Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 306

December 27, 2022

In our area, the night and yesterday morning as in wishes: calm and peaceful.  In the east and south, unrest, alarms. In Bahmut, war. People are being killed.
“… a on earth peace to people of good will…”
Already there is some talk, of increased rocket attacks for the New Year. May God protect us. God, give us peace!
“Drink the love of St. John!” [words spoken while consuming blessed wine on the feast of St. John the Apostle—Henryk]

The Word… The words of St. John in the first letter, have very deeply touched my heart.
The first Word: “In this love is manifested, that not we have loved God, but that He Himself loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Second Word: “In love there is no fear, but perfect love removes fear, because fear is associated with punishment. And the one who fears has not perfected himself in love.”

For me, once and now during the war, this Word is very relevant.

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

Starokostiantyniv:
Christmas play. (photo)

Walcz, Poland:
Solidarity with the war-tormented Ukraine. Prepared “Christmas Eve table” decorated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. (photo)
Let’s pray for our Brothers and Benefactors.

Vinnytsia:
Our guardian, Br. Joseph, loves the brothers, serves the brothers and prepares the Christmas dinner. Co-worker, helper Br. Igor M. (photo)
A letter was received by Pastor Br. Joseph Chromy received a letter—Christmas wishes from the Regional (provincial) Authorities. Thank you. (photo)

Ukraine:
“We endured at the beginning of the war—attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter as well. Because we know what we are fighting for. We go forward through the thorns to the stars, knowing awaits us at the end of the trail. We believe that tears will turn into joy, after sorrow will come hope, and death will be conquered with life.” (photo)

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Bro. Adam Wróbel):
Today (yesterday) in Kyiv there was also a performance about Christmas: “The Little Prince and the Christmas Light.” The performance was prepared by the children of the parish. (photo)

Krasyliv (Bro. Maciej Styburski):
Christ the Lord is born!
Warm wishes from our community to all the brothers!
By the way, I will send a few photos, because we write little and the impression may arise that nothing is happening, … and the truth, however, is different. Rather lack of time and perhaps conviction… (photo)
A cake for the Lord Jesus! A tradition at the Capuchin Sisters. It was today! (photo)
And this is the “Maltese” oplatek (Christmas wafer), which took place in Slobidka-Krasylivs’ka at the initiative of the Knights of Malta with the participation of Bishop Leon and under his patronage. Of course, combined with the presentation of gifts.

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Meeting after Mass with Brother Sergei. (photo)

Jesus is born.