Month: August 2021

Spiritual Sustenance Amidst Ukraine’s Battlefronts

August 21, 2023: The Urgency of Independence Day

As the sun sets on yet another war-torn day, an invitation from Ukraine’s Christian Relief Service, known as ХСП, reverberates through communities. The call is for a national day of fasting and prayer on August 24—Ukraine’s Independence Day. In the midst of uncertainty, a mantra unfolds among the Ukrainian populace: “We live in war, but we do not live by war.”

In Vinnitsa, hospitality is not just a word but an action. The Brothers of the Custody of Ukraine welcome “angels”—volunteers coming from the frontline areas. Br. Maciek Podolec plays gracious host to these modern-day heroes who arrived from the east to offer their support to communities under duress. The atmosphere is a mixture of fatigue and resolve.

Chernihiv, on the other hand, bears the fresh scars of recent missile attacks. The city mourns its losses, a collective sorrow symbolized through photographs that capture the city’s plight. Meanwhile, Kupyansk in the Kharkiv Region suffers new assaults that send 11 individuals to the hospital, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the ongoing conflict.

August 22, 2023: Echoes of Conflict and Community

Amidst the darkness of war, Zaporizhia and Chernihiv face rocket attacks that further strain already fragile communities. Alarms ring out in the nation’s capital, Kiev, marking yet another chapter in Ukraine’s struggle. Yet despite these trying times, hope endures. The main street of Kiev prepares to host a “stationary parade,” featuring the destroyed equipment of Russian forces—a testament to Ukrainian resilience and an act of defiance against the enemy.

In Vinnitsa, the church becomes a sanctuary in more ways than one. Residents are invited to partake in the Rosary prayer and the Eucharist, timed to coincide with Ukraine’s Independence Day. Dnipro offers a contrasting form of spiritual and cultural nourishment—an invitation to a concert featuring Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”

At the spiritual retreat in Verbovets, 33 young people express their commitment to a life of conversion within the Franciscan Youth community. These include youth from cities as varied as Dnipro, Kyiv, Shargorod, and others, marking the expansion of these spiritual communities across the nation.

August 29, 2023: Remembering the Sacrifices

Another week begins in Ukraine, laden with the threat of rocket attacks, especially in the border regions. Yet even in this atmosphere of perpetual danger, the people find solace in their faith. Psalm 139 becomes a touchstone for comfort, reminding everyone that they are not alone—even in their darkest moments. “God is love,” the saying goes, and this belief fuels the nation’s resolve.

At the House of Fr. Pio in Kyiv, therapy sessions offer a lifeline to women grappling with unspeakable loss. These are mothers, wives, and sisters of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives at the front. This initiative underscores the emotional battleground that parallels the physical one.

Days of remembrance loom large. August 29 is set aside to honor the fallen defenders of Ukraine, followed by August 30, which is dedicated to those missing at the front. The Brothers of the Custody of Ukraine, led by Br. Blazej Suska, issue a call to prayer, urging everyone to remember these heroes and their sacrifices.

Despite the relentless cycle of violence and loss, the nation’s enduring message is simple yet profound: “God is love.”

Edited by br. Igor De Bliquy
for the Capuchin Communication Office
Province of St. Joseph

Stories of Resilience and Faith: Ukrainians Endure the War

A Chronicle of Daily Struggles and Unyielding Hope in Ukraine, August 14-20, 2023

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people exemplify remarkable resilience and unwavering faith. From the relentless nights of war to the unwavering dedication of the Capuchin brothers providing essential ministry and support, these stories shed light on the transformative power of faith and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. As we explore their journeys, we witness their determination to rise above adversity, their unwavering hope for a just peace, and the profound influence of their faith in guiding them through the darkest times.

Night 536: More rockets bring more death.

Yesterday morning, a great tragedy occurred. Russian terrorists with their rockets killed an entire family in the village of Shiroka Balka in the Kherson region. The family included a husband, wife and a baby daughter who was born 23 days earlier. Her 12-year-old brother died a few hours after the attack in the hospital.

In addition to this family, five middle-aged people were also killed, and many homes were ruined or damaged. God, give us a just peace.

St. Maximilian’s life is God’s word to us. Especially the giving of his life for another human is the Word. “Moses said to the people, ‘And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God demand of you? Only that you fear the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and obey the commands of the Lord and His laws, which I give you today for your good.’

“‘You also love the sojourner, for you yourselves were sojourners in the land of Egypt.’”

We live in war; we do not live by war.

In Latyczow, the diocesan shrine of Our Lady of Latyczów hosted a pilgrimage of young people from Neocatechumenal communities.

Night 537: Celebrating the Assumption amidst the carnage of war.

We had a very restless night, with all of Ukraine “red” and under threat.

The terrorists’ rockets flew into Lviv and Yavoriv, 15 kilometers from the Polish border. In Lviv, fractions of rockets hit a kindergarten, stores, houses and residential buildings, setting fires; there were no casualties. In Lutsk and Volhynia, though, there were civilian casualties; in Dnieper, buildings were destroyed.

God is giving us the Word in abundance today. “A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a wreath of twelve stars.”

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven: ‘Now has come salvation, the power and reign of our God, and the authority of His Anointed One.’”

“Christ rose from the dead as the firstborn from among those who died. For since through Man came death, through Man also will the resurrection take place. And as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive, but each according to his own order: Christ as the firstborn, then those who belong to Christ, at His coming. Finally, the end will come when He hands over the reign to God and the Father, and when He overcomes all Authority, Power and Authority.”

Like Mary, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has looked upon the humbling of His Servant. For, behold, henceforth I shall be blessed by all generations, for great things has the Almighty done to me.”

God is love!

On Aug. 13, we continued a “Rosary Uprising” in Krasilow’s main square, next to the statue of Mary. Since 2017, we have met on the 13th day of each month with the faithful to pray for the intentions arranged six years ago by Br. Piotr Kurkiewicz — intentions that today seem ever more relevant.

In Lviv this week, we had a breakfast with Franciscan youth and supporters of St. Francis on St. Maximilian’s feast day.

There are changes in our religious communities today in our custody of Ukraine: We extend a warm welcome to Br. Maciej Podolc, who is now in Vinnitsa.

Night 538: Where two or three gather … peace may prevail.

We had another night of rocket attacks, with all of Ukraine “red” again overnight. God, give us a just peace!

There is hope for an end to the war in Ukraine and a just peace! Let us pray together for each other and for peace in our hearts and heads! “Further, verily I say unto you, if two of you on earth shall unanimously ask for anything, they shall receive all things from my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

In Lviv, the number of injured civilians following the recent rocket attacks there has grown to 19 people, with material losses also high: more than 120 houses were destroyed.

A retreat for Franciscan Youth in Verbovets has started this week. The 33 participants range in age from 14 to 27 years and come from Dnieper to Uzhgorod.

Night 540: The war over our skies and in our minds continues.

We had another typical war night: full of alarms and anxiety. The anxiety among civilians is its own form of terrorism, of psychological warfare. God, grant us a just peace.

In the history of the Chosen People, the Words were fulfilled: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is your God, the Lord alone …” Like the Israelites, Ukrainians today are called to listen to these Words, that they might be fulfilled in the midst of war and in our hearts. For the Word continues: “It was not accomplished with your sword or with your bow. I gave you a land about which you did not toil, and cities which you did not build, and in them you dwelt.” It might as well continue: Vinnitsa and olive trees, which you did not plant, and that give you food today.

God is love!

Night 542:

It was a calmer night, but our hearts remain restless as we remember Chernihiv and the Chernihiv region. The center of the city was hit by Russian rockets, killing seven people and wounding 129, including 15 children and 15 police officers. God, grant us a just peace.

The Word reminds us that God is love and that He loves every human being, regardless of their background or nationality. God loves everyone. “Their burnt offerings and sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

God loves all nations. God is love!

Our Brother, Leonid Majewski, has shared the following details of a journey by some Capuchins recently through part of the country:

God made it possible to go to the unoccupied zone.

We covered 820 kilometers in 18 hours. As usual, we visited our military friend in Kramatorsk, and we brought food and hygiene items. With funds from good people, we also bought tires for car wheels.

Then through Lyman — we’d gotten permission earlier — we reached the village of Rydkodub, a village on the border of the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. There we met with border guards and handed out food and sleeping bags. We talked about many interesting things. In this village, we distributed aid and talked to people.

We also met a family that received help last year in Kamiansk, who remembered us positively. Mostly elderly people live there, but there were also families with children. Forty-three kits were distributed there.

The sight of unplanted fields due to the war is very sad and heartbreaking, but I was most surprised by the planted fields where people were already working. On the way back, we stopped briefly in Zariczne, at the home of two families who were waiting for us, knowing that we would be in the area. The last stop was Slavyansk, where now our Vinnitsa parishioner Oleg, who is a surgeon, is helping to treat the wounded.

It was a trip at its best. Everyone is happy to see how God led us through suffering and hardship, allowing us to live the day in service to our neighbor.

Thank you to all the good people who made this trip possible.

Edited by br. McLean Bennett
for the Capuchin Communication Office
Province of St. Joseph

Stories of Resilience and Faith: Ukrainians Endure the War

A Chronicle of Daily Struggles and Unyielding Hope in Ukraine, August 7-12, 2023

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people exemplify remarkable resilience and unwavering faith. From the relentless nights of war to the unwavering dedication of the Capuchin brothers providing essential ministry and support, these stories shed light on the transformative power of faith and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. As we explore their journeys, we witness their determination to rise above adversity, their unwavering hope for a just peace, and the profound influence of their faith in guiding them through the darkest times.

Night 529: Restlessness — and a reminder to avoid murmuring.

A night of restlessness. The Dnepropetrovsk region was attacked. There are civilian casualties in the Kherson region after overnight attacks on a residential building; a woman was killed and 12 people were wounded. A powerful S-300 missile has reached Kharkiv. God, grant us a just peace!

The Word reminds us that people can have very short memories. All it takes is a minor difficulty for someone to forget everything God has done and focus on temporary problems. Murmuring and complaining appear. The history of God’s people is a lesson for each of us.

Listen to Psalm 81 — it is God’s response to our murmuring. “My people did not listen to My voice, Israel did not obey Me. I left them, therefore, to their hard hearts, let them follow their own designs. If My people had listened to Me, and Israel had walked in My ways, I would have immediately crushed their enemies and turned my hand against their adversaries. I would flatter the Lord with those who hate Him, and their punishment would last forever. And I would feed him with choice wheat, and sow honey from the firewood.” God is love!

In Truskavets, our retreat, which focused on our “Meeting with God,” has ended. Among the presenters was Br. Jerzy Zielinski from Dnipro. In Kiev and Verbovets, meanwhile, our Franciscan youth have been experiencing the San Damiano retreat.

Our Franciscan Youth retreat in Verbovets, in fact, had 25 participants, most of them were from Lviv. Twenty-three of them made the decision to enter the path of conversion in the community of Franciscan Youth. Thank God for everything!

Night 530: Restlessness — Mourning in Pokrovsk.

There was tragedy in Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region. Seven people were killed and 67 people — including 31 police personnel, seven rescue workers and two children — were injured in a rocket attack on a residential building in Pokrovsk.

The Word calls us to courage. “Courage! It is I who am, do not be afraid!” At this, Peter spoke up: “Lord, if it is You, make me come to You on the water!”

But at the sight of a strong wind, he began to sink and cried out: “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and grabbed him, saying: “Why did you doubt, man of little faith?” When they had gotten back into the boat, the wind died down. And those who were in the boat fell down before Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

God is love!

Night 531: More casualties in Pokrovsk, and a new drone attack.

During the night, an 18-year-old man was killed when Russian drones reached Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Still, morning today has been calmer than previous mornings.

Our brothers, Roman Lukaszewski from Walcz and Roman Pop from Uzhgorod, celebrated birthdays this week.

In the Word, the Lord says: “I will bring the bride out into the desert and speak to her heart. And there she will answer Me as on the day she came out of the land of Egypt. And I will marry you to Myself forever, I will marry you by justice and law, by love and mercy. I will marry you to myself through faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.”

In Pokrovsk, the number of wounded after yesterday’s rocket attack rises to 81 people. Among them are 39 civilians, including two children, 31 police officers, seven firefighters and four military personnel. The rescue operation is ongoing.

Night 532: A death brings hope in the resurrection.

Sister Death came for Anna Chromy, 83, the mother of our brother Joseph Chromy, the guardian and pastor in Vinnitsa. God grant her eternal life, and Br. Joseph and the family the hope of resurrection. Jesus lives!

The Word from the Book of Wisdom refers to all the dead who have bound their lives to God: the saint, Deacon Lawrence, or the late Anna Chroma, or the victims of this war in Ukraine. “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and their torment will not reach them. It seemed to the eyes of the foolish that they had died, their death was interpreted as misfortune and their departure from us as annihilation, and they abide in peace. Although even in human terms they suffered anguish, their hope is full of immortality.”

“He who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

God is love!

In Zaporizhzhya Oblast, there has been more shelling of civilian facilities, including houses and chapels. In the Rivne region, kamikaze drones have ruined a fuel base. But there are no casualties among the civilian population.

Night 533: More attacks in the borderlands.

It was another restless night and morning. In border regions, there are endless attacks by Russian terrorists. In other oblasts there are alarms. It’s an anxious time. God, give us a just peace.

The Word today reminds us of what Jesus said to his disciples. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to preserve his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what shall it profit a man, even if he gains the whole world, and suffers harm on his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father together with His angels, and then He will give to each according to his conduct. Verily I say unto you, some of them that stand here shall not taste death, until they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.”

There was tragedy this week in Zaporozhye. Two young girls sang in the street. An hour later, a Russian rocket fell. One girl, 19-year-old Svetlana, died on the spot; the other, 21-year-old Kristina, died in the hospital. God, give us a just peace!

Night 534: An anxious day followed by a calm night.

Yesterday morning was full of alarms. Rockets fell over the central oblasts of Ukraine. We pray and ask for prayers for Kolomyja, from where the image of the Mother of God in Skomielna Black is from; Russian rockets hit there, too. Anti-missile systems are at work. The night, thank God, is calmer, but on the front regular war wages on. God, give us a just peace.

The Word reminds us of the beginning of the First Commandment: “Moses said to the people: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall therefore love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. The words that I command you today shall remain in your heart. Thou shalt instill them in thy sons, thou shalt speak of them while at home, while traveling, while going to bed and while rising from sleep. You shall tie them to your hand as a sign. They shall be an ornament between your eyes. Write them on the doors of your house and on your gates.’”

Edited by br. McLean Bennett
for the Capuchin Communication Office
Province of St. Joseph

A Cry for Peace: Reflections from the War Front in Ukraine

A Difficult Night (July 31, 2023)

Ukraine endured a harrowing night with rocket shelling in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia region, Dnipropetrovsk, Kryvyi Rih, and Kherson, leading to civilian casualties and the destruction of houses. The events in Sumy further intensified the situation, with the latest attack claiming two lives and injuring twenty.

Amid the ongoing unrest, the spiritual leaders sought strength and solace in faith. Various retreats and activities were organized from Aleksandrivka to Kyiv, the Carpathian Mountains, and Lviv; Ukrainians live in war but not by war.

Alarms and Aerial Attacks (August 2, 2023)

The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and surrounding regions witnessed as many as four alarms, with Russian drones taking to the sky. Anti-missile systems proved effective, as 23 drones were shot down.

A poignant reflection was drawn between the Warsaw Uprising and the Ukrainian War. Tales from the front line, such as those shared by a doctor from Krasyliv, encapsulate the relentless hardships soldiers and medics face.

The day also marked an international moment with the beginning of World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by a group of young Ukrainians.

Night Shelling and a Plea for Love (June 4, 2023)

The night brought destruction to Kherson as Russian drones targeted a school, a hospital building, and a marketplace. In the midst of these atrocities, the faith community continued to affirm the love and truth of God’s word.

Memories from Uzhhorod captured the nation’s heart, as the Funeral Mass of a young priest, Fr. Vladislav, was held.

Pope Francis’s meeting with a young girl, Varia, in Lisbon symbolized a connection between the pope and the Ukrainian people’s plight.

A Succession of Alerts (August 6, 2023)

Russian terrorism continued to disrupt peace and tranquility in Ukraine, with intensified attacks in regions including Khmelnytskyi and Starokonstantyniv. More than 30 rockets and 27 kamikaze drones were destroyed.

Reflections from Lviv and Kharkiv emphasized the need for transformation, a ‘Transfiguration’, to find hope in faith and love.

A heart-warming solidarity emerged as the Ukrainian anthem was played in Africa and Walcz, Poland, uniting people across continents. First Lady Mrs. Agata Duda met with Ukrainian youth in Lisbon, and the emblem of Ukraine, the Tryzub, was raised on the monument, Batkivshchyna – Maty.

The Brothers of the Custody of Ukraine and the people on the ground continue to bear witness to a nation in turmoil yet resilient, relying on faith, love, and solidarity. Their messages echo a universal cry for justice, unity, and peace.

God is love, and this love fuels the Ukrainian spirit in its most trying times.

Edited by br. Igor De Bliquy
for the Capuchin Communication Office
Province of St. Joseph

Stories of Resilience and Faith: Ukrainians Endure the War

A Chronicle of Daily Struggles and Unyielding Hope in Ukraine, July 24-28, 2023

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people exemplify remarkable resilience and unwavering faith. From the relentless nights of war to the unwavering dedication of the Capuchin brothers providing essential ministry and support, these stories shed light on the transformative power of faith and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. As we explore their journeys, we witness their determination to rise above adversity, their unwavering hope for a just peace, and the profound influence of their faith in guiding them through the darkest times.

Night 515: A war and a baptism.

The war does not stop, and the end is not in sight. People are dying — suffering families, children, people permanently wounded, physically and mentally.

We pray for the victims of the war, for Odessa, Kharkiv, Dnipro and other cities and regions. Let us ask God for a just peace through the intercession of Saints Olga, Sharbel and Kinga — patron saints of today in different parts of the world.

Today’s Word is full of tension and drama. The old logic of man, a slave in Egypt, a slave of the commune and a slave of other spirits is shown. “[The Israelites] said to Moses, ‘Did you lack graves in Egypt, that you brought us here to die in the desert? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Did we not clearly say to you in Egypt: “Leave us alone, we want to serve the Egyptians?” For it was better for us to serve them than to die in this desert.’”

The response is that of a free man, Moses, who has already heard the voice of God — and who, despite his weaknesses, follows that voice, the Word.

“Moses answered the people: ‘Do not be afraid! Remain in your place, and you will see the salvation from the Lord that He will grant us today. For the Egyptians, whom you see now, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you will remain calm.’”

A word for every war, the one in Ukraine and the one in the head and heart, in the emotions: “Do not harden your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord.” Listen more to God than to yourself! God is love!

In Dnipro, a 28-year-old military man was baptized on July 23. The baptism was immediately followed by confirmation (he was joined by another military man, who’d been baptized in a church 73 years ago; he’d been an atheist for 50 years). These provided such happy moments from the frontline city, despite the war and the constant alarms there.

Night 516: Life continues under threat of war.

War brings restless skies over all of Ukraine. There’s warfare now on the front and in the border regions.

The Word today reminds us: “We store treasure in earthenware vessels, so that from God is this overwhelming power, and not from us. We endure suffering from everywhere, but we do not give in to doubt; we live in want, but we do not despair; we endure persecution, but we do not feel alone; we are toppled to the ground, but we do not perish. We bear the dying of Jesus continually in our flesh, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our flesh. For continually we who live are delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal body. Thus, death works in us, while life works in you.” God is love.

In Vinnitsa, work continues on the creation of a local monument to St. James.

In Krasilow, we hosted another formation session of the “School of Mary,” with more formation periods to follow, while in Kyiv and Olexandria on of our brothers began the retreat for the sisters of Blessed Honorat.

Night 517: In the murmur of war, we seek heaven’s bread.

The war continues with intense fighting in the Oblasts of eastern Ukraine. We pray for a just peace.

The Word brings to mind man’s way of thinking, murmuring, judging. “And the whole congregation of the Israelites began to murmur in the wilderness against Moses and against Aaron. The Israelites said to them, ‘May we die by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, where we sat before pots of meat and ate bread to the full! You have brought us out into this wilderness to starve this whole multitude to death!’”

Man thinks and complains: We were better off under communism … and so on.

What does God say to this murmuring of man? “Behold, I will send you bread from heaven like rain. And there shall go forth a people, and every day they shall gather according to the need of the day. I also want to test them, whether they will follow my commandments or not. This is the bread which the Lord gives you for food.”

In Vinnitsa, we held a dedication of the monument to St. James in the vicinity of our monastery. The project had been an initiative of our brothers and of the city’s authorities. Present were our bishop, Radoslav, and the Orthodox bishop, Simeon, city authorities and our brothers, including Br. Constantine, secretary of our custody. Also present were residents of Vinnitsa.

Night 518: God steps toward us in the cloud.

Yesterday and last night were full of alerts and drone attacks. All of Ukraine was threatened, including Lviv and Uzgorod. We pray for an end to the war and for a just peace.

Today’s Word shows God stepping toward man. “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak to you, and believe in you forever.’ Moses spoke, and God answered him amidst thunder. The Lord descended to Mount Sinai, to the top of it. And he called Moses to the top of the mountain.”

“But happy are your eyes that they see, and your ears that they hear. For verily I say unto you, ‘Many prophets and righteous men have desired to see that which ye look upon, and have not seen; and to hear that which ye hear, and have not heard.’”

You are happy if you see and hear God in your life. God is love!

Our formation program, “School of Mary,” was held from July 16 to 25. We thank God for his presence, for the charismatic community “Living Fire” that led the school, the participants, and especially Brothers Alexander Mogilny and Adam Trochimovich for their work.

As all this took place, though, Russian terrorist drones in Nikopol attacked residential homes and a school.

Night 519: Celebrating Ukrainian statehood in the midst of attack.

Yesterday, the city of Starokonstantinov, where our brothers live, was attacked with rockets and drones; for the Russians, the target was the military airport. Thank God, our brothers, the city and the airport were not affected. Thank God.

We continue to pray for an end to the war and a just peace. The Dnipropetrovsk region was also shelled by Russian rockets at night.

On July 28, we marked Ukrainian Statehood Day.

The Word today tells us that “In those days, God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods beside Me!’”

From my personal experience, I know that I can easily create my own god in my head. But the only God is the one who revealed himself in Jesus and is love and loves you as you are. God is love!

In Nikolaevsky oblast, a local woman has coped with the war by de-mining a field and a meadow — so that she and her cow can live there.

In the Kherson region, meanwhile, a school and an agricultural facility and farm were destroyed this week.

Edited by br. McLean Bennett
for the Capuchin Communication Office
Province of St. Joseph