Due
to the war in Ukraine, almost 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced from
their homes. Almost 4 million have become internally displaced persons (IDPs),
and another six million persons have taken refuge in another country, with Poland
and Germany taking the lion’s share of those refugees.
Men
between 18-60 had to remain in the country for possible deployment in the
military, which means most of the refugees have been women, children and
elderly.
Ukrainian Father Oleksandr Zelinskyi of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and director of EWTN Ukraine since 2017, says that“hope is something that helps us carry on, to work, to live, believing that God can change even the worst for the good. And there are many people bearing witness that faith and trust in God helps them in these difficult times.”
Father Zelinskyi said the people are very grateful to all those in the world who continue to pray for Ukraine. He feels that the act of consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary carried out by Pope Francis in March 2022, “did some good, because after this consecration the Russians had to leave the Kiev region. And I believe it was possible thanks to the providence of God.”
We
know from local friends that the Knights of Columbas are still supplying goods to families in need through their Charity Convoy. Over a million
pounds of food has been delivered to Ukrainian families through this charitable
mission. In Solidarity with Ukraine, an inspiring new
film from the Knights of Columbus, gives a vivid example of what it means to be
a Christian disciple in the midst of war, and how the light of the Gospel
continues to shine in the darkness.
While we are unable to physically be present to the people of this war-torn country, who continue to amaze us by their strength and courage, we can pray, and daily we do!