Letter from Br. Błażej: Night 193

September 5, 2022 — Monday

We survived the night in Vinnitsa. No alarms. We pray for the success of the Ukrainian army on the front line. The civilian population continues to die. God, give us peace.

The Word…. St. Paul writes about immoralities. I remember, I carry in my heart, a word I heard in Dnipro, under the church many years ago. We sang “We fly to Thy protection” asking Mary to help us get the church back. I heard the word of that prayer, “Mary the only pure one.” Who am I if Mary is the only pure one? I am unclean!

God gave me the light “Blessed are the pure in heart…..for they shall see God.” One thing I realized is that I should continue to seek the true face of God, to have a pure heart and live a vow of chastity, among other things. God is love.

We are living a war, not living by war.

Today, Monday, we begin our Capuchin retreat. I very much ask everyone whom this letter reaches to pray for us Capuchins who will come to a monastery and for those who could not come and will be online. I ask for your prayers for our brothers who will preach the Good News to us.

Below:

Brother Paweł and Brother Tomasz

 

Brother Tomasz

In Berdychiv, in front of the image of the Mother of God, we prayed for the Spirit of Mary for the retreat. (photo)

On the way to Vinnytsia, Brother Thomas took a picture of places which were destroyed by Russian occupiers. (photo)

Miracle of God’s love. Sunshine in the west. (photo)

Visiting the community in Vinnitsa. Before arriving at the monastery, we visited the place of death of random Vinnytsia residents. (photo)

Lviv:
In Lviv vigil from Saturday to Sunday and in the afternoon worship at the statue of the Immaculate downtown. Deo gratias! (photo)

May God protect us and grant us peace.