Category: Solanus Casey

November 2, 2022

We survived the night. Thank God.

Air raid alerts and explosions were heard in Dnipro, where our brothers live. In Kyiv, where we arrived yesterday with Br. Sergei, the custos, the night was calm. Even the light was on all evening until midnight. A friendly welcome for Br. Sergei—a poster on the door of his room. (photo)

The Word… Today is one Word about my life and impermanence: My life does not end, but changes. Maybe this truth is not wanted, not understood, but there is a way of happiness for me—Jesus walked before me on this road, therefore it is the best way for me, the way of happiness, for the time of war and before and after the war. Jesus lived, died, a funeral was held and… he rose from the dead, that is, he is alive. This is also my way, a gift from God, who is LOVE! God loves you.

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

Kyiv:
A great gift of heart. With the help, through Br. Henryk Cisowski, from the Capuchin ministry L’Opera San Francesco of Milan, Italy, the military hospital in Kyiv has received specialized (very expensive) equipment for treating eyes of wounded soldiers and civilians. The doctor, Yula, a colonel in the Ukrainian army, is very impressed and has indescribable gratitude. The transport was coordinated by Br. Sergei, the custos, the recipient on behalf of the Capuchins in Kyiv was Br. Sławomir Płoński.

Lviv:
On the way to Kyiv, we visited Sr. Myroslava, provincial of the Greek Catholic Sisters Servants of the Mother of God. (photo)

Kyiv:
Already back home. Br. Sergiei left for chapter as guardian, he returned as custos. Deo gratias!
Realities of war. Beginning at 6 a.m., the electricity is scheduled to be turned off. In our area from 9 a.m. As I’m writing this letter, there is no light….

Dnipro:
Procession of all the saints in Novomoskovsk. (photo)

Uzhgorod:
Our children from Vladyka Milan Academy in expedition. (photo)

May God bless us and grant us peace.

October 7, 2022

God is merciful to us. We are alive. Just like yesterday, this night bombs fell on the city of Zaporizhzhya. There are casualties among the residents of the city, 90 km [56 miles] from Dnipro, where our brothers live.

Today in Ukraine, in the Church, we have a day of prayers for the end of the war and fasting on bread and water for this intention. You are invited.

The Word… In today’s Word, I am touched by the fact that Jesus, dying on the cross, allowed himself to become accursed in the eyes of the Jews.  “Cursed is everyone who was hanged on the tree—so that the blessing of Abraham may be shared by the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, and so that by faith we may receive the promised Spirit.” It is God’s love for me to receive the Spirit of Jesus, that is, to know the true God, present in my life, as in the life of Abraham.

God is love.

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

Lviv:
Another invitation to the Marian Night of Vigil, this time with St. Francis. (photo)

Br. Marek’s name day—may God protect and bless you. Best wishes. Live!!!

May God guard us and grant us peace.