Month: August 2021

March 31, 2023

Daylight alarms. All of Ukraine red. What’s next? How much longer?
Alarms in Kyiv and the oblast [region]. Kamikaze drones in the sky.
400 night already. Explosions are heard in Zaporizhzya. Alarms in Dnipro.
God, give us a just peace!
Let’s pray for Pope Francis. Healing of the sick…

The Word… God gives us the Word for the moment of suffering, doubt, temptation.
“Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of eternal life.”
Let us cling to this Word. You have the words of life… I want to live, in war, I want to live… You have the Words of life.
God is love.

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

Croatia (Brother Jure Sarcevic):

Dear Blazej. And today I received your report on the war and aggression against Ukraine. Thanks for the 399 reports since the beginning of the war. This is a special insight into the war and aggression, a faith-based insight. We follow other reports, but yours is unique. Every day we think and pray for peace in Ukraine, for a just peace. This human peace is often false, a peace for self-interest… Easter is approaching, the Risen Christ is the only true peace. Therefore, this year we especially pray that Christ, the Lord of life and death, the Alpha and Omega, will bring ultimate peace to the suffering nations of Ukraine.
Happy return from America and greetings to your brothers in Poland and Ukraine!
Jure.

Deo gratias! Jure, thank you sincerely for your heart. Greetings to the brothers of Croatia and the Franciscans of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy:
Lombardy stands with Ukraine. (photo from Mrs. Olesia)

Eucharist:
God be thanked for everything and everyone. Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors. (photo)

America:
They write about us. (photo)

Kharkiv (Ms. Tania):

At our place again shelling. You can hear an explosion, already 4, already 7, already 10 explosions.

Sister Death:
Our Brother, professor, Br. Roland Prejs passed away. God, grant him life…

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv (Bro. Leonid Kushniruk):

Jesus lives!

March 30, 2023

Warlike calm. Alarms in some border regions. Waiting to see what the Russian terrorist will come up with to destroy Ukraine.
God, give us a just peace.

The Word… Jesus himself asks us: “Do not harden your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord.”
Listen to the Word…

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

Gratitude. Today is Thursday. Grateful to God and people, we return to Poland and on to Ukraine. Let us pray for our Benefactors. Deo gratias!!!!

Starokostiantyniv:
Br. Sergey Gubitsky, guardian of our monastery invites those willing to participate in the Seminar of Renewal in the Holy Spirit. (photo)

Lviv:
To worship God by bowing to God with your face to the ground, to kneel before God means not to kneel before the enemy. (photo)

Ukraine in Germany. (photo)

Avdiyivka:
Another rocket attack. Thank God this time without civilian casualties. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawczuk):
Volunteers of the Christian Relief Service, Valery and his daughter Katya, brought aid from Poland for our soldiers. Reloading, sleep, breakfast and then on their way. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 29, 2023

Restlessness. Drone fire.
God, give us peace.
Capuchin brothers meet in Kyiv. Stop the war! No war! (report below)

The Word… “If you abide in my teaching, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Truth?—God is love!

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

Ukraine in America. Florida. Photos of another photographer. (photo)

Khmelnitskyi (S. Klara):

Here is a village near Khmelnytskyi. The parish of St. Anthony. People have been praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet since the beginning of the war. From this small village 70 men in the war at the very front… Their mothers, wives, sisters gather every day to pray. Imagine none have disappeared so far! Two have recently disappeared, and the rest are there and alive, fighting. They say that only prayer keeps them going. There in the video you can see a list of these military men near the candle.

Kyiv:
Sister death. A Polish volunteer who helped in Konstantinivka, eastern Ukraine and beyond, has died of his wounds. May he rest in Eternal Peace. (photo)
Long live Poland and her Heroes.
Article in Ukrainian:
https://vechirniy.kyiv.ua/news/80617/

A wartime joke. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Capuchins in Sofia (Bulgaria) did a collection some time ago for Ukraine. It has arrived. We sincerely thank the brothers and the donors!

Kyiv, Ukraine/Stalowa Wola, Poland (Br. Adam Wróbel):

On behalf of myself, my dad and sisters Agnes and Marta, I thank the brothers for praying for my mom. For the support. Thank you, Marek and Andrzej, brothers, for your presence. I know that many wanted to come, and the obstacle was the Ukrainian law related to the war. Thank you.

Kamyanske/Kyiv (Br. Volodymyr Procko):
Here is how good and how nice, when brothers and sisters pray together! Celebrating the name days of Viktor and Kostyantyn in Kyiv. (photo)

Assistants of the OFS:
On the initiative of the national assistant of the OFS, Br. Volodymyr, another (second this year!) meeting of the regional assistants of our Order, serving in the four regions of the OFS in Ukraine, was held today at our monastery in Kyiv. Present at the meeting were the regional assistants—Br. Leonid, Br. Patryk, Br. Victor and the assistants of the local communities—Br. Anton and Br. Slawomir.
During the meeting, which took place in a joyful atmosphere of fraternal dialogue, there was a discussion of the questions of assisting in the regional councils of the OFS, the program for celebrating the great jubilee of the 800th anniversary of Franciscanism, the program for the formation of postulancy, novitiate and postnovitiate for Secular Franciscans. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
We were visited by the Knights of JPII. The founders of Kovcheg in Pionersk, around Mariupol: Volodya and Vasily. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 28, 2023

Russian terrorists shelled Sloviansk last night. There are civilian casualties. This time kamikaze drone attacks. Sviatoshyn District in Kyiv got hit. Fire.
Evening and night very restless. Alarm in some districts.
God, give us a just peace.

The Word… This is the nature of man, our nature: “… on the way, however, the people lost patience. And they began to speak against God and Moses: ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt, that we should die here in the desert? There is no bread or water, and we have already become miserable with this meager food.’
So the Lord sent snakes with a burning venom upon the people, which bit the people, so that a great number of Israelites died. So the people came to Moses, saying: ‘We have sinned by murmuring against the Lord and against you. Intercede for us to the Lord, that he may remove the serpents from us.’ And Moses interceded for the people.”
“… If a snake bit someone, and the one bitten looked at the copper snake, he stayed alive.” This is the nature of God. Love is patient, very patient and God is love!

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

Stalowa Wola, Poland:
In the hometown of Br. Adam Wróbel, Councillor of the Custody and Guardian of Kiev, a funeral of our mother Maria Wróbel took place. May she rest in eternal peace. (photo)

Br. Sergey Kippa, custos:

Brothers, let us remember in prayer for Adam’s mother.
From the Custody, the funeral will be attended by Br. Marek Lisowski.
For Adam, sympathy and prayer support +
R.I.P.

Ukraine in America. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv/Slobidka Krasylivska (Bro. Leonid Kushniruk):

Today they cooked cabbage for stuffed cabbage rolls. A big thank you to the women who leave their business and rush to help. They don’t get tired of helping. Because they understand well that it is thanks to the soldiers that we can do our household chores: cleaning, raking in the garden, planting potatoes….
Just so you understand, the school makes the premises available, teachers can not work in the kitchen all the time, because they have a lesson every day during this time.
A big thank you to the Chelmenko family, sister Oleksandra, Bachurina J., Charevych M., Gorska L. for the products. (photo)
On Saturday, the OFS of the Khmelnytskyi region had its day of recollection at the Christ the King Parish in Khmelnytski.
The meeting began with Holy Mass, presided over and with a fiery solemn sermon by the regional assistant, Br. Leonid Kushniruk, OFMCap, under the diligent scrutiny of the assistant and countless local OFS communities of the region, Br. Anton Podgornyi, OFMCap.
This Day of Recollection was attended in large numbers by members of the Third Order who wish to develop their faith and be more faithful sons and daughters of St. Francis, in the number of about 50 people.
No less uplifting and delightful was the conference entitled “Spiritual Laziness” (although he spoke more about Christian joy than laziness—author’s note) by the regional assistant, Br. Leonid Kushniruk, OFMCap.
After the conference, there was an opportunity for sharing in small groups and a general summary during lunch together.
We thank God for this meeting, for each participant, for the assistant brothers through whom God spoke!
Thank you for our Franciscan Family!
Elder Chm. Reg. Galina P. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 27, 2023

The war and no one is judging, foretelling or speculating anymore when the war will end and there will be a just peace in Ukraine.

The Word… War is not just a front, trenches… War in the head can lead to misery. There was a war in the head of the old men, an innocent Susanna could have been killed. The cause of the war: “They lost their reason and turned away their eyes, neglecting to look to Heaven and forgetting righteous judgments.”
“Nothing troubles me, for You are with me.”
“Then Jesus, having risen, said to her: ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ And she replied: ‘None, Lord!’ Jesus said to her, ‘And I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more from now on.’”
There is hope for us sinners…
God is love.

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

Avdiivka:
War. The poorest suffer. (photo)

Ukraine in America. San Domingo. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Yesterday, Saturday, there was a meeting with Bishop Markos Oganesian and Pastor Ter Amazasp of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Dnipro. There was an opportunity to venerate the relics of Saint Clement, pope and martyr. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 26, 2023

War night and morning, in the calm of war. We wait for alarms, rockets…
God, give us peace.

The Word… “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I will open your graves and bring you out of your graves, my people, and I will lead you into the land of Israel, and you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you out of your graves, my people. I will give you my spirit to bring you to life, and I will lead you to your country, and you shall know that I, the Lord, have said this and will perform it,’ says the Lord God.”

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

Kharkiv:
“Bullet pierced a helmet and stopped in the skull. How doctors treat at the front.” An article in Ukrainian:
https://savelife.in.ua/materials/photo-essays/kulya-probyla-sholom-i-zastryahla-v-cher/

Kharkiv (from Ms. Tania):

Thank God, it’s quiet in Kharkiv, spring. Today Fr. Alexander, a native of Melitopol, working in Zaporizhzhya, was coming to us. Quite young, but already all gray. Chaplain. Right in the center of the fighting in Bakhmut. Beard–like yours, only black. He smiles, jokes… I am happy for him and that they are like this—brave chaplains. Fr. Shasha Karapetiwn. (photo)
https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/video-velykden-zsu-pozytsiyi-peredova-viyna/31820431.html

Lviv:
Brother Zbyszek Sawczuk preaches a Lenten retreat at the Cathedral in Lviv. (photo)

Mariupol:
Spring. Flowers are growing. There is hope. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawczuk):
Alexander, Luda Babenko and Olena came from Krakow for the night of the vigil (they previously lived in Dnipro). (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 25, 2023

Yesterday, drones and artillery attacked Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. (photo) Later, Odessa, Nikopol.
God, grant us a just peace.

The Word… Today’s Feast, is the day of the Word: “Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and bear a Son, whom you will name Jesus.”
“How will this happen, since I do not know my husband?”
The angel answered her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with a shadow.”
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.”
The word comes from God. Mary asks “How will it be done?” “The Holy Spirit,”… the Angel answers.
Mary, “Let it be done to me according to Your Word.”
This is a model for each of us!
Do not be afraid, God loves you…
The Holy Spirit will come upon you and everything that is impossible for you will become possible. Amen!

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

Sympathy for Ukraine in America. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Yesterday, we (Kyiv parish/convent) “moved” from Perov Boulevard to Resurrection Prospect.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2023/03/23/7394802/
Don’t get confused on Tuesday going to Kostya and Vitya’s name day.
What a nice name though!
It could have been called “Capuchin Avenue,” but they thought, ” they will not share with the Nazareth sisters.”

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Summit meeting. Married couple Andrzej Czerny and his wife Olga expecting their 8th child. They are preaching retreats in Brukhovychi for the Neocatechumenal Way. I preach a parish retreat at the Lviv Cathedral.
Ora pro nobis. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 24, 2023

Yesterday, the first piece of information that reached me was the passing of Maria Wróbel from this world into another life. We pray for the late Maria and for the entire family of Br. Adam. Brothers write condolences and pray for + Mom and for the family of Br. Adam.

War in Ukraine and on the front lines. Alarms all over Ukraine this morning. According to media reports, there is a high probability of massed missile attacks by Russian terrorists in the coming days. God, grant us peace.
An uneasy night.

The Word… Listen. Read. Listen: “The Lord is always near to the repentant in heart. The Lord hears those crying for help and rescues them from all anguish.
The Lord is close to people who are contrite in heart, He saves the fallen in spirit. Numerous are the afflictions that the righteous suffer, but the Lord delivers him from all of them.
He watches over his every bone and none of them will be broken. The Lord redeems the souls of His servants, he will not suffer punishment who resorts to Him.”
Note! “So they thought—and went astray, because their own anger blinded them.”
May our anger, hatred of the enemy not blind us. God is love.

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

America:
You always have the poor (homeless) at your place. And in America, too. (photo)
Sympathy for Ukraine is also evident in America. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
A retreat for the seminary of the Mukachev Eparchy lead by Br. Konstantin Morozov is taking place. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Jerzy Zielinski):
Blessed are those who die in the Lord.
Brother Adam, please accept my condolences with prayerful remembrance for you and our mommy, whom the Lord has decided to call and resettle from this world to his home.

Jesus lives!

March 23, 2023

A calmer day, but only on the surface. Critical infrastructure in Kyiv was hit. In Khmelnytskyi, fortunately and thank God and soldiers, anti-missile systems worked well.
God, grant us a just peace.

The Word… A word about me: “And yet the Lord said to Moses, ‘I see that this people is a hard-necked people.’” Hard crack. Hard-headed. So much Word, so many signs I still look for another God than there is. There is only the one, God who is love. I recommend reading and listening to Psalm 106. This is your story and mine.

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

Vinnytsia:
Visiting our wonderful friends and benefactors from the organization Kirche in Not [German: Church in Need]. (photo)

Zaporizhzhya:
War. People are dying… (photo)

San Francisco:
A so-called accidental meeting that God foresaw. We met with brothers Bobby Barbato and Peter on the streets of San Francisco in the neighborhood of their church. During the conversation, Br. Bobby boasted that his mother was born in Croatia near Dubrovnik, where St. Blaise receives great veneration.
Also, Br. Bobby mentioned, that he receives letters from Ukraine…, which are translated into English by Br. Henryk Cisowski. We have mutual friends with Br. Bobby, it is Br. Bill Hugo from the Detroit province, or Br. Jure Sarcevic from Croatia. One would like to say what a small world this is.
Brother Bobby showed us their Portiuncula. (photo)
I experienced this meeting with the brothers very emotionally. We have brothers everywhere. (photo)
Brother blessed me and the brothers of Ukraine and Ukraine prayed for the end of the war and a just peace.
Thank God for everything.

Ms. Magda K. “We are in Zarvanytsia. There was also an explosion near Khmelnytskyi—5 people were killed.”
May God grant them eternal peace.

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
Meeting of brothers with PhD in Uzhgorod. Greetings from Transcarpathia. (photo)

Krasyliv/Slobidka/Antoniny (Br. Leonid Kushniruk):
We received an official thank you from the chairwoman of OTG Antoniny for the generators. This was written by Ms. Nataliya, coordinator of the Slobodets volunteer movement. Today even the younger generation is involved. And, of course, under the watchful eye of grandma. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 22, 2023

A hard day in Kyiv and all of Ukraine. Attacks, explosions. Explosions are heard in Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi. Probably anti-missile systems are working.
God, grant us a just peace.

The Word… “Come out to freedom!” May this Word and others be fulfilled in us and in Ukraine.
“Zion said: ‘The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her babe, she who loves the son of her womb? And even if she should forget, I will not forget you!” Let us ask God not to forget Ukraine.
“I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in Me will not die forever.” Amen!

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

Meeting. We thank God for our friends and benefactors who, despite the war, are with us, visit us and support us with offerings for various projects. Today let us thank God for our benefactors and friends from the organization Kirche in Not. They visit our bishops, “Roman” and “Greek” dioceses and remember the Capuchin brothers.

Brothers, let us not cease to pray for our benefactors.

Name day—brothers’ encounter. This is another protest against war. How good and nice when brothers meet, stay together…
Thank God for each of us!!!

News from the brothers:

Starokostiantyniv (Br. Sergey Gubitsky):
I invite the brothers to help us load coal in the basement. 25 [metric] tons. For the heating season. Beautiful, hard coal. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 21, 2023

Alarms in Kyiv and Kyiv region. Thank God and soldiers, the rocket was shot down just outside of Kyiv.

The Word… Let us pray with the Word of God. “Create in me, O God, a pure heart And restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” (Ps 51)

We live in a war, we do not live by war. Everything around us testifies that we live in a war; name days of the Brothers, our meetings together, reunion of the Brothers, pastoral care—all of these are signs that we are not living by war. It is also a form of protest: No to war, yes to life!

At any time and in any place, I will bless God…

Saint Joseph’s icon. Joseph with the face of Jesus from the Turin Shroud. Joseph carrying Jesus. I encourage you to contemplate… (photo)

Photos from Krasyliv (TV Republika):

News from the brothers:

Vinnytsia (Br. Igor Mularski):
Name days of brothers Joseph and Patrick, time to start… (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 20, 2023

Recent war nights quieter than previous nights. In war logic, this is just the calm before the storm. When will there be another attack, another storm? We wait… So far it is in our heads.
God,  give us peace…
A morning with alarms all over Ukraine. Fortunately, there were no rockets, only planes around the borders with Ukraine.
The center of the fighting on the front remains Bahmut. God protect us and our military.

The Word… Once again, the Word shows us God on the initiative in our lives. Is 65:17-21. God’s Word “I…” becomes the key to Christian life, not my human, weak “I…” but God’s “I” full of power and love for me.
God is love!!!

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

Krasyliv/Slobidka:
Pilgrimage to St. Joseph, to Slobidka. (photo)

Solidarity with Ukraine:
Another and not the only signs of America’s solidarity with Ukraine. Children in a Polish school pray for children in Ukraine. (photo)

Vinnystia:
Another concert of organ music in the Capuchin walls. Listening, you will rest, relax… Played by Mrs. Olena Boluh from Kyiv. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv:
Br. Sergey Gubitsky held a meeting with young people for his younger colleagues at our Capuchin monastery. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Consecration of the statue of St. Joseph and dedication of the Capuchin community and the monastery to St. Joseph and his intercession. (photo)
After the Night Vigil, celebration of the anniversary of brother Zbyszek’s perpetual vows. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Hosted by friends from Kirche in Not: Ms. Magda and an international team (Poland, Italy, USA, Spain). (photo)

Dnipro/Lviv/Briukhovychi (Br. Jerzy Zielinski):
Just finished “Encounter with God” retreat at the Pilgrim House at the seminary in Briukhovychi. With a team of leaders we were able to minister to more than 40 people. Most of the participants came with problems on all three levels of life (spiritual, emotional and physical), which the time of war only deepened.
The retreat happily coincided with a conference of our bishops on the seminary grounds. Bishop Jan Soblova was the first to recognize and bless this ministry of spiritual-psychological consultation and intercessory prayers 10 years ago, and he gave then in writing the appropriate authorization to Br. Zbyszek, myself and leader Iryna Zalizniak. This is where the roots of God’s work, which is the Consultation and Prayer Centre with a base in Starokostiantyniv. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 19, 2023

Unfortunately, the war standard. Alarms, trepidation, fear, anxiety. Kamikaze drone raids in some districts. War standard is also the fact that people are dying…
God, give us a just peace.

The Word… Listen to these three Words. Listen, think:
“… For as man sees, God sees, for man sees what is available to the eyes, but the Lord sees the heart.”
“Whether He (Jesus) is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.”
“If you were blind, you would have no sin, but because you say: ‘We see,’ your sin continues.”
We have a chance to convert to God. God is love.

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

Vinnytsia:
Our guardian and pastor, Br. Józef Chromy celebrates his name day. Brother… may God protect you and grant you His Spirit.

Kyiv:
Brother Sergey Kippa, our custos, asks for prayers for his classmate. He is fighting on the front lines. He is seriously injured. Doctors are now fighting for his life and health. (photo) Let us pray together through the intercession of Fr. Pio.

Lviv:
Prayer of our bishops at the relics of St. Joseph Bilczewski for peace in Ukraine. (photo)

Starokostiantyniv:
Br. Sergey Gubitsky organized at our Capuchin friary a meeting with young people for his younger colleagues. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
We are unloading the remains of the Capuchin-Croatian humanitarian aid from the warehouse, which will go to the needy. (photo)
For today, probably the last photo: Dnipro volunteer team at the parish. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
This reportage includes photos from Krasyliv.

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
We donate medicines to the newly established hospital in Dnipro for wounded soldiers, through the hands of military doctor Sophia. (photo)
Formation meeting of the Franciscan Youth in Dnipro. Guests are Br. Victor the Capuchin and Ruslan from Kyiv. (photo)

Vinnytsia (Br. Igor Mularski):
Meanwhile, preparations of willow branches for Palm Sunday are underway near Vinnytsia. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Continued training of our volunteers in Dnipro, by Polish specialists in tactical medicine.(photo)

Kamianske (Br. Volodymyr Procko):
On Thursday, with Brother Leonid and our volunteers Svetlana and Olga, we were in Lyman and Kramatorsk—cities in the Donetsk region. In the Zarichne, an urban-type settlement, we distributed humanitarian aid: food products, chemicals and clothes. Residents thanked us for not forgetting them, prayed with us, asked for blessings. During our stay we constantly heard explosions. Our journey lasted 18 hours, we traveled more than 800 kilometers. Despite the fatigue, there was joy that the mission was successful. Thank God for everything! (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 18, 2023

Alarms are sounding in eastern Ukraine. Kamikaze drones attacked Zaporizhzhya, Dnipro, Kyiv and Rivne regions last night. (photo)
People are being killed on the battlefront. We do not set in prayer for an end to the war and a just peace in Ukraine.

The Word… Lent. Let us turn to God. Let us listen to his Word. “Come, let us return to the Lord! He has wounded us and He will also heal us, He has beaten us, He will bind up the wound. After two days He will restore us, and on the third day He will lift us up, and we will live in His presence.”
That is, we will see His love and hear His word. I love you… Hence another request: “Do not harden your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord.”
Repent…

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

Excerpts from a letter from our angel/volunteer, Marcin Izyk:

Dear Friends!
… We are still in Ukraine at the moment, but we are already slowly approaching the end of our trip. Today we will spend the night in Kyiv.
…
First of all, thank you very much for your prayers and support! It is extremely important for us! We can see how God is leading us! I want you to know that this is your very important participation in this unique mission! THANK YOU!!!
Once again, we experienced the blessing and His guidance. Because of this, we found ourselves not far from Bachmut. It was a wonderful time of God’s action, thanks to which we were able to help those who were in a very difficult situation due to the hostilities. We were also in Lyman and Kramatorsk, and earlier in Kharkiv. I will write about this later. For now, I’m uploading some photos and videos from this special trip…” (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv (Bro. Maciej Styburski):
Yesterday a humanitarian aid transport from Poland arrived. There were representatives of various organizations such as “international solidarity, journalists (including from TV Republika) … but all under the patronage and personally present Mrs. Deputy Speaker of the Republic of Poland Małgorzata Gosiewska.
They brought generators, among others for the school in Kremenchuk and Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka…
Most of the donations intended for ZSU. We thank Sr. Malgorzata Stankiewicz, because it was possible thanks to her personal contacts with some people.
Also cleaning up after a joint dinner with respected guests. (photo)

Kamianske (Br. Vladislav Gmyrko):
Kitchen for the poor. (photo)

Kamianske (Br. Volodymyr Procko):
And hear some gymnastics. Unloading a truck from Caritas. (photo)

Uzhgorod (Br. Roman Pop):
The Lenten parish retreat is underway in Uzhgorod. We thank Stanislaw for his teachings and fraternal presence with us. (photo)

Krasyliv/Kremenchuk/Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka (Br. Leonid Kushniruk):
Today we delivered generators to the school, clinic and kindergarten in Kremenchuky and to the school in Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka.
The directors were pleasantly surprised by such a gift. Each of them was ordered by the authorities to look for benefactors themselves to give them generators.
And it is well known that such a headmaster of a rural school does not have the opportunity. So for them it was as if they said they wouldn’t get one.
For this reason, their joy was very very very great!
The headmaster of the school in Kremenchuk, then he could not even make a serious face for the photo because he was so overjoyed. For the photo he even interrupted the lesson for two classes to pose for a photo. (photo)
15 buckets of dumplings and 5 buckets of cabbage with meat. Baked goods are so many that it is impossible to count.
Unfortunately, such speeds could not withstand the gas stove, which probably already survived more than one world war.
So we pray for the benefactors and for a new stove. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Ukrainian American Franciscan Youth in Dnipro, are preparing for the fair. Costs will go toward equipment for ZSU. (photo)
Mr. Igor, an engineer, bravely “fights” with the electrics in the mini-friary in Dnipro. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 17, 2023

Alarms yesterday morning. Total war on various directions of the front. Wartime calm in the morning.

The Word… Simple and unequivocal! “Thus says the Lord: ‘Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have fallen by your own guilt. Take your words with you and return to the LORD!’”
“‘Hear, My people, I want to admonish you,’ he said. May you listen to Me, o Israel!”
Just one… “The first is: ‘Hear, o Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Obey God and you will be happy…

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

Our volunteers (angels) in the East of Ukraine. (photo)
Helping people who are grateful to Poland and Poles. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Brothers, Capuchin Sisters with people in the streets of the city pray for peace in Ukraine. (photo)
Mrs. Speaker’s visit. Sr. Malgorzata reports:

We had the opportunity to host today Mrs. Deputy Marshal the Parliment – Malgorzata Gosiewska, but also other guests from Poland, who, in addition to their hearts, brought gifts for the needy and, above all, for the front. Unusual experience of pre-foreign people, with whom one feels so ordinary, without big labels. What has perpetuated in my heart is this atmosphere of understanding and being together. Ukrainian borscht and stories. And finally, a T-shirt from its owner, who, in a surge of sincerity of his heart, simply took it off and gave it like the greatest Treasure.
The people left, and what remained in the heart was gratitude, the desire to transform what is crooked and that thread of kindness that only some people have, this time it was Them. And our Oksanka, who was able to make the food appreciated even by Polish stomachs and hearts. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv/Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka (Br. Leonid Kushniruk):
Slobidka as always at the post. Food products were purchased with funds from the project. Slobidka went to a higher level of production and now not only to its soldiers and also civilians pass to Kherson, Lugansk. Some parishioners come to help every day. (photo)

Jesus lives!