Since the war began, we have been praying for the safety and well-being of our friars and the people of Ukraine. As the war continues and the suffering increases, let us unite ourselves again in prayer. Let us also pray for our friars who have welcomed the refugees and those who run supplies across the border to those desperately in need.
This Christmas Eve and Day, at the altars in our churches and at the tables in our refectories, let us offer a prayer during these times of darkness in Ukraine and everywhere in the world where the suffering of war is inflicted upon the innocent and the poor, and where human rights are violated.
Most High and Glorious God,
Cast your light into the darkness of our world.
Give to those who despair, faith in the light of Your face.
Give to those who experience the cold of loneliness,
the warmth of hope in Your heart.
Give to those who inflict harm,
a compunction that leads to Your justice & charity.
Give to us this Christmas, the insight and wisdom
to be true disciples of the Prince of Peace,
as we pray for an end to war and violence
in our world, our neighborhoods,
our homes, and our hearts.
Amen.
Some Christmas thoughts from Ukraine….
“We don’t know how we will live this Christmas, how we will survive Christmas, it will be a difficult time, but the help and the charity that we are receiving from all over the world means Christmas every day.”
-Archbishop Visvaldas KULBOKAS, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine.
“Let me convey to you the best wishes and thanks from Ukraine, amidst the cold. No electricity, no heating. But with God, who is coming to be again born among us, may our hope be our faith and be the source of our life in today’s circumstances of war in Ukraine!”
-Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Friar Michael LASKY
