The Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, has been receiving many questions about the situation with our friars in the Ukraine, since the Russian aggression began on February 24, 2022.
The Minister General would like to assure you that he is in contact with our friars working in the Ukraine along with our Bishop Friar Edward KAWA and our friars in neighboring countries. The Custos of the Provincial Custody of the Holy Cross in the Ukraine, Friar Stanisław KAWA, reports: “All the friars remain in their friaries and are working, making themselves available to the people in every possible way. The bombing has forced everyone, when necessary, to go down into bomb shelters. The most difficult situation is now in BORYSPIL (БОРИСПІЛЬ), where there is an important airport. The other friaries (LVIV [ЛЬВІВ], MACKIVCI (МАЦЬКІВЦІ), KREMENCHUK [КРЕМЕНЧУК], BILSHIVTSI [БІЛЬШІВЦ]) are already taking in and assisting refugees.”
Friar Marian GOŁĄB, the President of the Federatio Europae Mediae et Orientalis (FEMO), reports that the friars of the Federation, especially those in Poland, are preparing their friaries to take in refugees. The friary in Kalwaria Pacławska, Poland, is closest to the border and is already assisting the needy. The Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, Friar Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU, is in contact with the friars in the Ukraine and is ready to provide any needed help. The Province of Romania has a friary near the border with the Ukraine, in Cacica, Romania.
The Minister General reminds us of Pope Francis’s invitation to pray and fast, and our friars in the Ukraine are also asking for prayer. Friar Carlos assures us that we will do everything possible to help those in need and to support those who are working with the needy.
In summary, we are there, standing with and for the people. Let us pray and work. Amen.
Office of Communications
