Author: Thomas Skowron

March 9, 2023

Yesterday morning warlike, but calm. In the late afternoon there were alarms in the south of Ukraine. Evening, at about 8 pm all Ukraine red, alarms, rockets explosions.
At night, at about 2 o’clock, all Ukraine in alarms.

The Word… Attention! The Word warns us: “Cursed is the man who puts his hope in man, and who sees his strength in the flesh, and turns his heart away from the Lord.”
“The heart is more treacherous than all else and incorrigible – who will fathom it? I, the Lord, examine the heart and test the kidneys, that I may render to each according to his conduct, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
I invite you to listen to Ps 1.
Therefore, once again. Note: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, then even if someone rose from the dead, they will not believe.”
Listen to God to live and be happy.”

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

Kharkiv (from Mrs. Tetiana):

4am…. All of Ukraine under fire.
What this means is that the enemy has been preparing this for a long time.
Today, March 9, the birthday of Taras Shevchenko.
Kharkiv. Explosions, explosions.
They write about 13… and another news, rockets fly again.
The light is gone. And in some places they were glad that the second evening already started to turn on the street lights in the evening.
Wait that Russia will just stop one day—illusion.
“Fight—you will win.” T. Shevchenko. (photo)

Ukraine (from President V. Zelenskyy):

It’s been a difficult night. A massive rocket attack across the country. Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia regions. Attacks on critical infrastructure and residential buildings.
Unfortunately, there are injured and dead. My condolences to the families.

All services are working. The energy system is being restored. Restrictions were imposed in all regions.

The enemy fired 81 missiles in an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their miserable tactics. The occupiers can only terrorize civilians. That’s all they can do. But it won’t help them. They won’t avoid responsibility for everything they have done.

We thank the guardians of our skies and everyone who helps to overcome the consequences of the occupiers’ sneaking attacks!

War:
Photos of destruction last night from Kyiv and Lviv. (photo)

Map:
Places where rockets, missiles hit. All of Ukraine. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kamianske (Br. Vladislav Gmyrko), Dnipro (Br. Vadym Shtogrin):
Another meeting of the school of chaplains. Tactical medicine classes are conducted by Kasyliv parishioner Roman Zamriy. (photo)

JESUS LIVES!

March 8, 2023

A calmer night, but only in our areas. Bakhmut and defenders of our independence in our hearts and prayers. Yesterday in the evening alarms in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The morning of the war. Peaceful, but uncertain.

March 8. There is always an opportunity to pray for women. We especially commend to God’s mercy, women, grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters who have suffered in this war. God is love. (photo)

The Word… We are at war, living in war, trepidation all around, but thanks to God and God’s Word, we don’t have to live by war and the spirit of war….
Let us pray this Word Ps 31:
“For I heard many whispering: ‘There is terror all around!’
Against me they gather, intending to take my life.
But I put my trust in You, O Lord, and say, ‘You are my God.’
In Your hand are my destinies, deliver me from the hands of my enemies and persecutors.”
Prophet Isaiah:
“Hear me, O Lord, and listen to the voice of my adversaries! Is evil paid for good? And they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to intercede on their behalf, to turn away Your wrath from them.”
The Word of the Lord… “You know that the rulers of the nations oppress them, and the great ones make their power felt. It shall not be so with you. But whoever would become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever would be first among you, let him be your slave, like the Son of Man, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Lord, convert us, and we will convert to you…

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

Kharkiv (from Mrs. Tania P.):

Peace. Today I was in my hometown of Saltivka (Kharkiv district). Kiryl was escorted on his last journey. There were a lot of his friends from the war.
I passed by the family Metro station… tragedy… (photo)

America (info from America on Ukrainian tv stations):
Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive. (photo)

Kharkiv:
Not living by war. First since the beginning of the war, lighting of important objects, signs in the city. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Sergey Voronyuk):
Celebrating the name day of brother Casimir. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 7, 2023

Yesterday from the morning alarms. The previous night in the eastern areas of Ukraine was endless rocket raids. Scorched earth syndrome performed by Russian terrorists.
This morning, Ukraine all red, that is, alarms throughout its territory.

The Word… “Listen to the word of the Lord…” Another encouragement for the Lenten season.
The fruits of your listening to the Word…? “Though your sins be as scarlet, like snow they will whiten; though they be red like crimson, they will become white like wool.”
Condition one—just obey. “If you are submissive and obedient, earthly goods you will enjoy.”
But beware: “But if you slink in resistance, the sword will exterminate you. For the mouth of the Lord has pronounced it.”
God is love, hence the encouragement of Listen to God’s Word.

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

America/Ukraine/Poland:
A few hours ago, after a ten-hour flight, I arrived with Sr. Beata, a Nazarene in Worcester, America. Here and in another parish we will have a Lenten retreat.
Visible signs of solidarity with Ukraine plunged into war. (photo)
Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors.

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Zbyszek (Sawczuk) from Andrzej (Lysokon), our benefactor from Wroclaw, shuttle this cool car further east for our defenders. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Sergiej Woroniuk):
On Saturday, a day of recollection and an organizational meeting of the Provisional National Council of Franciscan Youth was held at our Capuchin house in Lviv. We listened to the word of God and each other, prayed, and planned the spring and summer retreats. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 6, 2023

Yesterday, apart from the front, a quiet day. Alarms from the south in eastern Ukraine. Yesterday afternoon quiet. In the east, war.
Alarms since morning across Ukraine.

The Word… “Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of eternal life.”
Let us pray from the heart with this prayer:

O Lord, my God, great and terrible, who keep faithfully the covenant of those who love Thee and keep Thy commandments.
We have sinned, gone astray, committed iniquity and rebelled, deviated from Your commandments. We have disobeyed Your servants, the prophets who spoke in Your name to our kings, to our leaders, to our ancestors and to the entire population of the country.
With You, O Lord, righteousness, and with us shame on our faces, as it is with us today – with the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, and all Israel, with those near and far, in all countries, where You have driven them because of the unfaithfulness they have shown to You.
Lord! Shame on our faces, our kings, our leaders and our fathers, for we have sinned against You. But the Lord our God is merciful and shows mercy, even though we rebelled against Him and did not listen to the voice of the Lord our God to follow the instructions He gave us through His servants, the prophets.

This is the Word of God.

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

Kyiv:
Eucharist with the participation of children. Charismatic brother Victor Deshuk. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Freely you have received, freely give. Capuchin Sisters with their brothers continue to assist the needy. (photo)

Kyiv:
Fr. Pio’s House at the Capuchins’. Art Therapy in art classes. Art therapy through music. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Clara Studio. Yesterday was world children’s media day. (photo)
Greetings to our Clara Studio staff and its founder Brother Justin.

Cemeteries of Ukrainian soldiers. (photo)

Vinnytsia/Bahmut:
Jana Rychlicka, a volunteer, who was called the “Angel of the fighters” died near Bahmut, while evacuating wounded soldiers. (photo)
Герої не вмирають. Heroes do not die. May they rest in eternal peace.

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Br. Roman Pop):
A song and its importance in the war.

Lviv (Br. Zbyszek Sawczuk):
A group of young people in our Capuchin house. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 5, 2023

Yesterday since lunch, the reality of war. Alarms, rockets, drones, innocent people die. God, give us a just peace!

The Word… “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you”.
What does this mean for you…?
Come out, forsake what you have heard, what you have become by what you have heard in your family home: repent means accept this new Word…
… the Father’s voice: “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
This is conversion to the Father. Hear the voice of the Father, you are my son, and listen to the Son, this is the beginning of conversion, the source of Christianity.
God the Father is love, the Father loves you. You are loved by the Father.
Convert to the Father.

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

Vinnytsia:
War by war, alarms by alarms, and mother and daughter go to the Capuchins for catechesis. (photo)

Russia:
“‘Woman who made donation to Ukrainian army detained for treason.’
A Russian woman who made a donation to help the Ukrainian army has been detained and is suspected of treason; this is the first known case where aid to Ukraine results in a criminal case of treason, the independent Meduza portal reported on Saturday.” (after The Sunday Visitor)

Kyiv:
First Saturday of the month. A meeting of the Knights of John Paul II. (photo)

Bahmut:
March 2, 2023—Young heroes pray before the battle. (photo)

Dnipro Region:
Two civilians were killed in this house after a rocket raid yesterday. (photo)

Let us pray:
A request from a young wife, a mother with two children. She is waiting for her husband:

Brother please for Sergei, that he and the boys who stayed with him, with him come home alive. Thank you.

Krakow, Poland:
Hospitality point at the train station. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Vinnytsia (Br. Igor Mularski):
Mass before the election of the regional council of the Vinnytsia region of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Spiritual Assistants. Meeting of delegates from the SFO communities of the Vinnytsia region, for the election of the new council. (photo)

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
An ecumenical prayer for peace was held yesterday in Krasyliv. This is the 20th year that this valuable initiative has been going on (with a break for the pandemic). After the prayer, refreshments were served in our parish cafe. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Wishes from Lviv to Staryi Ostropil’: The Holy Spirit and His power for Kazimir. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Adam Wróbel):
Kyiv joins in greetings to Br. Kazimierz. God’s blessings. Protection of the Mother of God!

Jesus lives!

March 4, 2023

Yesterday, afternoon alarms. Towards evening, in various circuits alarms. This morning quiet. On the front, in Bahmut regular fierce war.
God, grant us peace!

The Word… The way of the Christian is to abide in the love of God.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love! If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. This I have said to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.”
Christian joy is possible, even in times of war.
Abide in God’s love. God is love !

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

In Poland and in a special way for our Brother Casimir Guzik, it is the Feast of St. Casimir, the Prince. St. Casimir, is the patron saint of our Casimir, now living in our community in Lviv. Brother Kaziu, may God guard and bless you and show you His true face, true love. God is love! 100 years. Best wishes.

Zaporizhzhya:
The bodies of 10 people, including one child, were recovered from under the rubble. 11 people were rescued. (photo)

Nikopol (Zaporizhzhya region):
Ruined houses after overnight rocket raids. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Bro. Sergey Kippa):
On the occasion of your name day, happy birthday to our Casimir! Thank God for you! All the graces!

Kamianske (Br. Volodymyr Procko):
Wishes. St. Casimir of Kamyanske. (photo)

Jesus lives!

March 2, 2023

A day full of alarms yesterday in Kyiv and Kyiv region. Central Ukraine red. Russia’s terrorist attacks intensified. There were more than 170 drone, missile attacks on Ukrainian territory in 24 hours. The following morning was calmer.

The Word… “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to the knocker they will open. When any of you sons asks for bread, is there one who will give him a stone? Or when he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? If you then, though evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him. All things, therefore, what you would have men do to you, do ye also to them. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.”

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

Poland:
On the way from Wroclaw to Walcz. Nice and unequivocal signs of solidarity between Poles and Ukrainians. “We are with you.” (photo)

Jerusalem, Israel:
Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. (photo)

Zaporizhzhya:
Powerful destruction in the eastern city of Zaporizhzhya. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Picture made by a child. Author unknown. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Let’s reminisce about yesterday.

Starokostiantyniv (Br. Sergey Gubitsky):
Today we were visited by benefactors. God bless. (photo)
Brothers from Mogilno (Capuchins of the Warsaw Province) Jan and Heniu once again brought aid to Ukraine.

Krasyliv (Br. Leonid Kushniruk):
The first, historic such meeting between President Zelenski and representatives of the chaplains right in an Orthodox Church.

Jesus lives!

March 1, 2023

Yesterday morning was quiet, in the afternoon there were more alerts in Kyiv and central Ukraine. In the Donetsk region, regular war.
Yesterday late evening, alarms and kamikaze drones in Poltava and Kyiv regions.

Today began quietly in our regions. East in constant battle. God, grant us peace.

The Word… “Repent to your God, for He is gracious and merciful.”

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

Kharkiv:
The fired ambulance shown in yesterday’s letter was from Kharkiv. (photo)

Boryspil:
Beginning of therapy for women, biblical program “Overcome evil.” The leader is our parishioner Ms. Lina and SVD sisters. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Capuchin Sisters continue to help those in need. (photo)

Wroclaw, Poland:
Deo gratias! Last night, with Br. Paul Teperski and the help of God and good people, we completed the Parish Missions in our Capuchin St. Augustine Parish. I would like to thank the Capuchin friars, the Felician sisters, the lay co-workers for their help in carrying out the Missions.
Thank you to the patient listeners of the Word of God. Let us pray for our Brothers and Benefactors. May God reward you. Deo gratias!

Kharkiv:
First day of spring.

News from the brothers:

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Jakub Osipow, from Poland, conducts medical training for our Dnipro parishioners.

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
Brothers from Mogilno (Capuchins of the Warsaw Province), Jan and Heniu, once again brought aid to Ukraine. Thanks to the benefactors! Also Jan’s parish priest friend, who funded the generator. (photo)

Jesus lives!

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!