For 11 days, the whole world has been watching with horror the nightmare of the war in Ukraine. Every day, day and night, the bombing of Ukrainian towns continues. There are thousands wounded and killed, including civilians and children. There is an exodus of people from Ukraine. More than a million people have already escaped to Polish alone, of which 2/3 are women, children and young people. The world stands in solidarity with Ukraine, providing it with much assistance.
The war also affected people who live in our Foundation Home, especially those from Ukraine. However, regardless of the country of origin, we are all united and stand in solidarity with Ukraine in many different ways. First of all, we pray for peace and cessation of hostilities in our eastern neighbor. We also pray for the miracle of conversion for the aggressors, especially for Vladimir Putin and his henchmen.
Last week, after a long period of time related to the coronavirus epidemic, it was possible to organize a retreat in the monastery of the Sacred Heart Fathers in Pliszczyna. The youth were very happy about this. They participated in the daily Eucharist and adoration, listened to the conference and went to confession.
In the current situation the integration meetings that take place in the hall of our Home play a very important role. It is an excellent opportunity to exchange opinions, strengthen hope, and awareness that we are creating one family of people who are co-responsible for each other.
We are also taking concrete actions. In our Home we hosted the families of our scholarship recipients for a few days. Currently, we are hosting several people who will be staying with us for longer period of time. Our young people are involved in helping as volunteers in Caritas or other charitable institutions. Scholarship recipients are helping arriving refugees at the bus and railway stations, segregate gifts and organize time for children coming to Lublin from the war zones.
The last initiative is the purchase of Easter lambs. Caritas Poland distributes Easter lambs in parishes and we are also distributing them at the Foundation Home. The proceeds from the sale is intended to help Ukraine. Scholarship recipients are also buying the lambs even though they have modest funds, but they want to help Ukraine. In addition to prayer, this is a very important dimension of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
We thank all the benefactors for their prayers and concrete actions of kindness and support.
With the gift of prayer
Fr. Jan and Fr. Robert
