Letters from Br. Błażej: Night 362

February 21, 2023

Morning, all Ukraine in the red. Fortunately short, without consequences.
Last night alerts in the northern and eastern regions of Ukraine.
The morning quiet. We are waiting to see what will happen next.
February 21: International day of the mother tongue. (photo)

The Word… Today’s Word is a help for the time of war as in Ukraine and for the time of peace… “Child, if you are going to serve the Lord, prepare your soul for experiences! Keep a calm heart and be patient, and do not lose your balance in times of tribulation! Cling to Him and do not waiver, so that you may be exalted in your last day. Accept all that comes upon you, and in the vicissitudes of humiliation be endurable! For gold is tried in the fire, and people pleasing to God—in the furnace of humiliation. Be faithful to Him and He will take care of you, straighten your paths and trust in Him!”

Tomorrow i.e. Ash Wednesday we start a parish mission in Wroclaw, Poland. I am assisting Br. Pawel Teperski. I have fears, concerns, how will it be? God does not leave me and us… “Trust in the Lord, He Himself will act.”

The second Word that gives me courage in witnessing and in proclaiming the Word: “God forbid that I should boast of anything else than of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom the world has been crucified for me, and I for the world.”

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

Kyiv:
Breaking news of yesterday: Biden and Zelenski during an alert at the St. Nicholas Cathedral. Biden’s tie, in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The whole world is spreading the word about this visit. (photo)

Heavenly Sotnia:
This is the name of more than a hundred people who gave their lives for the dignity of Ukrainians and Ukraine during the Revolution of Dignity in Kiev. February 20, the day we remember these events. (photo)

Vinnytsia:
Sunday Mass with participation of children. Charismatic sermon for children by Brother Alexander Mogilny. (photo)

Krakow, Poland:
A feeding point and a place of protection and support for refugees from Ukraine is open at the railroad station. “Пункт харчування” (feeding point).
Thank God and Poland for neighborly help. (photo)

Dnipro:
On Saturday (February 18), a charitable concert of classical music was held at our Capuchin church of St. Joseph. (photo)

Kyiv:
It’s been 9 years ago. “Give a hand to Ukraine.” Let’s pray for Ukraine.

News from the brothers:

Kyiv (Bro. Viktor Deschuk):
Слава Ісусу Христу! (Glory to Jesus Christ.)
On Saturday in Kyiv there was a meeting of young people from the Franciscan Youth communities. Youth from Lviv and Voznesensk came.
The theme of the meeting was Vocation. The youth met and meditated on the Word of God, they had conferences, Eucharist, group sharing and Adoration. On Sunday we visited Kyiv. (photo)

Lviv (Br. Kazimierz Guzik):
Today is the 75th birthday of our benefactor and Dnipro dad, Mr. Valery Gmyrko. Happy Birthday. (photo)

Uzhgorod (Br. Marek Lisowski):
Thanks to volunteers from our parish, it was possible to organize a snowtubing trip for children with guardians. A total of 43 people, 35 of whom are displaced persons who now live in Uzhgorod. Half of the cost from our Benefactors from abroad. Thank you. (photo)

Jesus lives!