic church, St. Augustine. Religious chapel of the Capuchin brothers. City of various towers. City streetcars with Ukrainian flags. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv/Kamianske (Bro. Adam Wróbel):
Preparations for tomorrow’s humanitarian aid trip to Kramatorsk and villages around Liman. (photo)

Today (Tuesday) with Br. Leonid and volunteer Sveta we were in Краматорськ (Kramatorsk), Лиман (Lyman), Зарічне (Zarichne), Donetsk province. We distributed support: food products, chemicals and clothes. We also brought food to the military men standing on the front line. Explosions were constantly heard in the village of Зарічне (Zarichne) during our stay. One of the rockets hit a building. Our boys drove us heavy military equipment in gratitude for the products. The residents thanked us for not forgetting them. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 21, 2023

Morning, all Ukraine in the red. Fortunately short, without consequences.
Last night alerts in the northern and eastern regions of Ukraine.
The morning quiet. We are waiting to see what will happen next.
February 21: International day of the mother tongue. (photo)

The Word… Today’s Word is a help for the time of war as in Ukraine and for the time of peace… “Child, if you are going to serve the Lord, prepare your soul for experiences! Keep a calm heart and be patient, and do not lose your balance in times of tribulation! Cling to Him and do not waiver, so that you may be exalted in your last day. Accept all that comes upon you, and in the vicissitudes of humiliation be endurable! For gold is tried in the fire, and people pleasing to God—in the furnace of humiliation. Be faithful to Him and He will take care of you, straighten your paths and trust in Him!”

Tomorrow i.e. Ash Wednesday we start a parish mission in Wroclaw, Poland. I am assisting Br. Pawel Teperski. I have fears, concerns, how will it be? God does not leave me and us… “Trust in the Lord, He Himself will act.”

The second Word that gives me courage in witnessing and in proclaiming the Word: “God forbid that I should boast of anything else than of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom the world has been crucified for me, and I for the world.”

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

Kyiv:
Breaking news of yesterday: Biden and Zelenski during an alert at the St. Nicholas Cathedral. Biden’s tie, in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The whole world is spreading the word about this visit. (photo)

Heavenly Sotnia:
This is the name of more than a hundred people who gave their lives for the dignity of Ukrainians and Ukraine during the Revolution of Dignity in Kiev. February 20, the day we remember these events. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Sunday Mass with participation of children. Charismatic sermon for children by Brother Alexander Mogilny. (photo)

Krakow, Poland:
A feeding point and a place of protection and support for refugees from Ukraine is open at the railroad station. “Пункт харчування” (feeding point).
Thank God and Poland for neighborly help. (photo)

Dnipro:
On Saturday (February 18), a charitable concert of classical music was held at our Capuchin church of St. Joseph. (photo)

Kyiv:
It’s been 9 years ago. “Give a hand to Ukraine.” Let’s pray for Ukraine.

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Bro. Viktor Deschuk):
Слава Ісусу Христу! (Glory to Jesus Christ.)
On Saturday in Kyiv there was a meeting of young people from the Franciscan Youth communities. Youth from Lviv and Voznesensk came.
The theme of the meeting was Vocation. The youth met and meditated on the Word of God, they had conferences, Eucharist, group sharing and Adoration. On Sunday we visited Kyiv. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Today is the 75th birthday of our benefactor and Dnipro dad, Mr. Valery Gmyrko. Happy Birthday. (photo)

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
Thanks to volunteers from our parish, it was possible to organize a snowtubing trip for children with guardians. A total of 43 people, 35 of whom are displaced persons who now live in Uzhgorod. Half of the cost from our Benefactors from abroad. Thank you. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 19, 2023

Yesterday by lunchtime all of Ukraine was red, rockets fired from the Black Sea covered with their range the entire sky over Ukraine. Intensive work of anti-missile systems.
This morning? The war normal, unfortunately Russian shelling, people are dying, civilians and military. Suffering of families who lost their loved ones in the war.
God, give us peace.

The Word… God gives us a beautiful Word, which we are not able to fulfill with our own strength. God, give us the desire to be saints.

“Be holy, for I am holy, the Lord your God.”
“You shall not harbor hatred in your heart against your brother.”
“… You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord!”
And that’s not all! Let’s keep listening!

“The Lord is gracious, full of mercy.”

“Brethren: Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, that one will be destroyed by God. The temple of God is holy, and you are it.”

“And I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you, that ye may become the sons of your Father.”
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
I invite you to read, listen to Psalm 103.
Come, Holy Spirit!

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

Austria:
Last farewell to the guardian of the monastery, Brother Przemek, and his “charges.” (photo)

Italians:
Volunteers from Italy in defense of Ukraine, in Bahmut. (photo)

Anniversary:
The anniversary of the next Russian occupation of Ukraine is slowly approaching—February 24, 2022. Photos by Reuters journalists. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Meeting with the Word of God parents of children who are in catechesis at this time. (photo)

Kamianske:
Tomorrow, February 20, Brother Leonid Majewski celebrates his name day. Brother Lonia, best wishes, perseverance and peace in your ministry in the deoccupied territories.

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawczuk):
Together with two volunteers, we were at a rehabilitation center for soldiers who lost their limbs. More than food and care, which are good, they need support and faith. The presence of a believer helps them. I also noticed that soldiers who have faith can not only better endure disability, but also sustain others. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Classes of the Franciscan School of Evangelization are being held. The assistant, brother Volodya Procko. (photo)
Biblical meeting in Lviv at the Capuchins. (photo)
Night vigil. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 18, 2023

Yesterday was a day full of unrest, alarms all over Ukraine. Thank God the night passed peacefully across Ukraine. There were no gunshots even in eastern Ukraine. The morning was no longer calm. Alarms in some regions of Ukraine. Rockets fired from the Black Sea fly over Ukraine.

The Word… “Brothers: Faith is the surety of those goods which we expect, the proof of those realities which we do not see. It is through it that the ancestors received their testimony.”
“By faith…”
“Through faith…”
In this word, the most common statements that show God’s intervention and man’s response. A word that is fulfilled in your life by faith or through faith.
The second word: “This is my beloved Son, to Him listen.” Through faith we are also children of the same Father.

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

Horodok:
Brother Sergey Kippa, our custos conducted a day of recollection for seminarians at the Seminary. (photo)

Austria:
The fraternal inn is over. The brothers dispersed to their communities. Farewell to the brothers donkeys. A few more tricks of Brother Thomas. (photo)
Today I am back in Krakow.

I received cards with intentions from Ukrainians living in the Vienna area, asking for prayers. One of them personally touched me.
“I wish the entire Ukrainian nation peaceful skies and health, so that the war ends with the victory of the Ukrainian army. Oleksander.” (photo of original)
Please pray for this and other intentions, for Ukrainians who had to leave their families and Ukraine because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Our children from Ukraine from Dnipro, from near Kharkiv, Simferopol with their guardians came to the monastery to play together and… pray. (photo)

God sends good people. Brother Marek Krol, Mrs. Heidi, are angels who dedicate their lives, time, money to our Ukrainians, victims of the war in Austria. (photo)
Let us pray for our brothers and benefactors.

Starokostiantyniv:
Children with their brother Sergei, chocolate made with their own hands will be donated to the Ukrainian military. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kamianske (Bro. Leonid Majewski):
Peace. Yesterday was our trip to the liberated lands of Ukraine. This is the Lyman region, the village of Serednie and the village of Korovii Yar. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 17, 2023

After an uneventful day, came also an uneventful evening. In Kharkiv, 7 rockets fired, two of which reached their targets. Once again the suffering of the people and the fear of what will happen next?

The Word… Image “The inhabitants of the whole earth had one speech, that is, equal words.” That is, they had one right image of God, one thinking, one speech. They succumbed to temptation, let’s build towers, we will be like God. They sinned with pride…. their image of God changed, resulting in a change of speech, language, they could no longer communicate, get along.
Mechanism similar in every community, marriage, religious and others.
Do we want to live in faithfulness, peace? The simple way, let’s return to the source of love, to God, and we will communicate, get along.
“A happy nation chosen by the Lord.” Which one? Anyone who is aware of this and believes in God.

We live in a war, not live by war.

Ukraine:
Yesterday was the Day of Unity of Ukraine. A holiday established directly before the war. “Together we are strong.” (photo)

Wiener Neustadt, Austria:
Nice and friendly colors, although not all flags blue yellow stands for Ukraine and similarly white and red… (photo)
And with a donkey you can communicate and through a donkey God speaks. Sounds optimistic. Photo of the Capuchin monastery. (photo)
We start the meeting. Common prayers. A little politics on the belly (t-shirt). Common recreation, singing not only in German. Brother Matthias plays the zither… (photo)

Dnipro and the region:
At night there were as many as three alarms, but thank God without rocket fire.

Bahmut:
Russians killed 5 people under unknown circumstances.

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Bro. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Invitation to the night of vigil (Druzhba) and prayer of worship. (photo)

JESUS LIVES !

February 16, 2023

Yesterday’s alarms in the Kyov region began around lunch time. In other regions calm. Flying objects in the sky, some kind of balloons, appeared over Ukraine.
The night that passed was very uneventful. Alarms sounded in Kyiv, Dnipro. In Pavlohrad night rocket firing. The city 100 km from Dnipro, where our brothers live. Destroyed residential houses. (photo)
Unfortunately, in the Lviv region 3 rockets hit power nodes. Lviv has problems with light.

The Word… “Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of eternal life.”
God’s Word has the power to give us new life. The condition is one, that we listen more to God than to people, than to ourselves.
Jesus’ word to Peter was unequivocal, “Get out of my sight, Satan, for you do not think in God’s way, but in human way.”
Therefore, because you think only in human terms, you cannot be a disciple of Jesus, a Christian.
Peter, having denied himself, having sinned, having repented of his sin, was accepted by Jesus. By thinking only humanly he was rejected by Jesus. Sin is not an obstacle to following Jesus. Lack of change of thinking, hardness of heart is an obstacle to being a Christian.
“Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.
You have the words of eternal life.”

We live in a war, we don’t live by war

Pokrovsk, Donetsk region:
Residential houses shelled by Russian rockets. There are people injured. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
For the past few days, our Capuchin monastery has been hosting 12 Salesian priests who have chosen our house as a place for fraternal meeting and recollection. Brother Joseph, the guardian of Vinnytsia, assists our guests by preaching the Word of God, and the brothers serve by receiving the guests.

Wiener Neustadt, Austria:
I am currently staying with our Capuchin brothers. Our brothers, Br. Marek, delegation superior, Br. Przemek, guardian of the community, today’s jubilarian, celebrates his birthday. 100 years! (photo)
Photos from the plane over the Tatra Mountains and the sky already over Austria. (photo)
Our monastery, monastic choir and church in Wiener Neustadt. (photo)

Kyiv:
Another arrival, a visitation by our angels. Good people with good hearts bring, donate good things. Thank God. (photo)

Vuhledar, Donetsk region:
Destruction of the war. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
Today at our place the Presentation of the Lord. At our place the indulgence. We celebrated… (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 15, 2023

Thank God yesterday afternoon and night in our area where the brothers live was calm. Increasingly, the electricity is not being turned off.
This morning quiet. Only in the eastern regions including Dnipro around 7:00 am there were alarms. Possible rocket raids. We are alive and thank God for everything.
Let us pray for peace in Ukraine and for the defenders of Bahmut.

The Word… “Noah.” This “Word”, which is a sign and manifestation of obedience to God, perhaps against logic, understanding and common sense.
Build, ark, ship, boat away from any body of water, river, lake? He built only because God told him: build.
In his surroundings he was certainly received as a freak, a fool only obeying the word of God. He built because God told him, build…!
Is this how to obey God?
Come, Holy Spirit!

We live in a war, we don’t live by war.

Croatia:
Our brother Jure from Croatia wrote to brother Sergej, custos, touching words, confirming the closeness of the Capuchin world and especially the Capuchin brothers from Croatia. Brother Jure, we thank you.
Jure’s letter below as reported by Brother Sergej Kippa, custos.

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
From Jure Sarcevic:

Thank you brother Sergey! I am glad that at least we can do something for the suffering Ukraine. Every day I think and pray for peace, for a just peace and freedom for Ukraine. We also follow the media reports about the attack and aggression on a large country. We are afraid of how it will turn out, but we believe that Ukraine will not surrender and will liberate all its land for the good of all people.
Please pass on our prayers and greetings to the Capuchin brothers in Ukraine.
Jure

Photos of some of the moments of the distribution of aid from Croatia from Jure. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Sergey Voronyuk):
On Sunday (12.02) in the Lviv house of the Capuchin friars, the second Franciscan chess tournament took place. It was attended by 20 people of various ages from Lviv and the surrounding area. After eight rounds, the winner was Nazar Stoyanovsky (the native brother of the girls from the Lviv Franciscan Youth). He is 11 years old and scored 8 points out of a possible 8 playing with adults. Winners among adults, male and female youth, and the youngest participants of the tournament received commemorative letters and gifts. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Session of regional assistants of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) in Kyiv. (photo)

Kamianske (Br. Vladislav Gmyrko):
Best wishes for your 50th birthday, Brother Lonia. Многая літа! 100 years ! (photo)
Brothers send their wishes.

Jesus lives!

February 14, 2023

This night was spent under a calm Polish sky in Krakow.
I follow the news in the Ukrainian media. In those areas where the brothers live in Ukraine, thank God calm. The information confirms in our area of Ukraine, the night calm. Thank God. Morning, 8:30 a.m. all Ukraine “red,” alarm throughout the territory.
God, give peace to Ukraine, give peace to our hearts.

The Word… “Preach the Gospel to the whole world.”
My departure from Ukraine is related to the preaching of the Gospel. My world is where I live, with whom I meet. Lord give the Spirit so that “the Gentiles, hearing this, will rejoice and glorify the word of the Lord, and all, destined for life. eternal, will believe.”
“Peace to this house.”
May the Lord grant us peace.

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

Bahmut:
Ukrainian media reports that the occupiers have been ordered to capture Ukrainian Bahmut by February 20. (photo)
Let us pray for those who are fighting on the front lines, near Bahmut.

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv (Bro. Maciej Styburski):
Another session, retreat, of the School of Mary has ended in Krasyliv! (photo)
We thank God for a wonderful time.

Starokostiantyniv (Br. Anton Pogrornyj):
A meeting of NATO chaplains was held in Bucharest. Ukraine was represented by Jensen of the priests of the Orthodox Church.
https://risu.ua/u-buharesti-vidbulas-zustrich-kapelaniv-chleniv-nato_n136514 (article in Ukrainian)

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Our Italian brothers are working on behalf of Ukraine. (photo)
Action “Mothers of the house of Padre Pio.” Some photos admittedly from Starokostiantyniv. We forgive and ask for forgiveness.

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski)
Last weekend the children of the second year of the Academy at our monastery had a field trip researching patriotism. We visited the grave and execution site of the soldiers murdered in 1939 in Bylki. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Adam Wróbel)
On Saturday, February 11, a first aid course for young people was held in our parish in Kyiv. It was conducted by Victoria, “the witch.” The youth learned how to administer first aid for hemorrhages, fractures, apply tourniquets, bandage limbs. (photo)

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
On Monday, February 13, a meeting of consecrated persons took place in our eparchy. In addition to the liturgy there was a meeting with therapist Marta Hladij. She spoke very interestingly and states clearly that there will be a lot of work after the end of the war…

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Additional support for the hospital at number 6 in Dnipro. (photo)
Citrus for our defenders. More aid for the hospital in Dnipro.
The boat is preparing 200 packages for our parishioners and refugees. We are waiting on Wednesday to receive this aid. And on Thursday it will already reach those in need.
Preparing 200 packages for Dnipro. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 13, 2023

Yesterday morning was calm and serene in our area, sunny. Thank God. I survived that night on the train. From Vinnytsia I came to Przemysl. With God’s help, I’m going to Krakow-Olszanica.

The Word… The fruit of love is life. “Adam drew near to his wife, Eve. And she conceived and gave birth to Cain…”
The fruit of sin is death. Cain kills his brother Abel. “The Lord asked Cain: ‘Why are you sad and why is your face grim? After all, if you do well, you would have a cheerful face; but if you do not do well, sin lies at the gate and lurks, and yet you are supposed to rule over it.’”
War, is the fruit of sin, a departure from the source of love, from God. Peace, is the fruit of an intimate relationship with God, who is love.
God is love. God loves you.

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

Kharkiv/Donetsk:
War damage to homes of simple people who suffered just because they are Ukrainians and live in the regions. (photo)

Kyiv:
War. Our brave parents come with their children to Eucharist in our Capuchin church.
https://www.youtube.com/live/lt-cNTXQSiI

Starokostiantyniv:
Just like in Kyiv, Eucharist with children. Children and youth are our future.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1930356800552745/permalink/3432298617025215/

Africa:
A brother from Africa writes to us.

“Brother, Prayer is, was and will be. We greet you from Ngaoundaye.
We have our problems, shots, mines, but remember brothers and sisters from Ukraine. Nzapa a bata ala kwe! Lord bless you!” (Photo)

Kyiv/Krasyliv:
The winter sessions of the School of Mary have ended. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv/Slobidka (Br. Maciej Styburski):
Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka supports ZSU in such a way, among others! (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
A chess tournament is underway at the Capuchin friary in Lviv. Brother Sergiy is the organizer. (photo)
Worship in the cathedral. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
“The world, not without good people.”

Jesus lives!