Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 304/305

December 25-26, 2022

Yesterday Christmas, but for terrorists, no Christmas no Christmas, alarms. Once again Ukraine all “red”—twice! In the atmosphere of Christmas, the martyrdom of St. Stephen and war-tormented Ukraine. Jesus lives and we will live. Nikopol, this is the third night without shelling, a quiet night…

The Word… Stephen was born for heaven. The preparation for the new life of Saul has begun. Death that gives life!!!
“A brother shall deliver up his brother to death, and a father his son; the children shall rise up against their parents and put them to death. You will be in hatred with everyone because of my name. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” He will be saved! Persevere even in war… He will be saved!

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

Kyiv:
This was recorded during the visit of the Assisi brothers. Now it has been published.

Vinnytsia:
True story—Religious and patriotic wishes from Clara Studio. Thank you. (photo)

Kyiv:
Joy, “the Kyiv style.” Br. Sergey, custos with former parishioners. (photo)

Kamianske:
Christmas scene. (photo)

Krasyliv:
Capuchin sisters.

Belarus:
Capuchins, with best wishes.

Ukraine:
9:30 a.m. Ukraine all “red” i.e. alarms all over anti-aircraft, anti-missile. (photo)
Our reality. Christmas, Nativity scenes. Military. ЗСУ. (photo)

Croatia (Brother Jure Sarcevic):

Dear brother Blažej! Merry Christmas and the blessed birth of Jesus. May God’s peace prevail in the hearts of all people in the world. Especially in Ukraine. Thank you for your reliable daily report on the situation in Ukraine. We share this report with many people and pray that this aggression will end as soon as possible. Thank you to all the Capuchins in Ukraine who bear witness to their faithfulness on the front line of defending freedom and civilization. Our general once said: Capuchins go where it is most difficult. Today it is Ukraine. I am convinced that God will reward you generously with the abundance of His grace. You tell us every day: God is love. Yes, God is love. Greetings, God’s blessings and peace to you all.
Fra Jure and brothers from Croatia”
Fra Jure, thank you, we sincerely thank you.

Poland (S. Rachela):

I read your messages every day and you know… I adore GOD in your hearts, in the good that you do. You are very mature internally, and because of this the war is more peacefully experienced by the people who are entrusted to you. Well, and living by the WORD. Blazej, one day in heaven you will know that for many you were the only Bible they read. I am with you with my heart and prayers. I hug you.

S. Rachel worked in Ukraine and part of her life, she left on our land. Sister, we sincerely thank you!

Gabon, Africa (br. Peter Michalik, Capuchin):
How good that Jesus has no regard for person or place, that’s why he was born in Gabon and Ukraine. (photo)

News from the brothers:

Lviv (Br. Zbyszek Sawczuk):
He is here, He is alive! Born as Bethlehem used to be. (photo)
Visiting the hospital, our wounded, the military. (photo)

Kyiv (Br. Adam Wróbel):
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski visited our parish community today. There was a short prayer at the relics of Fr. Pio and agape at the table with the sisters. (photo)

Jesus is born to us!