Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 298

December 20, 2022

Sunday morning is calm. In war, it’s the calm that is slightly disturbing. The proverbial calm before the storm. God grant us a just peace! From 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., there were alarms in Vinnytsia and Kyiv. Twenty drones were launched on Kyiv. Five of them hit critical infrastructure, electrical and heating networks. There were extreme light shutdowns in Kyiv. Thank God, no one were hurt.
God, give us peace!
Come, Lord Jesus.

The Word… The core of preparation for the birth of Jesus in my heart is humble, hopeful listening to the Word of God, which is brought by the “Angel Gabriel.” This is how Samson was born, John the Baptist, this is how Jesus will be born in my heart. Listen… “Root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the nations, come to set us free, deign to delay no longer.”
Come, Lord Jesus !

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

Vinnytsia:
Franciscan Youth once again collects money for radio stations for the ЗСУ [Ukrainian Armed Forces]. (photo)

Krakow, Poland:
Today Br. Mykola Shyra, our theology student and post-novice, celebrates his name day. Brother, 100 years, Многая літа…
May God show His Face to you and bless you.

Vinnytsia:
At 6 pm. I preached a retreat homily, during which the city’s alarms and phone alerts in the listeners went off. It was practically ” do not be afraid” and so an hour.
At 8 p.m. the alarm ended and an organ concert accompanied by trumpet began in our church. Songs dedicated to the Mother of God, Mary, expecting offspring were played.
As for the war and the ongoing alarm, a lot of people came. There were even visitors from the Vinnytsia area. (photo)
Organ music, a wonderful form of prayer, rest and even therapy.

War Joke:
Today is St. Nicholas Day at our Greek Catholic brothers. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Krasyliv (Bro. Maciej Styburski):
And in Krasyliv there was a fair for ЗСУ. Thanks to Sr. Malgorzata and the Capuchin nuns, who together with parishioners prepared and carried out everything. Thanks to Br. Piotr, that despite the ongoing session of the School of Mary, he made available a room in the Retreat House. (photo)

Starykostiantyniv (Br. Sergey Gubitsky):
A Fair organized by the Franciscan Youth was held. Many people had the opportunity to sustain the ЗСУ and Youth. Thank God.
Many things are taking place, I do not know if it is necessary to write and post about everything?
As well as each of our Brothers meet various obstacles, regardless of this we continue to serve our parishioners and refugees.
God be thanked and we thank our Benefactors.

Come, Lord Jesus!