Author: Thomas Skowron

February 21, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

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

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

Jesus lives!

February 19, 2023

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

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

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

“The Lord is gracious, full of mercy.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

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

Jesus lives!

February 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

Jesus lives!

February 17, 2023

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

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

We live in a war, not live by war.

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

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

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

Bahmut:
Russians killed 5 people under unknown circumstances.

News from the brothers:

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

JESUS LIVES !

February 16, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

Jesus lives!

February 15, 2023

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

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

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus lives!

February 14, 2023

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

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

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus lives!

February 13, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Africa:
A brother from Africa writes to us.

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

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

News from the brothers:

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

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

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

Jesus lives!

February 12, 2023

The previous night and day had been emotionally, mentally exhausting for all of us. This night was calm, the morning also. We are waiting to see what will happen next.

The Word… God’s Word today gives us in abundance. “For great is the wisdom of the Lord, He has great power and sees all things.”
God sees that by our own efforts we are not able to fulfill the word, to live the word. Because of this, we may grieve, we may be dissatisfied with ourselves. There is Good News: we need God to live this Word to ensure our happiness.
God is love.

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

Lviv:
Brothers in Lviv invite you to the next prayer meetings and night and day. (photo)

Kyiv:
Invitation to Art-Therapy, a meeting at our monastery in Kyiv. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
In Lviv, brother Volodya Procko, Zoya Kutrysh the elder of the Khmelnytskyi community and deputy elder Alla Gucol attended the meeting with the SFO general. (photo)

Kyiv (Bro. Sergey Kippa):
I thank my guardian for visiting my parents on the way back from Kherson! There was supposed to be only coffee.
And I’m off to the seminary in Horodok for a day of recollection for seminarians.
Then I’m taking our regional brothers in charge of the SFO to Kyiv for a meeting hosted by Volodya P.
To all a blessed afternoon and Sunday. +

Kyiv/Kherson (Bro. Adam Wróbel):
Brothers we happily returned to Kyiv with the Sisters. One can tell many stories. One can admire the priests who minister there. You live in constant tension whether another rocket will not fall on you. Tonight there was heavy shelling of the city (as there is every night). Mass in the morning, then departure. At the end our occupants bid us farewell with shelling.
Today we got information from the doctor at the hospital where I was yesterday, that another baby was born (photo). In the photo, the room where he lies, and then during the shelling with his mother goes to the shelter. We received a thank-you note from the hospital. On the way back we were with Sergei’s parents. (photo)
More. The optimism, the joy of Dr. Svetlana is great. Despite everything around her, she gushes with joy. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
The Minister General of the SFO visited our House in Lviv. (photo)

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
In Krasyliv, traditionally on Saturday, the process of making candles for the army is underway! (photo)

Kamianske/Lviv (Br. Volodymyr Procko):
Meeting with the Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order Brother Robert Kauzerom in Lviv. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Night vigil in Lviv. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 11, 2023

Yesterday was a very difficult day for Ukraine. Numerous alerts, air strikes by terrorist rockets. Ukraine’s anti-missile system destroyed 61 missiles out of 71 launched from various sides of the aggressor state. Almost all day alerts, danger. Exhortations to stay in shelters.
God, give us peace!

The Word… God calls me by name: “Adam, where are you?” God, the Father sees that I am suffering after sin, seeks me to help me i.e. give me love and peace again.
“I hid,” says Adam. Sin, departure from Love is the source of my fears.
Eve, the woman: I am not the guilty one. After sin, there is always someone to blame… not me, it’s Eve.
Sin, this is the source of my suffering, anxiety…
There is a way out! Let’s return to God. The source is God, who is love!
God is love!
“Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Healing of the sick, pray for us.

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

Kharkiv:
Ms. Tania. Kharkiv attacked by “neighbors”: C-300 from Belgorod and by “further ones” from the Caspian Sea, like all of Ukraine. Such is the enemy we have: he and near, and far, the same fierce. He tries to attack from everywhere. Intense shelling… on Sunday morning, Tuesday evening and in the morning today, and in powerful: 6 rockets, 12… Not to mention the Kharkiv district: Kupiansk, Dvorichna—hell there. From there people flee to Kharkiv, because it’s a little safer here. Praise the Lord, He makes that there are no civilians killed for the last days, or a rocket landed in a park, straight into the ground.

Now we have no electricity, no light. Are we in despair? Are we losing hope? Are we cursing the Ukrainian authorities? Individually—possibly, but for the most part—NO! Is it not a miracle of God! (photo)

Kyiv/Kherson:
Below is a touching update from brother Adam, who is currently in Kherson. Some faces are not visible for obvious reasons. (photo)
Let us pray for Adam and Margaret, the Nazarene sister and all those who remain there…

Bahmut:
The war face of the city of Bahmut. Bahmut is synonymous with pain. Captions: “Bahmut loves ZSU”, “With us God, ataman Zaluzhny.” (photo)

War reports. Below is the touching information of our brothers. Please read.

There is life in war. In Vinnytsia in the “Window of Life” of Caritas-Spes, in the vicinity of our Capuchin monastery, a newborn baby was found: a boy. As the doctors determined, the baby was born 3 hours before he appeared in the “Window”.
Reports in Ukrainian below:
https://credo.pro/2023/02/339376

War Joke. A small, big mistake by TVP Info. (photo)
President Zelenski, president of…. Great Britain.

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Meeting of the “Bible group” in Lviv. (photo)

Kyiv/Kherson (Br. Adam Wróbel):
Second day of our stay in Kherson.
At night there was shelling of the city and the island with rockets including phosphorus rockets. We are about 2 km from the island. It was noisy. In the morning Mass in the church in the background you can hear rocket launches and the sound of explosions. Then a tour of the city. In the afternoon I was in the maternity hospital that was shelled. I talked to the only surgeon in that hospital. They showed me the ruined rooms where newborn babies were lying. I also saw an ambulance (the only one in this hospital) for transporting babies.
All day we could hear the gunshots of our boys and the Russians. We have already learned to recognize who is shooting.
Another night is ahead of us. Probably again the Russians will rouse us at midnight or 3 am. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Antiseptic gel, stoves, blankets, soups, were given to our defenders today. (photo)
Today were delivered fruits to the hospital, to at least give some relief to the wounded. (photo)

Kamianske (Br. Volodya Procko):
Peace, brothers. Thank you all for praying for my nephew Pavel, who disappeared without news on the frontline a month ago.
I am in a hurry and want to share the happy news with you—he has been found, he is in captivity. Please pray for his happy return.

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
I have just received the news. My childhood friend was killed near Bakhmut.
Every year I spent the whole summer at my grandmother’s house. We spent a lot of time there together.
The last time I saw him was 2 years ago. He became a history teacher. Married, he has 2 twins. He made good renovations to the house. But a horde of possessed people came…
Pray for Alexander.

Jesus lives!

February 10, 2023

Alarms sounded during the night. Terrorist kamikaze drones flew overhead. Fire suppression systems were working. Thank God we are alive.

During the morning meditation, sirens are heard. Missile alert already all over Ukraine. God, give us peace!

The Word… The master appears, lying, manipulating and putting people in doubt. It is an evil spirit…
“Did God really say, Do not eat the fruit of all the trees of the garden?”
In another place… “If you are the Son of God…”
If God loves you, why are you suffering…? Constant doubts…
The answer is one: God is love. How do I know this?—God’s Word: “Open, Lord, our hearts, that we may listen attentively to the words of Thy Son.”
“Even to the deaf He restores hearing and to the mute He restores speech.”
God is love!

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

Krasyliv/Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka:
Brother Leonid Kushniruk sent us Capuchins, a list of 16 young boys, men, who from a small village went to war.
“A census of boys from Slobodka who are now at the front. The village is small, and many were taken away. Let’s pray for our parishioners.”
“Ora et labora” From the same village, a piece of meat will give ZSU. (ЗСУ).

Starokostiantyniv:
Photographs from the 50th anniversary of Sr. Egidia’s religious life. Deo gratias! (photo)

Brussels, Beligum:
President Zelenski’s visit to the European Parliament was met with great echoes, optimism and hope.
Let us pray for those who govern the states, so that they too will consciously, unconsciously fulfill the service of a just peace in Ukraine. (photo)

Kharkiv:
Ms. Tania… Again morning shelling. 10 explosions. Without light and water.

News from the brothers:

Br. Sergey Kippa:
Adaś W. is already in Kherson.
Our joint action “Medicines for Hospitals” with the Nazareth Sisters.
We are waiting for reports from him.
We pray for his safe return.

Br. Adam Wróbel:
The first day of our stay in Kherson. We sleep in a church, about 3 km from the Russians. We brought humanitarian aid with the Sisters: food products, chemicals and medicines. So far during the day we have heard one explosion. Night is beginning, they say, the most difficult time. We can already hear explosions outside the windows. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 9, 2023

In our area the night and morning were calm, sunny, frosty, but peaceful. On the front heavy fighting. Tension is rising. Closer and closer to February 24, the anniversary of the new escalation of the war. God, give us a just peace!

The Word… Beautiful Word: God does not want, my loneliness, He called me to love, to relationship, to love and be loved.
“The Lord God said: ‘It is not good for a man to be alone; I will therefore make him a suitable help for him.’”
Adam’s answer, my answer: “This one only is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh! This one shall be called woman, for this one was taken from man.”
The consequence of choice, vocation, the path of happiness: “Therefore it is a man who leaves his father and his mother and unites with his wife so closely that they become one flesh.”
To be loved and to love is my vocation.

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

Antwerp, Belgium:
Our Capuchin brothers, Brother Luc and Brother Martin invite you to the Eucharist on February 24 on the anniversary of the outbreak of the war. Brothers, heartfelt thanks for your prayers and help.

Vinnytsia:
Invitation to another concert of classical music, music that can affect our spirit and emotions. Let’s relax within the Capuchin walls, with music. You are welcome. (photo)

War:
One of the scenarios for another invasion of Ukraine, an independent state, by Russian terrorists. (map/photo)

News from he brothers:

Dnipro (Bro. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Today in Dnipro, we visited the house renovated by the displaced, a multi-story house, giving them produce. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Zbigniew Sawchuk):
Items we received from a German company were given to soldiers who went to the East. (photo)
I am going today to the rehabilitation hospital to the soldiers who lost their arms and legs. I ask for your prayerful support.
We are helping out for the oblates, they left for a meeting, at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Tomorrow a help-out at the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Perpetual Help.
Tomorrow meeting with parents at a private kindergarten.

Uzhgorod (Br. Roman Pop):
Vasily, who is restoring, renovating our iconostasis is also mobilized.
We pray for him to return alive, safe and sound. (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 8, 2023

Night and morning were calm, but only in our area. Bombs fell on the center of Kharkiv. We are waiting for information.
In the east there were night alarms, rocket raids. War. God, give us peace!
More and more earthquake victims in Turkey.
Only God can bring the ultimate good out of these tragedies of ours for us humans. God is love.

The Word… “The LORD God gave man this order: ‘You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; the moment you eat from it you are surely doomed to die.’”
I am a child of God, but not God. What happens when man wants to take the place of God? War!
“Your word, Lord, is truth, sanctify us in the truth.”
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
God is love!

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

Kyiv:
Meeting of the Board of Custody with our superiors, the guardians. The convention of guardians began.
And before that there was the Eucharist.
Fraternal meetings. Recreation.
Chaplet to the Divine Mercy.
Family, community photo. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Uzhgorod (Bro. Roman Pop):
Our children from the first year of the Vladyka Milan Academy held a scientific expedition in the village of Bilky.
This time they researched and discovered FORCE: physical and strength of spirit. PHYSICAL FORCE—based on the life story of Ivan “Croton of Force” Firtsak—the strongest man of the 20th century, who was born and died in Bilky, being a Catholic. They studied the strength of the spirit on the basis of the figure of Fr. Petr Oros, the last parish priest in Bilky, who was murdered by the Soviets, and who in July of this year (if the war ends) is to be declared blessed. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Sergey Kippa):
We’ve already talked enough about the brothers. Now a little information about the sisters.
Sr. Egidia who serves in Starokostiantyniv had her 50th anniversary of religious life. Parishioner Victor Levitsky edited a video of the event.
https://youtu.be/O85WeX4-9_Q
Meanwhile, Sr. Veronika (Kyiv) has already been operated and returned to her room, is resting, is coming off anesthesia, wants to drink, but is not allowed to.
We wish the sisters serving at our parishes blessings, health of spirit, soul and body.

Jesus lives!

February 7, 2023

Night and morning were calm considering the circumstaces of our war normal. Nikopol region was shelled by missiles.
Let’s pray for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey…
Last night was calm. Thank God for the calm.

The Word… “God said:… Thus created God…”
We modern people find it hard to believe that the Word has power, has authority and is effective.
And further… “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.”
Ps 8: “What is man, that you remember him, what is the son of man, that you care for him?”
Man, that’s me and you…
God is love!

Creation of the World by Clara Studio:

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

Kharkiv (Ms. Tania P.):

“Anton’s mother—Olena Pushkar—worked for many years in the magazine “The World Between Us” and was a poet. The mother was able to pass on her faith to her son. From the first days of the invasion, Anton went to Kharkiv Teroborona to defend his hometown of Slobozhanshchyna, as he already had experience in an anti-terrorist operation. He loved Christ, he loved Ukraine, he loved life, he loved people, he loved animals (he was a veterinarian by profession).
He always united everyone around him, and at his funeral Anton brought together two Christian communities: Greek Catholics and Roman Catholics, a community of his civilian friends, neighbors and fellow soldiers. He followed Christ to the end: he gave his life for his friends. He last contacted us on January 25 and wrote: “With God we will prevail!”
He died near Bachmut” (photo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nK3-ccEAME

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Humanitarian aid goes to the military. (photo)

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
Children from Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka, together with their teachers and Sr. Alexandra, showed a nativity play in Kam’yanets’-Podil’s’kyi—in the Cathedral and the Church of the Christ Fathers. Parishioners gave them a standing ovation 2 times. (photo)
Diploma: Thanksgiving, for our parishioner Ms. Wanda, who together with her neighbors cooks and bakes various dishes for the military at the front. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Sergey Voronyuk):
A biblical retreat for young adults (ФБР) was held in Lviv-Briukhovychi February 3-5. This is the third retreat in the FAITH series, led by Brothers Sergiy Voronyuk and Sergiy Gubisky together with Mrs. Viktoria Kondratiuk. The retreat brought together youth from Lviv and Vinnytsia. Deo gratias! (photo)

Jesus lives!

February 6, 2023

The night and this morning passed peacefully, in the so-called war normal.

The Word… And we start from the beginning of the Scriptures: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
And the wonderful story of creation by… the Word… begins.
“Then God said:…” And so to this day, God speaks the Word and creates, for example, a new spirit and gives you a new heart that can love.
“Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed every disease among the people.”
God is love!

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

Africa:
South Sudan is close to us, to Ukraine. We pray for peace, in places where Capuchins live and more.
A new community with the blessing of Br. Mark, the provincial. (photo)
“After the Eucharist in Juba. Greetings.” (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv (Br. Maciej Styburski):
Today in Krasyliv there was a day of recollection for school children of our parish (Krasyliv, Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka)—48 children participated. (photo)
And in the evening—this has already become a tradition—production of candles for the army, which was initiated and organized by the Capuchin sisters. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Night Vigil in Lviv. (photo)

Dnipro (Br. Yaroslav Fedirchuk):
Today, thanks to humanitarian aid from Poland and Italy, our parishioners received help. (photo)
Mrs. Magdalena, as a volunteer, personally accompanied the distribution and delivery of humanitarian aid to Dnipro. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Our guests from Pila, Poland. A private initiative. They brought humanitarian aid. One of the volunteers was a student from Zbyszek’s catechesis. Deo gratias for good hearts. (photo)

Jesus lives!